May 21, 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.
Updated face covering requirements
As part of the Oregon Health Authority's latest guidelines on masks and face coverings, Reed College will allow individuals to forego face coverings while outdoors on campus, regardless of vaccination status. This change is effective today, Friday, May 21.
The latest guidelines from the state also allow for vaccinated individuals to be unmasked while indoors; however, this is only permitted if institutions have a process in place for checking, verifying, and enforcing vaccination status. While Reed explores how we may be able to operationalize this requirement, face coverings will continue to be required in all indoor spaces on campus. Limited exceptions to this apply, including while alone in private living spaces or offices behind closed doors, or while eating or drinking at least 6 feet away from others.
COVID Prevention and Response Plan Web Updates
Major updates are planned for the Reed COVID Prevention and Response Plan website. Changes, additions, and further information for the upcoming fall semester are scheduled to be released by June 15, 2021. If you have questions about current practices or guidelines in the interim, please contact us at coronavirusquestions@reed.edu.
Surveillance testing next week
Next week, surveillance testing will take place on Monday and Thursday, May 24 and 27, 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.
Throughout the summer, all students, faculty, and staff members who will be interacting with others in person on campus should complete one test per week, 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.