Weekly COVID-19 Update: January 28

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.

Operational Updates and Reminders

Bannock, Bonneville, and Ada counties continue to experience high rates of community transmission. The University’s contact tracers continue to work tirelessly to provide communication and instruction to all impacted individuals. The recent surge has caused some delays in Idaho State’s contact tracing efforts, however, all individuals who submit a Self-Report Form will receive an email the same day letting them know their next steps. Please do not ignore any communications you may receive from our contact tracers.

Faculty, staff, and students need to fill out the Self-Report Form if they have tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, the University Health Team has developed Isolation and Quarantine Guidance to assist the campus community in knowing what actions to take in various situations.

Face coverings are required indoors at all campus locations. 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 well-fitting mask of any kind helps stop the spread of the virus. Units and departments can order KN95 masks through the Bengal Depot.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests free of charge. Idaho State will also continue to operate the on-campus screening program. Drop-in testing and self-service kits are available at all campus locations. The current turnaround time for our campus screening sites is between 24-48 hours.

Bengal Pharmacy has vaccinations and boosters readily available. Please visit the Roaring Back Vaccination webpage for more information.

Despite the current surge, our students want to be here, and they have returned to Idaho State to pursue their education. All of our flexibility, patience, and commitment to one another’s well-being, especially in the coming days, will allow us to continue our mission of helping our students to succeed.

––Kevin

Kevin Satterlee

President

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