Dear members of the Kenyon College community,
Thank you for your continued care and cooperation as we work to keep COVID-19 cases to a minimum on campus, especially as cases in our local area and throughout Ohio are on the rise. Last week, tests of Gambier’s wastewater detected elevated levels of coronavirus, suggesting that one or more members of the Gambier community is carrying the virus. They remain elevated this week. Over the past four days, we have tested 912 students to determine whether the virus is present among our student body: of the 566 results received to date, all are negative. This certainly is welcome news, but I regret that it is not yet a full enough picture to ease restrictions on campus. The campus will remain at a moderate level of alert at least through Mon, Oct. 26, when we hope to have all or most student test results.
Operations. As a reminder, this means:
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All student meals are available for takeout only. Students are welcome to eat outside and in their residence hall rooms, but not inside Peirce.
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Study lounges and other common spaces are closed.
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There can be no in-person, extracurricular activities or small gatherings.
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Students may not have guests in their residence hall rooms/apartments.
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Athletics activities remain suspended and the KAC is closed for fitness and recreation.
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Visitors to campus are restricted to only essential service providers; there will be no new admissions or athletics tours scheduled.
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All other operations, including classes, will continue as scheduled with standard precautions: wearing a mask, keeping a 6-foot distance and washing hands regularly. Students should consult their supervisors regarding any possible modifications to on-campus employment.
Testing. All students in residence will be tested twice more before their departure on Nov. 25 (50 percent each week over the next four weeks); on Sunday, the Cox Health and Counseling Center will distribute the schedule for student testing. In addition, employees who work on campus will be tested next week as well; Human Resources will email details on Monday.
By every measure, our campus has done a remarkable job of limiting the spread of the virus. I recognize that these enhanced restrictions, taken as a necessary precaution, add stress to an already difficult semester. Truly, I wish we did not need to keep them in place. But we believe it is the best way to make good on your good work this semester.
Sincerely,
Sean Decatur
President