Colleagues – 

Last summer we distributed the Bates Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan, which outlined core campus policies in response to the COVID pandemic. While this document aimed to be comprehensive, it is periodically updated to ensure it remains current. The newly updated plan has three areas I’ll highlight here:

(a) We have updated the language on face coverings to update (and link to) the reference to state executive orders on face coverings. As we have found throughout the pandemic, face coverings are very important and are required on campus and in public spaces, and have become expected in many areas of our daily lives.

(b) We have added text around employee testing. While this is not news, we are documenting this important part of our response to the pandemic. Tests are currently available to employees, and FAQ regarding tests are available here. Note that information about February employee testing will be provided later this month.

(c) We have edited guidance on quarantines, removing the previous text and adding a link to the CDC’s website, which has changed and may continue to evolve. The college is currently following the Maine CDC’s guidance on a 10-day quarantine for those who have been close contacts of those who have tested positive (or are presumed positive) for COVID-19.

As evident by the items flagged above, the edits are not large. Other edits were made to correct grammar and improve specificity where appropriate. 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 employees are required to follow these policies.

Most importantly, the core of these policies have demonstrably shown to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Wear masks, watch your proximity to others, and wash your hands thoroughly.

Thanks to all,

Geoff