Eating indoors with others is driving COVID-19 transmission
COVID-19 cases are increasing significantly in the St. Louis region and on our campus. Did you know that eating with others is the main driver of this transmission in our campus community? Our contact tracing has indicated that a large number of cases are happening due to people eating together indoors. Even in small groups, even if wearing masks while not actually eating or drinking, this is very risky behavior. We know it is difficult to be separated from your friends and colleagues, but please take all precautions to avoid eating with others in the same space. Try to find a space to eat alone. If that is not possible, try to stagger eating so that only one person is unmasked at a time, and always maintain more than six feet distance from others.
Pay attention to your symptoms and take immediate action
Do you have a stuffy nose? A sore throat? A new or worsening cough or headache? Even if you feel just “a little off,” even minor symptoms could be early signs of COVID-19. It is very important for everyone to pay close attention to any symptoms. Be sure to complete your daily self-screeningbefore leaving your residence hall room or coming to campus and contact the appropriate department to report symptoms, seek guidance and if necessary, get referred for a diagnostic COVID test.
Danforth Campus students (on- or off-campus, undergraduate, graduate or professional) should call Habif Health and Wellness Center at 314-935-6666 or the COVID Call Center at 314-362-5056. Danforth campus faculty and staff should call the COVID Call Center at 314-362-5056.
Learn more about symptoms of COVID-19
Staying safe this Thanksgiving
The CDC is strongly urging Americans to avoid travel for Thanksgiving and not to gather in person with anyone not in your immediate household. Students, faculty and staff are urged to continue to follow all public health requirements and pay particular attention in the weeks ahead to following safety guidance specific to the Thanksgiving holiday. Do not gather with groups of people not in your household, wear a mask, and practice physical distancing and personal hygiene. If you do decide to travel, there are some important steps you can take to be safe. If you engage in behavior that puts you at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19, you should self-quarantine for 14 days before coming to campus.
See tips for How to Be Safe During the Thanksgiving Holiday
Virtual Thanksgiving for students
Students are invited to join in a full schedule of virtual events during Thanksgiving Break, November 26-28. Activities include opportunities to share family recipes; participate in escape rooms, games and movie watch parties; and learn and share ideas about Native American heritage. Learn more about Virtual Thanksgiving Weekend on the Students website.
Plan for spring now available online
The health and safety of our community is our highest priority in every decision we make. Although our current trends in the region and on campus are certainly of concern, we also should remember that throughout the fall semester we have been largely successful in containing the spread of COVID-19 on our campus. Based on what we have learned about how to keep our community healthy, we plan to take a similarly cautious approach to our plans for spring.
Read the plan for the spring semester and the message from Chancellor Martin and Provost Wendland for more information.
Autumn on campus
The sun sets over the Danforth Campus Nov. 3, 2020, as the day nears its end. For more photos on how COVID-19 is affecting campus life, see the Record’s weekly feature “The View From Here.” (Photo: James Byard/Washington University)