April 22, 2022
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
Below, we report to you three things you need to know today.
New COVID-19 cases
Since our last report, we have identified 19 new COVID-19 cases among Reed community members who were on campus in the previous 14 days. This continues the surge discussed in last week's communication, and is reflective of an increase in cases at the local and state level. While the county no longer supports case investigation or contact tracing activities, Reed will continue these practices as resources allow. If you test positive, develop symptoms, or believe you may have been exposed, please reach out to the HCC (for students) or HR (for employees) for support and further guidance.
Preparing for Renn Fayre 2022
To support a safe Renn Fayre environment, several COVID requirements will be in place this year. Prior to receiving a RF22 wristband, all attendees are required to be up to date on COVID vaccination (or have a college-approved exemption), and must obtain a negative COVID test result the week before the event. Those who have reported a positive test to the college in the last 90 days are exempt from the testing requirement.
If you have already submitted vaccination records to the college (the HCC for students or HR for employees), you do not need to do so again. Those who attend surveillance testing next week do not need to submit additional documentation to meet the testing requirement. Watch for an email with more information from Renn Fayre organizers today!
Surveillance testing
In light of the ongoing surge and upcoming Renn Fayre activities, COVID-19 surveillance testing will be available next week Monday through Friday (April 25 - 29) from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM in Greenwood. Individuals may also participate in testing using one of the two satellite testing sites on campus, available in the Student Union and the Biology building.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group at coronavirusquestions@reed.edu.
In health,
Madison Riethman
Reporting on behalf of the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group
Gary Granger, Director of Community Safety
Mandy Heaton, Executive Director of Communications & Public Affairs
Karnell McConnell-Black, Vice President for Student Life
Kathy Oleson, Dean of the Faculty & Professor of Psychology
Tawana Parks, Dean of Students
Hugh Porter, Vice President for College Relations & Planning
Madison Riethman, COVID-19 Response Coordinator & Health Project Manager
Suzy Renn, Professor of Biology
Timmie Rochon, Medical Services Director
April Sams, Director of Risk Management & Environmental Health and Safety
Lynn Valenter, Vice President of Finance and Treasurer
PS: Our COVID-19 dashboard includes current information on the total number of cases, vaccination rate, and other public health indicators. Additionally, all our COVID-19 communications are cataloged here.