*Disclaimer: Since the submission of this story to The Spectator on Wednesday, April 6, the number of active student cases has increased from 103 to 112. (Timestamp: Thursday, April 7 at 5:40 p.m.)*
Weekly COVID-19 testing on Monday, April 4 found 85 positive student cases out of 1452 tests, with a positivity rate of 5.85 percent, as well as four employee cases. There are currently 103 active student cases, doubled from approximately 50 last week. Students have been quarantined in local hotels and in the Bristol Center guest rooms.
In response, the College shifted back to Operating Status Green, effective
Tuesday, April 5 at 5:00 p.m. All restrictions from the beginning of spring semester are reinstated. This change tightens various rules, including testing: starting Thursday, April 6, all students, faculty and staff are required to test twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays until further notice.
Social gatherings of over 25 people have been prohibited, but events organized by the College or recognized student organizations will proceed as usual. However, food will be discouraged at these events and only be permitted in certain locations (a list of 40 approved places can be found on 25Live).
Masks must now be worn in all buildings except when actively eating or drinking, with the exception of residence halls. In those areas, students are strongly encouraged, though not required, to wear masks in hallways, common rooms and kitchens.
This news drew various reactions across social media platforms, including on popular anonymous messaging app Jodel, with dozens of posts made throughout the evening. Many vehemently protested the return of the mask mandate, claiming that with most of campus fully vaccinated, the College should not worry about COVID-19 as most cases are asymptomatic. One highly upvoted post wrote that “It takes the college moments to put mask mandates and months to remove them…Let us be free.”
In response, other posts pointed out that perfectly healthy individuals can still “choose to wear a mask because u know it’s harmless to you and can protect people who are vulnerable to the virus,” such as immunocompromised individuals. Many expressed shock and fear that over five percent of students on campus currently have COVID.
The COVID-19 Task Force email announcing the change stated that “We will continue to monitor case numbers and relax restrictions as soon as we can. Our goal is to be able to enjoy our traditional spring activities. Thank you for your cooperation.”