COVID-19: All learning now online, additional coronavirus testing available

Dear Skidmore Community, 

I write to share an important update and announce additional measures we are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We have received seven more positive cases from 1,296 COVID-19 tests conducted yesterday. All individuals who tested positive have been notified by Health Services and we are actively conducting contact tracing in partnership with Saratoga County Public Health Services.  

In response to this development, and because the health and safety of all members of our campus community is always our highest priority, all in-person classes should switch to remote instruction for the rest of the week.

The following operational changes are now being implemented: Dining Services will be take-out only. Later today, Scribner Library will announce revised procedures for accessing its services and collections. There should be no in-person gatherings of more than three people. If possible, all gatherings should take place virtually.  

We have ordered additional test kits to enhance our testing capacity this week as our students prepare to leave campus. We encourage students to be tested once more prior to leaving campus. This enhanced testing protocol will help our community stay safer and will help protect the communities to which our students will be returning. 

Students who wish to undergo additional COVID-19 surveillance testing prior to departing campus should visit the testing tent on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The following guidelines apply to this optional, second round of testing: 

• The interval between the first and second COVID-19 test should be 72 hours or longer. 
• Tests typically take between 24 and 48 hours to process, so students should schedule their departure accordingly. 
• Students who choose to take an additional test must remain on campus until they have a second negative test result. 
• Students do not need a CoVerified appointment to get tested. 
• Positive test results are communicated to Saratoga County Public Health Services, and individuals who test positive must remain in isolation for a period of 10 days.  
• Skidmore will continue to support students who are required to be in isolation or quarantine before departure. 

As I’ve said before, our community has rallied and shown incredible resilience throughout this challenging health crisis. However, given the fact that we have just a few days remaining in the semester, we should not let down our guard, especially as students and other members of our community prepare to gather with their families during the holiday.  

The protective actions we take every day continue to be extremely important. We ask every member of the Skidmore community to renew their commitment to safety practices, in line with our COVID-19 pledge. 

Sincerely,  
Marc C. Conner
President