February 11, 2022
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
Below, we report to you four things you need to know today.
Upcoming changes to Oregon mask rules
Earlier this week, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced they would be lifting their statewide face covering requirements no later than March 31, 2022. Beyond this time, individual businesses and organizations may continue to apply their own internal mask requirements. The COVID Risk Assessment Group will continue to discuss Reed's face covering requirements as we approach the March 31 deadline, and will share more detailed information in the coming weeks.
2021 End of year survey
Thank you to everyone who participated in our end of year COVID assessment survey this past December! Although some things have changed since we gathered this feedback, the responses from over 500 community members have been extremely valuable in informing the college's plans for the spring semester. Please feel free to review our summary report of the survey findings.
Surveillance testing next week
Next week, COVID-19 surveillance testing will be available on Tuesday and Thursday, February 15 and 17, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM in Greenwood. Those who are not fully vaccinated (including boosters, if eligible) are required to test on campus once weekly.
While we have seen a drop in cases both at Reed and beyond over the past two weeks, participation in testing is still a vital step in managing the presence of COVID on Reed campus, particularly as a vast majority of individuals present with mild to no symptoms. All community members are encouraged to attend testing each week as they participate in activities on campus.
New COVID-19 cases
Since our last report, we have been notified of 2 new COVID-19 cases in Reed community members who were on campus in the previous 14 days. This continues a trend of slowing COVID case activity both at Reed and at the local and state levels, as we move beyond the peak of this latest surge. Both of these cases were identified through Reed-sponsored surveillance testing, highlighting the continued importance of this resource.
The positive individuals were contacted promptly and given instructions and support to isolate. Any Reed community members identified as potentially exposed were notified and provided with guidance on testing and quarantine, as appropriate for their individual situations.
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, MPH, CPH
COVID-19 Response Coordinator & Health Project Manager
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.