Thanksgiving Break Covid Precautions

Dear Skidmore Community,

With Thanksgiving break — Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Nov. 27 (for students) — fast approaching, we write to share important recommendations to help ensure a safe transition to and from break.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now classifies the COVID-19 Community Level in Saratoga County, New York, as “low” and we are fortunate the cases on campus have been very low recently as well. Our hope is that, together, we can maintain this success by all taking the following steps.

Utilize Rapid Tests

• Free rapid tests remain available to all at Campus Safety and at the Case Center Information Desk. Students in particular should pick up tests so they can easily test before or during break and prior to or upon your return to campus.
• If you test positive while away, you must complete your required five-day isolation period away from campus. If you anticipate missing classes as a result of isolation, please promptly notify covidsupport@skidmore.edu.
• If you develop symptoms, please test (even if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days) and continue to wear a mask while symptoms persist.

Mask Up in Higher-Risk Situations

• Consider wearing a mask if you are going to be in spaces or places where transmission may be more likely to occur, such as crowded events or while traveling.
• Free KN95 masks continue to be available to all on campus. Grab a few before you depart!

Get Vaccinated

• If you have not yet received your COVID booster or your flu shot, please consider doing so as soon as possible if you are eligible.

Taking the precautions above will help protect your health and well-being along with that of your family and friends and our community. It will also help ensure that we can return after the Thanksgiving recess healthy and ready to complete the final two weeks of the semester and final exams.

Wishing everyone a happy and restful Thanksgiving.

 

Sincerely,

The COVID-19 Logistics Working Group

Adrian Bautista, (Co-Chair), Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs

Sarah Vero, (Co-Chair), Strategic HR Advisor

Abigail Caldwell, Director of Health Services

Jacqueline Conrad, Vice President for Communications and Marketing

Pat Fehling, Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor for Health and Human Physiological Sciences

Julia Routbort, Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Health and Wellness