Students,
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. 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 Idaho State University’s flexibility at this time. 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 and illness. Faculty have also been asked to provide students, if needed, opportunities to participate in classes using distance-based formats. During this time of high transmission, we all need to be flexible.
Students should not come to campus or attend in-person classes if they are ill or have been exposed to COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, stay home for five full days, regardless of vaccination status. The University Health Team developed Isolation and Quarantine Guidance to assist in knowing what actions to take in various situations.