An update on COVID testing and numbers
The following letter was sent to the Randolph community on Feb. 17:
For the past weeks, our students, faculty, and staff have come together in big ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on our campus—and to protect our community. We are grateful for the commitment each of you has shown to wearing masks, social distancing, participating in our COVID-19 testing events, and practicing other important behavioral guidelines.
I am proud to report that out of 2,164 tests given on campus since December 30 (when the first student-athletes arrived), we have had only 7 positive results (4 students and 3 employees). These are amazing results.
Obviously, this does not mean we can let our guards down. In order to maintain the health of our community by keeping the spread of COVID-19 low on campus, we must remain diligent in our efforts. In fact, this behavior is necessary if we are to continue in-person learning for the remainder of the semester.
Randolph is fortunate to have obtained more COVID-19 tests than we were expecting. Because testing is such an important part of our efforts, the COVID-19 Task Force has made the decision to expand our testing plans for the coming weeks. Please note the following changes in our original plans:
Rather than move to randomized testing for students as planned next week, we will continue mandatory testing of ALL students (with the exception of athletes in active seasons who are already being tested by athletics staff).
This testing will take place on Wednesdays in Smith Hall Theatre between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. We will continue this once-a-week testing at least through the end of March.
Faculty and staff will adhere to the planned randomized testing beginning next week. If you are chosen to participate, you will receive an email with instructions.
Any employee who would like to take a COVID-19 test may do so. Please contact Ruby Bryant (rbryant@randolphcollege.edu) for details.
Any student or employee who has not fulfilled the mandatory testing requirements for the past two weeks MUST make up their testing next week. You should have received an email with details. Please contact Ruby Bryant (rbryant@randolphcollege.edu) for more information. This is not optional.
We cannot thank you enough for your cooperation and commitment to our Randolph family. Please keep up the good work.
Bradley W. Bateman
President
