Colleagues,

As we get into cold weather and the holiday season approaches, I wanted to remind and encourage everyone to continue to follow our COVID-19 protocols diligently.

Two of the most important tools we have in mitigating the virus’s spread are our social distance and mask policies. As you know, the CDC and our state and local health authorities’ official guidance are to wear a mask over your nose and mouth indoors and outside when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Protocols also require we keep a distance of at least six feet from others at all times.

Our university policy reflects CDC guidance regarding masks and social distancing. As a result of your efforts to adhere to these protocols and monitor your health, our campus numbers have greatly improved from the first week of the term, and they remain low. However, we are starting to see an increase in the overall numbers and positivity rate in Delaware County, and we have begun to see a slight increase in the number of employees reporting they are in quarantine or isolating because of positive tests.

However, we have the tools we need to beat back the spread of the virus. The CDC guidelines’ effectiveness, reflected in our campus policies, is borne out in our contact tracing data. The vast majority of cases can be traced back to incidents that involved not following mask and social distance guidelines.

Some key points to remember:

• Whenever possible, please avoid prolonged visits into enclosed spaces with others, such as other employees’ offices and cubicles. Use electronic communication whenever possible.
• Abide by floor markings and related signage, and do not move furniture closer.
• Be especially cautious to avoid congregating in areas such as break rooms, at lunch gatherings, and other situations where you might be in extended close proximity to others for 15 minutes or longer. Many cases where multiple people are infected are traced back to shared meals and visits outside of the workplace setting, such as birthday parties where protocols are not rigorously followed.
• If you should become infected, please remember to self-report through our online system right away.

I know following these precautionary measures can be especially difficult as we enter the holiday season and as we all develop some “COVID fatigue.” I am even more grateful for your continued diligence, given these challenges. I encourage you to stay safe and to protect each other by following campus protocols, even when you are off-campus, in local stores and restaurants, in your places of worship, or when simply enjoying the beauty of fall in Indiana. Please continue to keep our campus and our community safe.

Again, I thank you for all that you are doing and continue to do.

Loren