Weekly COVID-19 Update: January 21

Team,

Even though the recent increase in our on-campus positive COVID-19 cases was something experts anticipated, the number of new COVID-19 cases is still concerning. The positive cases that we are seeing at Idaho State University are reflective of the situation in our local communities and across the country. The University Health Committee and Administrative Council are continuing to monitor multiple metrics, including transmission patterns and hospitalization rates, and these data points will continue to guide future decisions. Idaho State will remain at Level White on all campuses through at least Friday, January 28.

My goal for this week’s communication is to balance the concern that many are feeling with hope for the future. Like many of you, I am concerned about the Omicron variant surge. We all personally know individuals who have recently tested positive. I know this is difficult. This week COVID-related hospitalizations remained relatively low but we are monitoring this rate as changes occur quickly. The overwhelming majority of those hospitalized are unvaccinated. This should be a strong reminder of the importance of being fully vaccinated and boosted, when eligible.

While we don’t know when Omicron cases will peak in Idaho, we need to remain hopeful. We are now seeing case counts slow in parts of the country that were hit earliest by the Omicron variant. If Idaho’s trends follow what we are starting to see in other states, then there is hope on the very near horizon. In the meantime, continuing our on-campus protocols remains the best defense against continued spread. Please follow all the protocols and, in particular, note the first two bullets in the Operational Updates below.

This semester is starting strong despite the surge. Our students want to be here and have returned to pursue their education. Thanks to your continued commitment to our students, we can continue to fulfill our mission. I am optimistic about the future, and look forward to celebrating our shared accomplishments later this spring.

Operational Updates and Reminders

As previously communicated, faculty who may be considering modifications to the modality of their course instruction should consult with their department chair and dean before making changes. It is possible that some classes may need to temporarily shift to a distance-based format due to students or instructors testing positive for COVID-19. Faculty are also encouraged to provide students opportunities to make up any missed work due to COVID-related absences. Please encourage students to fill out the Self-Report Form if they have tested positive for COVID-19.

Supervisors are encouraged to practice leniency with employees who are absent due to an illness or exposure, especially during this current Omicron surge. Individuals who are ill or need to isolate should communicate with their supervisor about leave of absence or remote work options. Please do not come to work if you are ill or have been exposed to COVID-19.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. 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.

Our University contact tracers are working tirelessly to provide communication and instructions to all impacted individuals. The recent surge in cases has caused delays in contact tracing, but the University will continue this important practice. Please note that email communication from the contact tracing team will come from covid@health.isu.edu via our HIPAA-compliant, secure system called Zixmail. Please do not ignore these emails in your inbox.

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 mask of any kind helps stop the spread of the virus. Units and departments can order KN95 masks through the Bengal Depot.

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

I would like to remind you again that vaccinations are our best tool in keeping our campus community healthy and protected. Please get fully vaccinated if you are able, and make time to get a booster shot. We are resilient, and together, we can get through this latest surge. Your continued patience, understanding, and willingness to follow our health guidelines are appreciated.

––Kevin

Kevin Satterlee

President

This communication was sent to Idaho State University faculty and staff.

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