Dear Colleagues,

Early in the summer we distributed the Bates Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan, which outlined the key campus policies in response to the COVID pandemic. With many thanks, virtually all employees acknowledged reading the plan, which gives us great confidence that our community understands the policies in the plan.  When we distributed the plan in early June we indicated we would update the plan, and we are doing so today.

The updated plan has three key changes:

(a) Bates requires face coverings in all indoor and outdoor areas on campus. Exceptions to the policy are: Eating outdoors, when the appropriate distance is maintained; Eating in designated indoor spaces, when the appropriate distance is maintained; Working in private offices and when working alone in closed (or contained) spaces on campus; Students spending time in their own residence hall room.

• This change incorporates the update regarding eating in masked spaces, outdoor classes, and avoids determining what a “congested” outdoor path is.
• If you had this policy in your e-mail footer or other resources, make sure you update it.

(b) We have updated the portion that addresses returning to work after a positive COVID-19 test; we have removed the chart and replaced it with the current CDC guidance.

(c) We are introducing vendor and contractor policies that should be shared with vendors coming to campus. These are available on the Facilities Services website; the vendor policy is also available on the Human Resources website.

We will not be requiring Garnet Gateway acknowledgement of these changes; the updated policy is being updated on the Human Resources website and is attached here for your convenience. As general policies of the college, all members of the community are required to follow these policies. Campus signage will be updated to reflect the change in the face covering policy; please be patient as it may take some time to update the extensive signage that has been distributed across campus.

Thanks to all,

Geoff