Dear Members of the Hamilton Community,
This afternoon, ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ , based on recommendations from the Health Analytics team, following a careful review of available data. I want to take this opportunity to update you on the details of our new Gate status and other information from campus.
Last week, we conducted approximately 1,500 COVID-19 tests of various types. Among these, we identified just one employee case of COVID-19 and no student cases. Because our one employee case was in close proximity to students for a considerable period of time, we currently have 26 students in close contact quarantine. Our women’s ice hockey and men’s basketball teams, recently returned from national championship competitions, are in travel quarantine, in keeping with the University’s approved-travel guidelines.
¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ’s original spring plan called for a gradual decrease in weekly testing populations as we advanced from Gate to Gate. We adjusted this approach, however, in response to surges and COVID-19 variants in the United States and will continue to test 50% of our on-campus population every week for the foreseeable future.
In Gate 4, we will still enforce University rules on travel, guests, masking, and physical distancing. Guidelines on social gatherings will now match New York State regulations, which currently limit residential gatherings to 10 or fewer indoors and 25 or fewer outdoors.
Like many colleges and universities, ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ continues to watch for updates to New York State’s gathering and travel regulations in anticipation of Commencement 2021. to seniors and their families last week, asking for their patience and letting them know that we would make a decision on guests at commencement by April 14. I will keep you informed as well. The University will hold an outdoor, in-person celebration for members of the senior class regardless, moving online only in the event of inclement weather.
Last week, we were in touch with members of the Class of 2020, inviting them back to campus during Memorial Day Weekend 2022 to celebrate their commencement in person. You can see President Casey’s . We look forward to this long-overdue recognition of their accomplishments and sacrifices.
In further planning for summer 2022, we also sent a save-the-date to members of the classes of 1970 and 1971, inviting them back to campus to celebrate their 50th reunions with the Class of 1972 in June 2022. A date for reunion weekend in honor of our remaining classes will be determined in the coming weeks. Again, I will keep you posted.
All of this anticipation and planning might suggest that we have wrapped up the pandemic. We know that this could not be further from the truth. At every opportunity, we remind students, faculty, and staff that the Commitment to Community Health is still an important part of our daily lives. The end of this journey is certainly in view, but we must remain vigilant, follow health guidance, monitor the data, and finish strong.
Part of that effort is to seize the first available opportunity to be vaccinated. ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ is ready to distribute vaccines on campus once doses have been allocated by the state. Community Memorial and SUNY Morrisville have offered clinics for the last several weeks now, and ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ has provided transportation for eligible students. I encourage you to schedule an appointment if and when you qualify, either via the or at a New York State point of distribution through the . Careful, controlled immunity is our surest path to normalcy.
With many thanks for your support — and best wishes for a healthy April,
Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications