Increase in COVID Cases This Week,
Everyone Must Help Prevent Further Spread

Just like the state and nation, the college is seeing an increase in COVID cases. The current number of cases in our college community can be seen by selecting "Oneonta" from the list and looking at the rolling 14-day average on the SUNY COVID-19 Case Tracker. We are working with individuals who have tested positive or are awaiting test results, providing them necessary resources and ensuring they follow all quarantine and isolation protocols. Our quarantine and isolation buildings are well equipped to manage the number of cases we are seeing now.

It is important to remember that there are other upper-respiratory illnesses that a person may be exposed to like strep and the flu, in addition to COVID. Simply having symptoms does not signal a positive COVID case. Symptoms should prompt individuals to take care of themselves, seek a test as soon as possible to determine how to treat what they are experiencing, and stay away from others (or always wear a mask if it is ever necessary to be around others).

Thank you to the students who have done the responsible thing by getting tested so that you know your diagnosis and can avoid unknowingly spreading COVID or other illnesses in our community. Remember, only symptomatic students should contact the Health Center for a test. Symptomatic students can also get a test off campus at a pharmacy or local clinic. All asymptomatic individuals are encouraged to participate in weekly surveillance testing on campus. (Testing center hours are posted below and on the COVID webpage.)

It is important that everyone takes action steps now to help prevent COVID from spreading further both on and off campus. Remember that masks are required indoors for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Make sure your mask is covering your mouth and nose at all times while wearing it. Avoid going to places off campus where there are crowds of people and mask wearing is not enforced. Get tested weekly, even if you are fully vaccinated as everyone can carry and transmit the virus, even if they don’t show symptoms.

If everyone commits to following our health and safety guidance in the fall plan, we will prevent additional spread. It is going to take action from every single member of our college community. Please do your part.

Student-to-Student Town Halls Set Through Oct. 13

Students are invited to a series of virtual town hall discussions with student leaders and members of the college administration. The first will be held on Friday, Sept. 3, at 4 p.m. This event will be hosted by Student Association President Gabby Cecere and will feature other student leaders from Inter Greek Council, Athletics and New Student Services, as well as college administrators to talk about the beginning of the semester and COVID. The first half will be a series of short presentations from each panelist, followed by a question-and-answer open forum to give students an opportunity to voice their concerns and talk with their fellow students, as well as professionals from around campus, regarding health and safety issues related to COVID.

Additional town halls are scheduled each Wednesday at 5 p.m. from Sept. 8 - Oct. 13.

Students will receive separate emails with an invitation and link to the online Microsoft Teams meetings for each town hall.

Be Responsible Over the Holiday Weekend

If you are planning to travel or gather with others this Labor Day weekend, please use caution and your best judgement. Take preventative actions to ensure you protect yourself and others by wearing a mask in social situations, and get tested if you feel sick or if you have been exposed to someone who is positive for COVID.

If you begin to show symptoms over the holiday weekend, please get tested immediately. The Counseling, Health and Wellness Center will be closed over the weekend and on Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day. Students and employees should contact their primary care provider or a local urgent care or get a test at a local pharmacy or testing site.

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, is encouraged to participate in the on-campus surveillance testing the week of Sept. 6, in case you came into contact with COVID over the weekend to prevent spread by any asymptomatic cases.

Testing Center Hours Adjusted for Labor Day

Due to the Labor Day holiday, the surveillance testing center in the Alumni Field House will have adjusted hours next week.

Sunday, Sept 5: closed
Monday, Sept. 6: open from 1 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 7: open from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 12: open from 1 - 8 p.m.

The testing center will resume its regular operating hours starting Monday, Sept. 13.

Weekly testing is required for students who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated (awaiting final dose or not yet two weeks past final dose) or have not submitted proof of vaccination, and for employees who have not submitted proof of vaccination.

Students and employees who are fully vaccinated are encouraged to test weekly as well to help prevent any spread among our community.

Reminder: Anyone who has symptoms of COVID should not participate in the weekly surveillance testing at the Alumni Field House. If you are experiencing symptoms, students should contact the Health Center, and employees should contact their primary care provider for instructions on how to get a diagnostic test.

Mask Protocol Reminder

Friendly reminders regarding the college's mask policy and mask protocols:

Everyone is required to wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status. (Masks may only be removed indoors when socially distanced while eating/drinking while seated, or socially distanced and working in personal offices/workstations or in personal residence hall rooms.)
Please remember to put your mask on before you enter a building.
Help prevent spread by wearing masks in houses or rooms of friends and family and in stores and restaurants off campus, even if it isn’t required.
When eating a meal indoors, put your mask back on as soon as you’re done eating, even if you’re waiting for others to finish.
Do you need a break from wearing your mask? Enjoy the nice weather and take a mask break outdoors! Masks are not required outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals, and only required for unvaccinated/partially vaccinated individuals if social distancing from others cannot be maintained.
The COVID webpage outlines acceptable types of face coverings (reusable fabric masks or single-use examination masks). Masks can be used in combination with goggles or face shields, but face shields alone do not meet our college's guidelines for acceptable face coverings. Free reusable fabric masks are available to the college community at the HUb@Hunt Union or at service desks in the Milne Library.

COVID Case Tracker Available

The college uses the SUNY COVID Dashboard to report data relating to testing and positive cases on campus. This dashboard is available online, and a link has been placed under the "Key Links" section on our COVID webpage for easy access.

View this email online.

108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY | 13820 US