COVID-19 Updates

Many of us have grown increasingly concerned as we have seen the number of new coronavirus infections caused by the Omicron variant rise dramatically nationwide in recent weeks. Several people have asked what changes we might anticipate for this spring given the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance concerning isolation times, face masks, and other preventative measures issued just this past week.

Over the past six days, we’ve seen a dramatic increase locally and nationally in the number of positive new COVID cases due to the extremely fast-spreading Omicron variant. Knowing this, Goucher is doing its part over the next four weeks to ensure a safe and successful return to campus for the Spring semester.

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.

The wastewater results in Welsh Hall indicated low-level traces of COVID-19 positivity. As per our established protocols, we have informed the residents and are testing each individual.

I hope you are as excited as I am to return to a primarily on-campus, in-person learning experience this fall. At Goucher, this includes our students living in our residence halls, participating in on-campus events, attending classes in person, and resuming all Landmark Conference athletic competition.