President

COVID-19 Updates

December 7, 2021

Dear all,

I am writing to let you know that we had a significant number of students test positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. You will see on the VassarTogether dashboard a total of 16 students and 6 employees with COVID-19 when the dashboard is updated at noon Wednesday, December 8.

The students who tested positive today (Tuesday) were generally from a couple of selected residences of the College and were part of friend groups who had been gathering together.

We are doing intensive contact tracing. You will be notified if you are a close contact. If you are not notified, then you have not been deemed a close contact.

If you are called as a close contact or if you have any symptoms, whether or not you are a close contact, please go immediately to be tested at Health Services and follow their instructions. We ask that you not let the end of the semester and finals discourage you from being tested if you have symptoms. Should you test positive, the Dean of Studies will work with you and your professors to ensure that you can successfully complete the semester.

Additional, voluntary COVID-19 testing will be available on Wednesday, December 8 from 1:00pm-4:30pm at the Aula. Appointments can be made using the patient portal at vassar.medicatconnect.com, and walk-ins will be accepted. If you have any medical questions please contact Health Services at health@vassar.edu or 845-437-5800.

We will contain the virus as quickly as possible. To help with this, please:

  • Mask when you are in groups
  • Keep physical distance when you can
  • Avoid large gatherings when you can
  • Attain a COVID-19 booster available at Rite Aid, CVS, and Stop and Shop
  • Continue to practice effective hand hygiene

Every case of COVID-19 is a concern. Thankfully, to date, the symptoms associated with the positive tests have been generally mild. Nevertheless, as we enter reading period and exam period, please take every precaution to stay safe and healthy.

Please be in touch with Health Services, Dean Alamo, or me if you have any questions.

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar