Jan. 29, 2022
Dear Chatham Hall Community,
We are pleased to share that we are over the hurdle with Omicron and will begin rotation testing in the near future. We are thrilled that we are able to make some easements to allow us to safely offer more liberties within our on-campus and neighborhood community, and announce that as of this weekend, Saturday, Jan. 29:
- We can eat together as a community in Yardley Dining Hall, keeping gloves in our serving line for now. Faculty and staff, please enjoy your meals in Yardley as well!
- We are able to allow students to welcome up to six friends, unmasked, for visiting in dorm rooms.
- Masks are not needed while outdoors, whether alone or in groups.
- We can welcome campus visitors (speakers as well as families). Please check in at Pruden as usual. Please remember that visitors are welcome on the ground floors of Pruden and Dabney, as well as in the gym during the Winter Long Weekend.
- Faculty members/advisors are welcome to invite student visitors to their homes.
- Masks will still be worn in classes and below dorm for the time being in part, given some of the additional easements outlined below.
As of next weekend, Feb. 4:
- 5-day boarders can return to this status and return home on weekends.
- The usual leave requests process will resume for all students, so please submit REACH requests as usual and be sure to be in touch with Dean Griswold and Dean Miller per instructions in the Community Handbook.
- Sleepovers will be allowed on dorm as long as students follow the appropriate procedures.
And, as a reminder, regarding our athletics events:
- Per VISAA rules and regulations, masks are required for all individuals who are not actively participating.
- We are not able to welcome external guests for our basketball and swimming events through our winter season.
We are currently evaluating our Spring Break plans and can confirm that we will be able to keep our dormitories open for international students unable to travel. There will be a fee for this service. International students who will be taking advantage of the ability to stay on dorm should email Dean of Students Marin Miller as soon as possible.
While it is certainly wonderful that we are able to reduce restrictions in some areas among our own community, please be aware that Omicron is still very present and we must all be careful to take every precaution against it. Masks will continue to be expected while in Chatham Hall vehicles and in crowded public places, including outdoors. We urge everyone to continue to follow CDC guidance on how best to protect yourself and others.
Thank you for your partnership, understanding, and care for each other.
Sincerely,
