In the Health Center, we continue to COVID test every student who presents with symptoms. As a result of this, and the fact that cold and flu season is when the Health Center sees many students with sniffles and sore throats, we are continuing to test approximately 25% of students on a rolling basis with a very low rate of positivity. 

Masks are highly effective at preventing the spread of COVID, and proper masking will be strictly enforced. Students should bring a supply of double-layer masks with them to campus. A single-layer mask is less effective in preventing spread.

Any student who tests positive for COVID at any time, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, will be asked to leave campus with a parent, guardian, or proxy caregiver for a period of at least five (5) days from the date the test was obtained. Students must then be fever-free for at least 24 hours with significantly improved symptoms (if symptomatic) before we can consider their return to campus. A follow-up rapid antigen test on the fifth day of isolation will determine if the five (5) day isolation is sufficient or if a full ten (10) day isolation will be required.

Students must receive approval from the Health Center in order to return. Please contact the Health Center for more information. 

Fully vaccinated close contacts will be permitted to attend classes with additional safety measures in place, including follow-up testing, strict masking, and restrictions on activities outside of the classroom. Further information will be communicated to affected individuals by the Health Center. 

Please ensure that you have a plan in place for a family member or trusted proxy to pick your student up from School within 24 hours if needed. 
 

Students are permitted to visit each other’s rooms and to visit other dorms. For the time being, we continue to require masking inside of dorms except in a student’s own room.

The Dining Hall continues to be open during meal times. Students may eat in the Dining Hall or may take their food to go. In addition, the Snack Bar is back to operating at regular hours. Students may eat snack bar food in the Student Center or in their rooms, but not in other public spaces. 

As of Monday, January 24, visitors are once again welcome to attend games. As above, all visitors over the age of 5 must be vaccinated and must be masked at all times when indoors. Visitors will be asked to use designated spaces at athletic events to cheer on their Bearcats. 
 

Beginning on Monday, January 24, students may resume leaving campus for trips to town, travel athletics, weekends home, etc. Visitors may also come to campus. Visitors must be masked at any time they are indoors and may not enter dorms. All visitors above the age of 5 must be vaccinated, and boosters are strongly encouraged. 

The dates for Long Winter Weekend are February 4 - February 7, and students may leave campus for some R&R. We will not require pre-return testing (meaning, students will not need to present a negative COVID test to come back to School). We will test all students approximately two days after students return.