New Masking Requirements on CAS Campus

Dear CAS students, faculty, and staff,

Today’s COVID case numbers for the CAS campus show a sharp increase, particularly among residential students. We have 26 cases to report, 24 of which are students living on-campus.

With finals and commencement just around the corner, we’ve decided to implement some additional mitigation measures to try to curb the spread of the virus and keep our community healthy. Effective immediately, masks are again required in the following places:

• All dining facilities, unless you are actively eating or drinking (takeout is available from Fields if you prefer not to eat in a common area.)

• Common areas of residence halls

• CAS classrooms, including during final exams

• Watzek Library

• Pamplin Sports Center (outdoor exercise encouraged)

• PioExpress

While masks are not required in other areas, you are always welcome to wear one anytime. If you need a high-quality mask, KN-95 masks are available in Fields Dining, the Campus Safety office, in East Hall in the VPSL office, and in the RA offices for each residential area. And remember other mitigation strategies such as maintaining social distance, frequent hand-washing, and using hand sanitizer. You should also consider whether or not to attend off-campus social events or other large gatherings and, if you do, consider wearing a mask and maintaining distance. These measures really do help you and our community stay healthy.

This is the home stretch of spring semester, and understandably, no one wants to be sick right now! But if you do develop any symptoms, please self-isolate and contact your medical provider to determine the appropriate next step. Students should complete the SCARF form in the Health Information Portal and contact the Health Service at 503-768-7165. (The Health Service has the capacity to administer tests that are more sensitive than any at-home rapid antigen test.)

Students who test positive and are required to isolate should contact their faculty members as soon as possible about how to manage final exams and other end-of-semester academic requirements. Residential students who test positive will be offered on-campus housing to complete their isolation period.

We have just over a week left in this semester. Let’s do everything we can as a community to finish strong.