February 4, 2022
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
Below, we report to you three things you need to know today.
Updates on mask availability
Reed has ordered bulk quantities of KN95 masks to be distributed to community members. In conversation with the vendor, we expect these masks to be delivered sometime next week. Once masks are received, the college will distribute them to students, staff, and faculty through the process outlined on our face coverings website. Surgical masks are currently available in various locations around campus, including the HCC, 28 West, and Facilities Services. If you would like to discuss N95/KN95 mask availability or have additional questions, please contact Risk Management at risk@reed.edu.
Surveillance testing next week
Next week, COVID-19 surveillance testing will be available on Tuesday and Thursday, February 8 and 10, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM in Greenwood. All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend testing as they participate in activities on campus. Those who are not fully vaccinated (including boosters, if eligible) are required to test on campus once weekly.
Up to date instructions for how to complete the testing process are published online and posted at the testing center. Results are usually back within 24-48 hours. Individuals can view their test results by logging into the ShareMy.Health portal.
New COVID-19 cases
Since our last report, we have been notified of 12 new COVID-19 cases in Reed community members who were on campus in the previous 14 days (8 in students, 4 in employees or affiliates). This represents a major decline in case as compared to the previous two weeks, when 28 and 27 positive results were reported each week. A vast majority of these cases were identified through Reed-sponsored surveillance testing, highlighting the continued importance of this resource on campus.
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. In general, the college's practices for preserving community health have been effective in minimizing transmission of COVID on campus.
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.