Weekly COVID-19 Update: November 5
Team,

This week brings a renewed sense of hope to our University as the COVID-19 situation not only improves on our campuses, but also in our communities. For the fifth week in a row, the overall number of confirmed cases has decreased at Idaho State. This on-campus data is strengthened by news that Ada, Bannock, and Bonneville counties are also reporting a decrease in the overall number of positive cases.
 
In early September, as the Delta variant was starting to rapidly spread in our communities, I asked all of you to closely follow the University’s public health protocols. While we are not entirely out of the woods yet, I am pleased to see that our combined efforts helped us to successfully maintain in-person learning and operations. During a period of great uncertainty, thousands in our Bengal community got vaccinated, continued wearing a mask, and did everything in their power to support the education of our students. 
 
I hope that it goes without saying, but I appreciate your continued dedication to the success of our students.
SITUATIONAL UPDATE
  • Idaho State will remain at Level White on all campuses. We know that the operational modifications implemented earlier this month are working, and they will remain in place at least one more week.

  • Face coverings are required indoors and at outdoor events when physical distancing is not possible.

  • In-person instruction should be maintained as much as possible, and faculty need to offer online, hy-flex, or supportive options for students who are ill or in quarantine.

  • Our on-campus COVID-19 Screening Program will continue to randomly test faculty, staff, and students with an on-campus presence. Pre- and post-Thanksgiving screening for COVID-19 is also available at our on-campus screening sites. This is a good idea for those who may be traveling over the holiday.

  • All students, faculty, and staff, should use the Self-Report Form if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID or if they are experiencing COVID-like symptoms.

  • For eligible individuals, booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine are widely available. All higher education employees are eligible for boosters. Additionally, this week the CDC announced that children ages 5 years and older are able to get an age-appropriate dose of the Pfizer vaccine. More information is available on the CDC’s website. Widespread vaccination for COVID-19 is a critical tool to best protect everyone, especially those at highest risk, from severe illness and death.
I will share another update next Friday.

––Kevin

Kevin Satterlee
President
Idaho State
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