COVID-19 Update: January 14
Team,

This week not only brought excitement as our students returned, but also some cause for concern. Our University community recorded its largest-ever one-week increase in positive COVID-19 cases. The highly contagious Omicron variant is spreading across all of our campuses and in our communities. Earlier this week, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported that the Omicron variant now makes up nearly 90% of new infections in our state. 

This sharp increase in confirmed cases is a strong reminder that each of us needs to recommit to closely following all public health guidelines. However, even as case numbers climb across our state, COVID-related hospitalizations currently remain lower than what we saw during last September’s spike. The overwhelming majority of those hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated, a strong reminder of the importance of being fully vaccinated. 

I want to specifically emphasize two items:

  1. Employees and students should not come to campus if they are ill or in quarantine. Instead, complete the Self-Report Form, and communicate with your supervisor or instructor about your need for leave of absence or distance-based work or learning options. 
  2. Face coverings are required indoors at all campus locations. As announced earlier this week, the University has acquired a supply of KN95 masks for our campus community. KN95 masks are more effective than cloth or disposable masks, but wearing a mask of any kind helps stop the spread of the virus. Units and departments can order KN95 masks through the Bengal Depot. 
Operational Updates and Reminders
  • Idaho State will remain at Level White on all campuses through at least Friday, January 21. University leadership is closely monitoring the latest health metrics and tracking the spread in our local communities. If needed, updated guidelines will be communicated.

  • Faculty who may be considering modifications to the modality of their course instruction should consult with their department chair and dean before making changes. Academic Affairs sent an email earlier this week with additional guidance. Faculty are also encouraged to provide students opportunities to make up any missed work due to COVID-related absences.

  • Bengal Pharmacy has vaccinations and boosters readily available. Please visit the Roaring Back vaccination webpage for more information. This is the best tool for the campus community to avoid serious illness, hospitalization, or extended absences from work or learning.

  • The University’s on-campus screening program is a powerful tool to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Drop-in testing and self-service kits are available at all campus locations. 

  • Contact tracing remains an incredibly important tool for keeping our campuses safe. The ISU contact tracing team will provide guidance based on recently updated CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines.

  • The State of Idaho extended the employee vaccination incentive leave program, and it is now available for employees who completed a COVID-19 vaccination through December 31, 2021. The four hours of leave can be used through January 31, 2022.
The emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccinations––especially boosters––to adequately protect against COVID-19. Please get fully vaccinated if you are able. We are going to get through this. Our University is resilient, and your continued patience, understanding, and willingness to follow our health guidelines is appreciated. 

––Kevin

Kevin Satterlee
President
Idaho State
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