ObieSafe Weekly: February 9, 2022
February 9, 2022 4:15 PM
Office of Communications
Upload proof of booster for chance to win Obie swag
ObieSafe Summary Report for January 2022
General Information
- Provided arrival testing for all students, faculty and staff after winter shutdown for the end of fall semester and winter term
- Provided weekly surveillance testing for student-athletes
- Provided testing during published hours for the general campus population, seven days a week.
- Overall, Oberlin in partnership with Harness Health Partners administered 3,523 tests in January
- Proof of booster shot compliance is lower than anticipated.
PCR tests
For arrival, asymptomatic, and given with an antigen test for a person with symptoms. In January, Oberlin administered 3,311 PCR tests with 151 positive results; 4.5% positivity rate. (In recent days, we are putting up zeros!)
Rapid tests
For people with symptoms and for roommates who request alternative housing during their roommate’s isolation period. Given the purpose of the antigen rapid test, a greater positivity rate is expected. In January, Oberlin administered 212 antigen rapid tests, with 43 positive results; 20% positivity rate. The antigen rapid tests were issued with PCR tests for all persons with symptoms.
Booster shot compliance
Effective with the start of spring semester on February 18, all students, faculty, staff, and vendors are required to receive a booster shot and upload their documentation.
As of February 2, the compliance numbers are still low. There are 944 students registered with Student Health Services as having a booster—about 33% of students. There are 432 faculty/staff registered with HR—about 50% of all employees.
If you still need to get your booster shot, find locations in your area.
Arrival Testing Required for Spring Semester—Schedule Now
All students, faculty, staff, and approved vendors are required to participate in arrival testing at the beginning of the spring 2022 semester. All members of the Oberlin community who will be on campus are required to test during arrival testing days regardless of if they have been present on campus through Winter Term.
Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 21
Hales Gymnasium, by appointment only
(Arrival tests are asymptomatic PCR tests with an anticipated 3-4 day return rate for results.)
Upload your Booster for Cool Obie Swag
The ObieSafe team is raffling off exclusive Oberlin beanies over the next two weeks for those who have uploaded their booster information before the deadline. First drawing will be Thursday, February 10; second drawing will be Thursday, February 17.
Simply upload your card and you are entered to win. If you have an approved exemption or extension, or have already uploaded your booster info, you’re automatically entered. Winners will be sent their special swag via campus mail.
Booster Shot Deadline is February 1
The deadline to get your booster shot is fast approaching! All students, faculty, and staff are required to obtain a booster shot and upload proof of vaccination by February 18. Those who are not yet qualified for a booster because of the date of their last vaccination or recent COVID infection are expected to receive a booster when eligible. Please inform the appropriate office if this applies to you (students: inform obiesafe@oberlin.edu; employees: inform Human Resources).
How to upload your booster vaccination proof:
- Students: upload your vaccine card to the Student Health Portal.
- Faculty and staff: upload your vaccine cards through the Human Resources portal.
- High school students taking classes at Oberlin: upload your vaccine card to the Student Health Portal.
For more information, visit the Winter 2021-22 FAQ.
Reminder: Remote Classes for First Week of Spring Semester
Spring 2022 classes will be remote for the first week, which is Friday, February 18 through Thursday, February 24. This is the same protocol used in Fall that allowed for the completion of arrival testing before starting in-person classes. All campus dining services will continue to be "grab and go" until further notice.
Get in touch with the ObieSafe team
Have something to share in a future issue of ObieSafe Weekly? Email obiesafe@oberlin.edu with story ideas or information you’d like to have considered for publication.