While it was not unexpected, last week’s surge in COVID-19 cases was the largest Kenyon has experienced since February. But even as cases rose, the community responded in ways that weighed both individual and collective risk. Many of us chose to mask again, both individually and in our classes, meetings, offices, and dorms. We moved meetings and gatherings outside when we could avoid the rain. While classes, practices, and events all experienced some disruption, they continued.
Over the past five days, new case reports show signs of coming down, but there is certainly the potential that they could rebound, and we have to remember that some of us remain at high risk of getting very sick, including our professors, roommates, friends, and coworkers. Thus, we strongly encourage everyone in the Kenyon community to keep taking appropriate precautions, to isolate if they are symptomatic or test positive for COVID-19, and to follow isolation procedures and recommendations for what to do if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Rapid tests remain available for students at the Mail Center in Gund Commons, masks are available in Peirce Hall and KN95 respirators are available at Campus Safety. We will continue to update case numbers at least weekly on the COVID-19 website and dashboard. Students who test positive should contact health@kenyon.edu, and employees should reach out to hr@kenyon.edu and their supervisor.
Sincerely,
Drew Kerkhoff
Chair, COVID-19 Steering Committee
Professor of Biology and Associate Provost