COVID Update
As we head into the winter break, we want to update the campus regarding COVID cases and protocol reminders. We’re incredibly proud that the Goucher community is 100% vaccinated (faculty, staff, and students) and we have continued to see a very low rate of breakthrough infections (1-2 per week.) However, in our effort to remain cautious and keep everyone healthy we cannot ignore the rise in positivity rates in the county and the state and the potential threat that the new Omicron variant presents.
Due to the recent uptick in cases and positivity rate in Maryland and Baltimore County, Goucher is moving into a YELLOW alert level. That means everyone must be extra diligent about masking in all public spaces, maintain physical distance in the dining hall or using grab-and-go options whenever possible, and getting tested if you develop any symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
Additionally, we encourage all staff, faculty, and students who are eligible to get their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. You can use this website to find locations near you, but most pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens have doses available. The CDC recommends the following, based on which vaccine you received:
- Pfizer/Moderna: 3rd dose at least 6 months after the completion of your second dose.
- Johnson & Johnson: 2nd dose at least 2 months after your first dose
You can mix and match vaccines, as long as you’ve finished the primary series, meaning that you don’t need to receive the same vaccine that you had before. For students, once you get your booster, please update your Medicat record.
Other local colleges are starting to see an increase in flu cases, so it’s also extremely important to get your flu vaccine if you haven’t already done so. Reminder that the deadline for students to submit proof of your flu vaccination to the Student Health Center is Saturday, December 18. If you got yours on campus, we’ve already updated your Medicat record! If you’d still like to get your flu shot for free on campus, please email nurse@goucher.edu to set up an appointment at the Student Health Center. The last day for appointments this semester is Friday, December 17.
We wish you all a healthy and safe winter break!