Dear members of the Kenyon College community,
As Thanksgiving break comes to a close, we want to remind you of the steps the Kenyon community is taking to make sure the semester concludes as smoothly as possible. First, we are conducting a round of comprehensive re-entry testing for students this coming week. In addition, effective Friday, Nov. 26, the campus is operating at Campus Activity Level 3. You’ll find details about both of these actions below.
Comprehensive Re-entry Testing for Students
Mandatory testing will be held Monday, Nov. 29, through Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students will pick up an Everlywell test kit in Gund Commons; they can register their kit and collect their sample either in their residence or in testing pods in the Gund Ballroom and Game Room.
To reduce the volume of people in Gund Commons during mandatory testing, varsity athletes will pick up tests from their coaches and complete the test on Monday, Nov. 29, or Tuesday, Nov. 30.
Per CDC guidance, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are likely to test positive for 90 days following their initial infection. Students who have tested positive since Aug. 31, 2021, should not participate in re-entry testing.
Campus Activity Level 3, Effective Friday, Nov. 26
During this period, Peirce will be take-out only, and student gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 10 individuals. Since the reduced activity level is precautionary, many other activities will be able to proceed, as long as participants abide by masking guidelines and refrain from sharing food and drink indoors or engaging in other activities that involve extended, close interactions without masks. This means classes will be conducted in person and athletic practices and competitions will continue, as will indoor registered events like lectures, exhibitions, rehearsals and performances. Meetings and events that need not take place in person should shift to remote.
These enhanced precautions will be in place through Friday, Dec. 3, at which time we should have test results and hopefully can return to Campus Activity Level 1. Exiting Level 3 depends both on student participation in testing and on the results remaining within our capacities for isolation housing and case management.
The goal of these actions is that everyone is able to return to campus for the last two weeks of class, complete their exams in person, and return home for winter break without undue disruptions due to COVID-19. The last two weeks of the semester are already a time of potential stress, and we do not want that to be compounded by disruptions due to COVID-19.
With thanks for your continued partnership,
COVID-19 Steering Committee