Team,
The Omicron surge set a new record for positive cases in our Bengal community this last week. The variant’s rate of transmission is extremely high, and its impact is being felt by many at Idaho State. As I mentioned in last week’s communication, the increase in COVID-19 cases was something our health experts anticipated weeks ago. And, as is occurring in other parts of the country hit earlier, they also anticipate that a sharp drop in cases will follow this current increase. Updated CDC metrics show an overall decline in daily cases nationwide, which is welcome news to all of us.
I have heard the concerns of members in our campus community who see our increase in positive cases and want stricter measures implemented. The situation this week is different from that of a year ago. We have vaccinations and understand the virus better. We will continue to ask our campus community to follow public health recommendations, and will closely monitor the situation. As a University, we have learned to take a more targeted approach, emphasizing flexibility during this current surge.
At the risk of sounding redundant, I need to repeat and strongly emphasize our flexibility at this time. Faculty may need to consider temporary modifications to their course modality. It is possible that some classes may need to shift, for a short period of time, to a distance-based format due to the Omicron variant. Faculty who need this option should work directly with their department chair and dean before making changes. We also need to provide our students opportunities to participate in classes using distance-based formats, to the best of our abilities.
During this time of high transmission, we all need to be flexible. Supervisors need to practice leniency with employees who are absent due to an illness or exposure. Individuals who are ill or need to isolate should communicate with their supervisor about leave of absence or remote work options. No one at Idaho State should come to work or attend classes if they are ill or have been exposed to COVID-19.
With operational flexibility in mind, Idaho State will remain at Level White on all campuses through at least Friday, February 4.