Dear Lawrentians,
The results from this week’s surveillance testing shows that our mitigation strategies—and our community’s dedication to Honor the Pledge—continue to work. Out of the 872 community members tested on Monday, we have currently received 19 positive test results. This week’s full testing results will be shared on the COVID-19 Dashboard on Monday, January 31.
Given this positive news, and our desire to provide our students with more opportunities to gather on campus and more fully participate in Lawrence’s curricular and co-curricular activities, the university’s operational status will change to Yellow Light starting immediately.
This change in status means that the following activities will now be permitted:
- University-sponsored travel will resume following all appropriate CDC guidelines. Lawrence community members must continue to Honor the Pledge on any university-sponsored trips.
- Bjorklunden will be open for co-curricular (non-credit bearing) trips. All trips will be voluntary, and visitors must acknowledge the increased risks associated with travel and lodging prior to the trip. If you will be visiting Bjorklunden on an upcoming trip, please look for your registration packet via email prior to your visit.
- Dining options in Warch Campus Center have been extended to include Mead Witter Room, in addition to Brengel Dining Room and Somerset. Dining spaces remain adjusted to accommodate enhanced physical distancing. Grab-and-go options will remain available; Kaplan’s Café will continue to only offer grab-and-go meals. Affinity group kitchens are open for physically distant eating. Masks may be removed for active eating only.
- Co-curricular activities may include dining options, as long as participants are physically distanced and wear masks when not actively eating.
Please note that the following protocols remain in place:
- Masking is required indoors regardless of vaccination. KN95 masks or double masking is recommended. KN95 masks are now available in all residence halls and in the Wellness Center.
- Weekly surveillance testing of the campus community continues.
- Students living on campus must abide by residential expectations.
- University offices and buildings remain closed to the general public. Campus guests must be accompanied by a host and follow the expectations outlined in the Guest Policy.
Submit Proof of Booster Shot by February 9
The university requires all vaccinated individuals to get a COVID-19 booster shot if eligible and submit proof of having received the booster by February 9. Students should send their proof to wellnessservices@lawrence.edu; employees should send their proof to humanresources@lawrence.edu.
If you have not yet received a booster, please note you can schedule them locally at CVS, Walgreens, or locations listed on the Wellness Services webpage; local same day appointments are available.
It is important to remember that community spread of the virus remains high in Appleton and the Fox Cities. This is one of the main reasons why we want to provide more opportunities for our community to gather on campus, where we know our mitigation efforts have been effective in slowing the spread of the virus and protecting the wellbeing of Lawrentians. We do ask that all community members continue to Honor the Pledge and remain vigilant both on- and off-campus.
Your ongoing dedication to protecting the wellbeing of our community continues to inspire us. As always, please submit any questions or concerns you may have to coronainfo@lawrence.edu.
Be well, and stay well,
Lawrence Pandemic Planning Team
