On March 11, when we removed the campus-wide mask requirement, we noted that the new approach was subject to change if case numbers were to rise substantially either on campus or in Kent County.

Case numbers are rising this week on campus such that we need to make some tweaks for next week.

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, we had just two students in isolation (confirmed positive test results). On Wednesday we jumped to five cases, yesterday was seven and today is 11. We anticipate those numbers could increase over the weekend and into next week.

As a result, we will be returning to required mask use in classrooms, labs and other academic settings beginning on Monday, April 11. In addition, we are strongly recommending a return to masks in any other public areas on campus.

This is especially important as we anticipate Easter weekend next weekend and what is likely to be a lot of travel on the part of our students, staff and faculty. We have four days of classes next week and then three during the week that follows Easter weekend. We then begin exams on April 22. We are in the homestretch, but now is not the time to let our guard down

Part of this recent uptick is among Dance Guild members who already have been communicated with directly by our contact tracing team and given instructions on what they should be doing. That includes a special walk-in testing clinic for members today at the Tennis and Track Center from 1-2:30 pm.

Anyone who feels their symptoms warrant a medical assessment or medical care (for instance, progressive cough, high fever, shortness of breath), should contact Health Services directly. Start by filling out the online portal at calvin.medicatconnect.com and a Health Services provider can then exam and treat after a COVID test in their office.

Note that we also are hoping to have a clinic on Monday for other members of the Calvin community if necessary. Stay tuned for more details on that. 

In the meantime, take advantage of the many free home tests that are available right now in the area if you have concerns about an exposure or are having symptoms. The home tests that are available are essentially identical to those we use at our on-campus clinics.

And as we see the semester's finish line in sight, all members of the Calvin community are encouraged to practice the good habits that we have become accustomed to during this pandemic, including symptom monitoring, the use of surgical quality or better masks, social distancing when possible and more.

The Covid Response Team (responseteam@calvin.edu)Jennifer AmbroseEric ArnoysLaura ChampionBear de Boo (Student representative)Phil de HaanTodd DornbosKari DykhouseAndy GeorgeBrian PaigeJane PrinsSarah Visser, chairJohn WitteCindy Wolffis

P.S.  Vaccinations and booster doses are still very effective in preventing severe illness and minimizing community spread to more vulnerable populations. If you’re interested, vaccines and boosters are available for free at Health Services.