Dear COF Community:
As we gear up for another exciting academic year, we extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you. Your presence enriches our campus community, and we’re thrilled to begin the 2023 – 2024 academic year!
Covid-19 and the flu continue to present challenges for our community, and we want to ensure that you’re well-informed and equipped to navigate these circumstances. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
· Increased Awareness: There has been a recent uptick in Covid-19 and flu cases within our COF Community and in Greater Boston. It’s essential to be vigilant and informed about the symptoms associated with these illnesses.
· Recognizing Symptoms: Common Covid-19 symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and fatigue. Flu symptoms often encompass fever, body aches, chills, sore throat, and congestion.
· Testing Availability: If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect exposure to Covid-19 or the flu, please get tested promptly. Testing is accessible at local pharmacies and health centers, and our university and college health services can guide you to the nearest options.
· Responsible Action: Should you test positive for Covid-19 or the flu, we kindly urge you to follow recommended health guidelines and isolate or quarantine, as necessary:.
o Current guidelines recommend 5 days at minimum of isolation for a positive Covid-19 test or first onset of symptoms, whichever occurred first.
o After 5 days, you may leave isolation only if symptoms are improving or absent, but you must wear a tight-fitting N95 mask for 5 more days.
o If you are still experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to isolate for the full 10-day period. Your responsible actions play a pivotal role in preventing further spread.
o You can find more information here: CDC Recommendations for Covid-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html and here CDC Recommendations for the Flu https://www.cdc.gov/flu/business/stay-home-when-sick.htm
· Mask-Wearing: While masks are not currently mandated on campus, we support mask-wearing for those who would like to. Especially in crowded or indoor settings, wearing masks remains an effective measure to safeguard yourself and others.
· Best Defense:Stay up-to-date with vaccines and/or boosters, if you are not already. This is one of the best ways to protect yourself to build immunity to COVID and the flu. Get boosted if you are eligible! Find a vaccine clinic near you here.
If you would like to visit our student health centers, please reach out to:
Emmanuel College:
· Health Services at Emmanuel College
· Marin Hall, Second Floor
· Call 617-264-7678
Massachusetts College of Art and Design, MCPHS, Wentworth Institute of Technology:
· Carbon Student Health Services
· Treehouse Residential Building, 2nd Floor
· Call 617-879-5220 or download their app: https://carbonhealth.com/download
Simmons University:
· Simmons Health Center
· 94 Pilgrim Road on the Simmons Residential Campus
· Call 617-521-1020
Your commitment to these measures demonstrates care for your fellow students, faculty, and staff, and contributes to the overall well-being of our campus community. If you would like more information for Covid-19 health procedures, please visit the COF website: https://www.colleges-fenway.org/sars-cov-2-covid-19-information/
Regards,
Claire Ramsbottom Alexandra Koch (she/her/hers)
Executive Director Director of Emergency Management