Dear Buffs,

As valued members of our residential community, we wanted to follow up on the email you received from Dan Jones, associate vice chancellor for integrity, safety and compliance with updates on potential increases in positive COVID-19 cases. 

We know that news like this can be alarming, but we encourage you not to worry. We anticipated spikes in the number of positive cases we would have on campus and we are prepared with strategies to contain the potential spread. 

Our campus is working proactively to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Things like surveillance wastewater testing and the campus monitoring program are helping us get early alerts to the presence of COVID-19 on campus. The sooner we are able to get information, the sooner we can respond. These measures are working - which is good news - and it allows us to take quick action to help contain the spread. 

Your health and safety are our top priority, but we need your help. We want to remind you of a few simple ways you can help us to contain the spread of this virus:

• Participate in the Campus Monitoring Program. Make sure to attend a weekly monitoring appointment. Sign up for an appointment at your designated location. 
• Keep checking your email. We will send important updates and reminders through email, so make sure to check it regularly to stay informed. 
• Wear a face covering. When you're on campus, you're required to wear a face covering in public places - both indoors and outdoors.
• Wash your hands. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Stay 6 feet apart. Practice physical distancing whenever in public by staying at least 6 feet away from others.
• If you’re sick, stay home. Know the symptoms of coronavirus, and stay home if you’re experiencing any of them.
• Avoid large gatherings. Avoid large gatherings, especially with people who are outside your household. Keep it fewer than 10 people.

We know this can be challenging and we know situations like these can be scary, but we are here to support you. Talk to your RA, community center staff or hall director if you have any questions or concerns. We are all in this together, and so we are asking you to follow these guidelines to keep yourself and our community safe.