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Photo Courtesy of Malak Abdel-Ghaffar

New On Campus Covid-19 Measures and Developments Summarized

Deconstructing the latest Return to Campus Memo and Dean Farley’s message to the community: new symptom checker, non-compliance form and more.

On Feb. 11, a new Return to Campus Memo and an email from Kyle Farley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and the Student Conduct Committee was sent out to all community members. Here is a summary of their key points, from the new non-compliance form to the consequences of violating public health guidelines.
Vaccination Drive
The second vaccination drive will be held from Feb. 20 to Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Only those taking their second dose of the vaccine will be able to receive it. First dose is only available for the following priority groups: people aged 50 and above or anyone with a chronic illness or disability.
To receive your second dose, you have to register here.
New Symptom Checker
A new symptom checker app has been released and can be accessed here. The app requires you to upload a screenshot of your latest Covid-19 test and informs you how many days it will remain valid. You will also need to scan a QR code once each day to confirm access before entering any building.
Stickers are said to be retired from use and only the confirmation on the app will be accepted starting Feb. 15.
Non-Compliance Form
A new non-compliance form has been released. While there is an option to remain anonymous, the form notes that your NetID will still be collected.
The form gives a list of violations to choose to report, including gathering in a group larger than four and not completing the Daily Symptom Checker. It also asks for identification of the student committing the violation through their NetID, name, N-number or any other description of the event.
Guideline Violation Consequences
Farley reminded students that violation of public health guidelines will result in the loss of housing privileges. Students will be asked to return home to finish the semester. Flight and housing change fees will be the responsibility of the student.
The submission of fabricated Covid-19 test results and hosting large scale gatherings will most likely result in being suspended for one semester or more.
Warnings will be issued for first-time violations of the following policies: Masking at all times off the residential floor Physical distancing at all times Short-term non-compliance with the weekly Covid-19 testing requirement. A grace period of two days will be offered for a first-time offense.
According to the email, collective consequences will include a higher risk level which could result in: Closing of all in-person dining options on campus Limiting access to other residential buildings Suspension of off campus shuttle services
Notable Quote
“Masks must be worn at all times when you are not on your residential floor. While you may remove your mask to eat or drink, you may not sit for extended periods of time with no mask, even if you have a drink nearby. We have received reports that some community members believe that having a drink nearby while studying near the Library Cafe or under the palm trees in front of C2 excuses them from wearing a mask during that period.”
Miscellaneous
One new Covid-19 case has been detected. The person is in quarantine and was said to have limited contact with community members.
Disposable masks have now been moved to public safety desks and are available upon request. The university is now recommending double masking or wearing a well-fitted mask.
Mari Velasquez-Soler is Senior News Editor. Email her at feedback@thegazelle.org.
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