Summer Update: COVID Mitigation – July 21, 2021

FSU Campus Community:

It's been several weeks since we've updated the campus community on COVID-19 related matters. The Campus COVID Oversight Committee continues to monitor our campus, local, state and national public health data and trends in preparation for the fall semester. As recommended by the CDC and the Massachusetts department of public health, I strongly urge all of our employees to receive their COVID vaccination. We continue to proceed with our vaccination requirement* for students participating in on campus classes and activities.

As of now, our rates of students and employees documenting their vaccinations remain too low to feel confident that our campus will have the desired level of protection from this very active virus. While I believe that people are receiving the vaccine, if we don't have evidence of this, we will likely need to restrict certain activities and continue with mitigation practices. While not 100% effective, the CDC has indicated that the recent uptick in COVID cases and hospitalizations is largely comprised of unvaccinated individuals with additional "breakthrough" cases of fully vaccinated individuals.

Time is of the essence now since several of the vaccinations require two shot administrations with a period of weeks between the shots. Fall activities will begin as early as mid-August leaving barely a month to meet these vaccination goals. Don't wait – vaccinate! Vaccination locations may be found at - https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/. Employees wishing to upload their COVID vaccination information can do so through the Voluntary Employee Proof of COVID Vaccination Form or by delivering a copy of your vaccination card to Human Resources in Dwight Hall, suite 207.

The updated COVID mitigation chart shows changes for indoor mask wearing for fully vaccinated individuals. Even with the relaxation of this requirement, many vaccinated individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask during public or group events for added protection. I ask everyone on campus to respect this personal choice that provides added peace of mind on campus.

While these standards have been relaxed somewhat in certain indoor spaces, I encourage you to practice safe and healthy behaviors and watch for public health updates within the state and on our campus. The pandemic is not over and I expect there will be continued changes that we will make in response to the spread of this disease.

Thank you for your continued attention to these campus public health standards. Enjoy your summer days and stay well –

Javier

*Medical and religious exemptions exist