May 14, 2020
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
I write to you with our weekly update from the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group (CRAG). We have highlighted essential points in yellow.
New Cases at Reed
Since our last update, we have identified no new confirmed COVID-19 cases at Reed. We continue to report all associated COVID-19 cases online, found in the "Total Cases" section of the dashboard.
Changes to face covering and social distancing requirements
Yesterday, the CDC and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced a major change to masking and social distancing requirements for vaccinated individuals. The COVID Risk Assessment Group is awaiting further guidance from the state of Oregon on how this applies to operations at Reed. To allow for time to review and apply new standards, Reed plans to adopt new guidelines effective June 1, 2021. Until that time, please continue to follow the current institutional guidelines on masking and distancing, found on our webpage here.
Under this new guidance, individuals who are at least two weeks out from their final dose of COVID-19 vaccine can resume most activities without a face covering or social distancing, although some exceptions apply. Masking and social distancing should still be upheld in healthcare settings, on public transportation, in K-12 school settings, and where required by individual businesses or organizations. In addition, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) has specific requirements for offices and workplaces, which still need to be upheld.
Commencement
As of today, the Governor has not lifted the County Risk Level framework. As such, Multnomah County remains in the High Risk category, and Reed must continue to follow the relevant sector guidance. As a result, the event is limited to 15 percent occupancy and can therefore only include graduates and faculty, even in light of recent announcements by the CDC and Oregon Health Authority, outlined above.
In addition to masking and social distancing precautions, all commencement ceremony participants have been tested for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. This disease prevention measure provides another important layer of safety at the event, which is difficult to achieve with additional guests on short notice.
We regret we will not be able to allow everyone to attend commencement in person this year. We are glad to have designed a way to celebrate our graduates, and encourage all parents, friends, and guests to attend the event via live stream.
Surveillance testing next week
Next week, surveillance testing will take place on Tuesday and Thursday, May 18 and 20, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Student Union. The sign up sheet for these dates will be sent via email today.
In order to best protect the Reed community, it is imperative that all community members participate in surveillance testing as appropriate, regardless of vaccination status. For more information about the Reed COVID-19 surveillance testing program, please visit our website here.COVID-19 Vaccine
Important: All Reed community members should seek COVID-19 vaccination that is now widely available in the Portland metro area.
Eligible community members should visit the Oregon COVID-19 Vaccination webpage and sign up with the Get Vaccinated Oregon portal, or contact their healthcare provider. Same or next day appointments are currently available at mass vaccination sites in the Portland area, including PDX Airport and the Oregon Convention Center.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and Reed's vaccination planning, please review the Reed Vaccine FAQ.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group at coronavirusquestions@reed.edu.
Sincerely,
Madison Riethman, MPH, CPH
COVID-19 Response Coordinator and Health Project Manager
Health & Counseling Services
Reporting on behalf of the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group
PS: As a reminder, you can track all our COVID-19 communications to members of the Reed Community here.