Here's what you need to know for the week of April 12:
- CC notified the campus community of two on-campus staff members and an on-campus student who received positive COVID-19 test results during the week of April 5. All positive test result notifications are available here. All known CC cases, regardless of whether exposure occurred at CC, appear on the CC COVID-19 dashboard.
- All CC students, faculty, and staff can sign up for COVID-19 vaccines on campus. See details below.
- CC provided additional details about plans for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2021. Read the full update.
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CC Hosts Vaccine Clinic April 17: Make Your Appointment NOW
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CC is partnering with Optum to provide COVID vaccines on campus Saturday, April 17, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Cornerstone Arts Center. This vaccine point of distribution will be open to CC campus community members, their families, and members of the broader community. You will need to make an appointment in advance to be vaccinated. You must make your appointment before Wed., April 14, to allow us to order an accurate supply of vaccine doses. The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be administered. As a thank you for helping to reduce the risk, when you have completed your COVID-19 vaccine, email
wornerdesk@coloradocollege.edu from your CC email address with “I’m Vaccinated” in the subject line and you’ll receive a code for a $5 Amazon credit. This is on the honor system, no need for official proof — the gift cards are a way to say thanks for doing your part. To make your on-campus vaccine appointment, schedule a time for your vaccine using this link. Read additional instructions here. Please share this information with others, regardless of whether they are affiliated with CC, who are waiting to be vaccinated.
The Scientific Advisory Group continues to answer your vaccine-related questions. Access CC’s updated COVID-19 FAQs here and submit your questions to covid19@coloradocollege.edu.
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New COVID Variant Identified in Colorado
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have notified the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment of its first COVID-19 P.1 variant cases in Colorado. Public health officials originally identified the P.1 variant among travelers from Brazil arriving in Japan. This is the first detection of P.1 in the state, but to date 289 cases have been identified across the U.S. These two variant cases are residents of Boulder County. CDPHE is investigating possible exposures and performing contact tracing to determine if the variant virus has spread to others.
At least two other viral variants of concern that are more contagious and may cause more severe illness have been detected among CC students and within El Paso County. One of the variants is B.1.1.7, which is now becoming dominant in the U.S. There are confirmed cases of people in the county as well as at CC who experienced re-infection with this variant. This means that prior infection with the “original” version of Coronavirus does not necessarily provide immunity against this variant. All CC community members, including those who recovered from COVID-19, should continue adhering to mask wearing, social distancing, frequent handwashing, and avoiding gatherings, especially indoors. Prioritize lower risk, outdoor activities. Get vaccinated. These are our best tools for preventing the spread of this virus, no matter the strain. Early research suggests that the currently authorized vaccines are effective against known variants, though perhaps to varying degrees depending on the strain. Experts stress that getting vaccinated can provide significant protection against transmission and severe illness from COVID-19.
Health officials require a 14-day isolation period for those who test positive for one of these variants and all close contacts must quarantine for 14 days. Because of the variant cases and because most CC community members are not yet vaccinated, CC’s COVID-19 risk-mitigation protocols remain in effect for all members of the CC community. Note that because most students live in congregate housing settings (residence halls or off-campus housing with multiple roommates), these protocols are required for all students, even if they are already vaccinated.
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Thanks for Your Return to Campus Input
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Thank you to all the faculty, staff, and students who completed the Return to Campus Survey. More than 800 students completed the survey, representing 52% of the students population. Seventy-six faculty participated, representing 37%, and 214 staff completed the survey, which also represented 37%. The COVID Advisory Team is now analyzing the results of the three surveys. The team will share findings with the Scientific Advisory Group and college leadership by the end of the month. Thank you again for helping the college plan for a safe return to campus. Learn more about the work of the COVID Advisory Leadership Team.
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Tutt Library Hosts Food Pantry TODAY
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Students: Tutt Library is hosting a library food pantry starting now, April 12, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Tava Quad entrance to Tutt Library. Stop by and pick up free food including pantry staples, fruit, vegetables, and snacks.
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Behind the Springs Episode 57: Ready to Get the Vaccine?
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There is good news and bad news when it comes to COVID-19 in our community right now. Hear from Dr. Robin Johnson, the medical director from El Paso County Public Health about the vaccine and an increase in COVID cases. This conversation will answer a lot of questions about HOW to get the vaccine, WHY to get it, and WHEN we might be able to put this pandemic behind us.
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Updated CC COVID Dashboard
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The CC COVID-19 dashboard shows all known CC community cases, including our local off-campus students and employees. It provides quick access to COVID-19 metrics on campus and in the El Paso County community, including COVID-19 exposure, testing, and positive test results. For questions regarding this data, please contact Ben Moffitt in the Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness. We send a notification when an individual who receives a positive COVID-19 test result has been on campus within their contagious timeframe and may have been in contact with others on campus.
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CC’s Coronavirus Updates & Resources page has the latest information and answers to frequently asked questions, as well as a listing of all campus messages. If you have additional concerns about COVID-19 or our campus response, direct them to: covid19@coloradocollege.edu; please leave your phone number if you prefer a personal call back. Remember, there are numerous resources on campus for support and assistance, including the Counseling Center, the Chaplain’s Office, Employee Assistance Plan, the Butler Center, the Advising Hub, and the Wellness Resource Center.
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