COVID-19 Updates

April 27, 2022

Dear all,

Since the weekend, we have seen an increase in the number of students who have tested positive for COVID-19. As of today, 64 students with COVID-19 are isolating and under the care of Health Services. COVID-19 testing is widely available including this Friday 9am-5pm in Aula, before Founder's Day. The pattern of cases suggests infection through friend groups, social gatherings, and apartment or roommates. The vast majority of cases have mild symptoms.

Based on this increase and a desire to maintain the community’s health through the end of classes and exams, as well as into commencement activities, we will now require indoor masking for all areas of the campus—unless you are alone, actively eating or drinking, or vigorously exercising. Students may also unmask inside their room or apartment with roommates or apartment mates. During the time of this indoor mask requirement, food may only be served at indoor meetings/events at which attendees can be seated while eating.

We will re-evaluate the masking policy in two weeks when the semester ends and our on-campus population is greatly reduced. Meanwhile, we all owe a huge debt of thanks to Health Services, Safety and Security, and Residential Life for the immense care they have provided to the community, amid both an outbreak of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and the COVID-19 pandemic.

We hope very much the spike will be short-lived and that we can enjoy the springtime in good health soon. Please take care of yourselves and each other. If you have symptoms, COVID-19 testing is widely available and you may also be in touch with Health Services at (845) 437-5800 during work hours. For non-emergency medical concerns after-hours call the Campus Response Center at (845) 437-5221; for emergency medical services call the Campus Response Center at (845) 437-7333.

With very best wishes,

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