Masking Requirements Reinstated on LC Campus

Dear CAS Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Today’s COVID case numbers for the CAS campus show a sharp increase, particularly among residential students. We have 26 cases to report, 24 of which are students living on-campus.

With finals and commencement just around the corner, we’ve decided to implement some additional mitigation measures to try to curb the spread of the virus and keep our community healthy. Effective immediately, masks are again required in the following places:

• All dining facilities, unless you are actively eating or drinking (takeout is available from Fields if you prefer not to eat in a common area.)
• Common areas of residence halls
• CAS classrooms, including during final exams
• Watzek Library
• Pamplin Sports Center (outdoor exercise encouraged)
• Pio Express

While masks are not required in other areas, you are always welcome to wear one anytime. If you need a high-quality mask, KN-95 masks are available in Fields Dining, the Campus Safety office, in East Hall in the VPSL office, and in the RA offices for each residential area. And remember other mitigation strategies such as maintaining social distance, frequent hand-washing, and using hand sanitizer. You should also consider whether or not to attend off-campus social events or other large gatherings and, if you do, consider wearing a mask and maintaining distance. These measures really do help you and our community stay healthy.

This is the home stretch of spring semester, and understandably, no one wants to be sick right now! But if you do develop any symptoms, please self-isolate and contact your medical provider to determine the appropriate next step. Students should complete the SCARF form in the Health Information Portal and contact the Health Service at 503-768-7165. (The Health Service has the capacity to administer tests that are more sensitive than any at-home rapid antigen test.)

Students who test positive and are required to isolate should contact their faculty members as soon as possible about how to manage final exams and other end-of-semester academic requirements. Residential students who test positive will be offered on-campus housing to complete their isolation period.

We have just over a week left in this semester. Let’s do everything we can as a community to finish strong.

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Covid Case Report for April 28, 2022:

The college has learned that 24 CAS students living on campus, one CAS student living off campus, and one visitor to the CAS campus have tested positive for COVID-19. Nearly all students were last circulating on campus on either April 26 or 27, and the visitor was on campus on April 19. The on-campus residents have been supported into isolation housing and the other student is isolating off campus. Contact tracing is in process, and all close contacts are being provided with public health guidance consistent with the latest advice from the CDC.

The college continues to monitor the incidence of COVID-19 in our population. This includes routine testing of all close contacts, including those who are vaccinated. Please continue to follow the college’s guidance regarding face coverings, social distancing, hand washing, monitoring yourself for COVID symptoms and taking your daily temperature. More information about positive cases can be found on our COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Status Report.

As a reminder:

Students with symptoms of COVID-19 are expected to immediately self-isolate in their residence; complete the COVID Self-Check and Reporting Form (SCARF), available through the Health Information Portal; consult with a healthcare provider, and follow the directions of that healthcare provider. Students should follow the college’s Guidelines for Student Self-Isolation pending receipt of medical consultation and/or test results.

Employees with symptoms of COVID-19 are expected to stay at their residence and may not come to campus. Employees are to inform AVP and Director for Human Resources Heyke Kirkendall-Baker, seek medical advice from their regular health care provider or public health authority, and follow the Monitoring, Isolation and Quarantine Plan for Lewis & Clark Employees.

For more information on COVID-19, including symptoms of which you may want to be aware, please visit the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 website or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 website.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email covid19info@lclark.edu.