March 18, 2022
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
Below, we report to you three things you need to know today.
Reporting Positive Test Results
As access to home and community-based COVID testing has grown, all community members are reminded to please report any positive COVID-19 test results to the Health and Counseling Center (students) or Human Resources (employees). This allows the college to conduct important, timely contact tracing processes and provide support to those impacted by a positive test or potential exposure. In addition, a history of a positive test result can impact future COVID-related recommendations that are given to you. If you receive a negative home test but are still experiencing symptoms, or have questions about how to interpret a home test, please contact the HCC or your healthcare provider.
Surveillance Testing
Next week, COVID-19 surveillance testing will be available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (March 22, 24, and 25) from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM in Greenwood. Individuals may also participate in testing anytime using one of the two satellite testing sites on campus, available in the Student Union and the Biology building.
All community members are strongly encouraged to participate in testing as they return from Spring Break activities. Testing will be available on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (March 28, 29, and 31) the week following Spring Break.
Individuals who are seeking a test before or after travel are welcome to use on campus surveillance testing for this purpose. These are molecular, RT-PCR tests which meet most airline and international travel requirements, with results that can be printed using the ShareMy.Health portal. At this time, testing conducted at the HCC or by private healthcare providers should be reserved for individuals seeking medical care or experiencing symptoms.
New COVID-19 Cases
Since our last report, we have been notified of four new COVID-19 cases in Reed community members who were on campus in the previous 14 days. All four of these individuals are isolating and any Reed community members identified as potentially exposed were notified and provided with guidance on testing and quarantine, as appropriate for their individual situations.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Spring Break! 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.