COVID-19 Prevention & Response Plan

Communications

October 8, 2021

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

Happy weekend from the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group! Below, we report to you two things you need to know today:

  • WE IDENTIFIED ONE NEW COVID-19 CASE THIS WEEK: The positive individual was contacted promptly and given instructions to isolate. This case was not on campus during the time they were potentially contagious; therefore, no close contacts were identified at Reed. We continue to report all associated COVID-19 cases online, found in the "Total Cases" section of the dashboard.
  • PLAN FOR A COVID-SAFE FALL BREAK: As we enter the last week before fall break, we encourage all community members to take steps to protect yourself and others during your time away:
    • MASK UP: Masks are an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mandates vary from place to place, so have a mask on hand (or face) even if you don't think it's required. Masks are especially important in areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases, in crowded spaces or large gatherings, and among unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals.
    • GATHER SMART: Hold events outdoors or in highly ventilated spaces, and plan activities that allow for folks to wear masks or physically distance. Encourage those you plan to gather with to get vaccinated (or attend a vaccination event together!).
    • GET TESTED: Any community members who wish to be tested prior to or upon returning from fall break are welcome to participate in surveillance testing on campus. Next week, testing will be available on Tuesday, October 12 and Thursday, October 14 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM in the lobby of Greenwood.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group at coronavirusquestions@reed.edu. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Sincerely,

Madison Riethman, MPH, CPH
COVID-19 Response Coordinator

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.