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Dear Carthage community,

The recent arrival in the U.S. of the Delta variant of COVID-19 has led to a rise in cases across the country, including here in Wisconsin. While vaccination rates are on the rise and have helped limit the impact of the Delta variant, the virus continues to spread among unvaccinated people which has contributed to an uptick in cases.

In order to enact proactive safety measures, effective Wednesday, Aug. 11, all students, employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks when inside campus buildings.

This new measure will include the following:

  • Classrooms: Students and faculty members will be required to wear masks in classrooms, labs, studios, and all indoor teaching spaces.
  • Indoor common areas (hallways, restrooms, food outlets, lobbies, etc…):  Students and employees will be required to wear masks in all communal common spaces.
  • Residence halls: Masks may be removed inside your own room when only you and your roommates are present but should be worn in all common spaces.
  • Workspaces: Masks may be removed if you are working alone inside an office or lab.
  • Meals: Masks may be removed while actively eating and drinking but should be promptly put back on when finished.
  • Campus Shuttle: Masks should continue to be worn in campus vehicles when two or more people are present.
  • Outdoor spaces: Masks are not required, but may be worn if you wish.

The COVID-19 committee continues to meet on a weekly basis and will be monitoring COVID-19 transmission rates on campus, the percentage of the community that has been vaccinated, and the number of individuals who have tested positive in Southeastern Wisconsin. The committee will revisit our mask policies as the public health situation warrants. Note that this does not impact our policies or plans regarding in-person classes, return to work on campus, events, physical spacing, etc. All other policies remain in place as were stated in the last communication and can be found on the Carthage COVID-19 website. Vaccinated people remain highly protected from the most severe outcomes of the disease and they are far less likely to become infected, however, some vaccinated people with COVID-19 may be capable of passing the virus to others. Masks are a remarkably simple and effective tool to help us limit that risk.

Going back to masking is not a step that many of us wanted to take, but it is important to protect the health of those on our campus and in our community.

Additionally, we would like to remind the campus community about the fall vaccination requirement. All faculty, staff, and students must have their vaccination information on file no later than Sept. 15. Individuals can upload their documentation by using the online form.

For convenience, four on-site vaccination clinics will be offered and are listed below:

  • 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, Todd Wehr Center Jockey Room A
  • 9-11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 19, Todd Wehr Center Jockey Room A
  • 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 8, Todd Wehr Center Jockey Room A
  • 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 14, Todd Wehr Center 128s

We urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible; this is the most effective way to limit the ability of the virus to spread, allowing us to ease restrictions sooner. The committee will continue to provide information as we move closer to the start of the term related to testing requirements for unvaccinated individuals, and any other changes that may arise as we move forward.

Sincerely,

The COVID-19 Committee