Reunion COVID-19 Update

Lafayette Community,

As we approach the Reunion celebrations, we have updates on COVID-19 cases and precautions to share with the community. Both local health networks report increased cases, and, as the semester wrapped up, we saw an increase in cases among students and employees. Reunion is an exciting time, and we will be welcoming alumni back to campus from around the country and beyond. As you approach your on-campus celebration, please consider your risk tolerance against the transmissions levels local to Lafayette College, located in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. A number of Reunion events will be held outside, though there are some indoor gatherings as well.

Here is some additional information we hope you find helpful:

  • The CDC suggests specific guidance for individuals and communities tied to transmission levels. Both Northampton and Lehigh counties are currently at the high community level.
  • A reminder that you can check to see if you are eligible for additional boosters. If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, regardless of age, you should contact your primary care provider to discuss available options, as there may be other strategies recommended by your provider.
  • The symptoms of COVID-19 are not significantly different from the symptoms of a cold or of seasonal allergies. If you experience symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19, stay home unless you have tested negative for COVID-19. If someone in your household recently tested positive for COVID-19, you do not need to isolate, but you should test; if you are symptomatic, you should certainly stay home and get tested.

Together the Lafayette community navigated another year and will continue to provide information as we learn more about COVID-19 and how best to manage our shared environment. We understand that COVID-19 will remain with us and that each of us needs to carefully consider the best steps to ensure we are protecting our own health and the health of those around us.

We look forward to welcoming you home this June.