COVID19 UPDATE #27

DATE: May 17, 2021 at 2:37 pm
TO: Faculty and Staff

FROM: Dr. Richard Nelson, President
COVID19 UPDATE #27

As you know, Nicolet College has been following the advice of local, state and federal public health officials throughout the pandemic. This past Thursday (May 13), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their guidance concerning the use of masks in both indoor and outdoor settings.  CDC now says that fully vaccinated individuals may resume pre-pandemic activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

In response, Nicolet College has now suspended Administrative Policy 3.10. Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks while inside campus buildings. Those who wish to continue to wear masks are encouraged to do so. Masks will remain available in College buildings at no cost.

In addition, all those who are not yet vaccinated and who are interested in acquiring the protection it offers are encouraged to find and receive a vaccine as soon as possible.  Currently, supply is plentiful and providers can be found at www.vaccines.gov, or Oneida county residents (18 yrs. +) can visit the Oneida County Health Department's website.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are recommended to take all precautions until two weeks after they receive their second Pfizer or Moderna shot, or after the single dose of Johnson & Jonson. At present, Nicolet College has no plan to require employee or student vaccination, or to ask individuals about their vaccination status. However, unvaccinated (or partially vaccinated) individuals who choose not to wear masks know and accept that by doing so they assume greater personal risk of contracting COVID-19 or one of its variants. 

The recently revised CDC guidance has allowed Nicolet College to take an additional step toward normal operations, but it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over.  The virus and its variants continue to circulate, and Nicolet College will continue practices that help assure a safe and healthy environment in which to work and learn, including:

  • Encouraging and enforcing the practice of six-foot physical distancing
  • Limiting capacity and use of our classrooms, labs, meeting spaces, and other indoor spaces
  • Contact tracing of individuals who report positive cases, or suspected positive cases of COVID-19
  • Maintaining an enhanced level of cleaning of our facilities and buildings
  • Encouraging our students and employees to stay home if they are feeling unwell, regardless of vaccination status.

We will continue taking steps toward full campus reopening as warranted by local conditions and public health advice. In the meantime, thank you for taking care of yourselves, your families, and your friends. And thanks especially for being a good neighbor.

Richard