January 27, 2022

We are only days away until the start of classes and look forward to kicking off Spring 2022 fully in-person.

Susquehanna continues to review and adjust its Covid Plan, always considering expert advice, the current state of affairs and the community’s well-being.

Dr. David Richard, SU’s Covid-19 Coordinator and professor of biology, recently summed it up: “This is not the same pandemic as before; it has evolved and our work must evolve with it. Prior to the emergence of Omicron, we concentrated on suppression of the virus on campus to the extent practically possible. I do not believe this strategy is feasible or even possible with this new variant, hence the switch away from suppression towards more of a management approach with a particular emphasis on protecting the vulnerable.”

Option to Isolate in Room for Covid Positive Residents

Following recent guidance from the American College Health Association, Susquehanna has decided to allow students who test positive for Covid to isolate in their room with heavily restricted movements. A few other institutions, such as Harvard and Northeastern, have adopted similar protocols. Whether students choose to isolate in their room or to relocate themselves off campus, we still ask that they have a plan ready. More details about isolation, including protocols for roommates of students with a positive diagnosis, are in the Spring Plan.

Weekly Testing

Weekly testing has shifted to be required for students and employees who are not fully vaccinated – rather than those who are not up to date with a booster. Weekly testing may still be required for students at a higher risk due to their curricular or co-curricular activities. More details are in the Spring Plan.

Reminder: Covid Booster Clinic on Campus

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Susquehanna will host a clinic for free Covid booster shots for eligible students, faculty, staff and their families on Friday, Feb. 4, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Degenstein Campus Center Rooms 3-5. Bring your Covid vaccination card to your appointment so that it can be updated. Flu vaccines will also be available at this clinic. Register here.

As always, we welcome your feedback and questions, which can be sent to covidtesting@susqu.edu or by calling the Covid-19 Hotline at 570-372-3333.

Sincerely,
The SU Pandemic Implementation Group