As we close out the fall semester and head into a well-deserved winter break, we’re writing to share a few safety-related updates and, most especially, to convey our gratitude for the staff, students and faculty who have worked hard to ensure everyone’s safety during this first semester we’ve been back together in person and on campus.
The wellbeing of our entire campus community is our top priority and we’re eager to continue our positive track record of COVID-related protections when we all return to campus in early 2022. To that end, here are our COVID-19 safety plans for spring semester, beginning January 18.
All the policies and procedures that were in place this fall will remain in effect at the start of spring semester. When you return to campus in January, you will still be required to wear a mask that covers both your nose and mouth when indoors on campus. Our student safety ambassadors will continue to monitor mask compliance. We will also continue our surveillance testing program and encourage any remaining members of our community who aren’t vaccinated, to get vaccinated.
Throughout the pandemic we have kept our students, faculty and staff safe by following the science and making data-driven decisions, all while focusing on meeting the unique needs of our community. The Viking community has been “all-in” – diligently following our safety protocols and practices. Thanks to your buy-in, our strategy has worked, and it has worked well.
The data tell the story. We continue to have one of the lowest infection rates among urban public universities in the country – a rate that is less than one-third of that of surrounding Cuyahoga County. Given our success, the consequences of vaccine mandates, and the lack of clarity around pending federal regulations and possible state legislation, we do not plan to change our approach at this time.
Please know that we will remain vigilant and continue to adjust our strategies as necessary to protect the university community.
We wish you a safe and happy winter break and look forward to seeing you back on campus next month.
Sincerely,
