ObieSafe Weekly: February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022 6:15 PM
Office of Communications
Spring Term 2022—Important Updates
Dear Obies,
Last week, we announced that to maintain the public health of campus, classes needed to be held remotely for the first week of the spring semester. As you know, the college bases ObieSafe protocols on data and the guidance of public health professionals.
This particular guidance was based upon the changes we made on campus since the mid-December outbreak Oberlin experienced, and the ongoing conditions across the country. The feedback from some was supportive, but others registered concern about the timing of the announcement and its impact on academic plans.
New data and consultations indicate that a change can be made while maintaining a safe campus. As of this afternoon, test results for nearly 40 percent of students, faculty, and staff had been processed. The PCR tests taken on February 11-14 reveal a positivity rate of 0.36%. Given these results and consultation with Lorain County Public Health regarding the current state of COVID, we can with confidence amend the original plans for the start of spring semester, as follows:
- The first week of spring semester classes may be held in person, and spectators may attend athletic events.
- Faculty are encouraged to be flexible with students who have questions or concerns regarding attending classes in person during the semester’s first week.
Please remember that COVID can spread quickly on campus. It is important that the entire campus community remain diligent and follow ObieSafe protocols to reduce the threat of spread.
- Masks are required indoors unless you are in your residence or private office.
- All campus dining services [AVI] will be limited to “grab and go” for now.
- Please do not eat in groups, and maintain distance when at all possible.
Our continued success in limiting the spread on campus will largely depend on our adherence to these protocols. When going on off-campus, please know that COVID-19 continues to impact the surrounding area. COVID threat levels are high in Lorain County. When riding in a car with others, please consider yourself to be “indoors” and wear a mask.
It is important that Oberlin have the most up-to-date information on the vaccination and booster status of our campus. Two important tasks are required of most Obies.
Get tested. If you have not completed your spring 2022 arrival test yet, please sign up for your test now.
- If you had COVID-19 between mid-November 2021 and now, you should not participate in arrival testing—and if you have not already done so, please report your case information to obiesafe@oberlin.edu.
Register evidence of your booster shot. Boosters are required by February 18 or as soon as medically advised (Student upload link; Employee upload link).
- If you received your last vaccine less than 6 months ago and are not eligible to get a booster shot yet, you need to request an exemption from the 2/18 deadline. (Student exemption/extension form link; Employee exemption/extension form link).
This email serves as this week’s ObieSafe Weekly communication.
There are only 31 days until spring! Keep warm and be safe!
The ObieSafe team
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