Important COVID-19 Update

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Dear Albion Community,

Today, we learned that another member of our community has tested positive for COVID-19. This means there are now two active cases in isolation on campus. They remain in our thoughts as they focus on recovery. For more information on how, when and to whom the college reports this data, and the actions we take in all positive cases, please see our Positive Test Response Protocol.

Separate from our monitoring of the Albion College population, we also learned today that there are two cases recently identified in the Marshall public high school indicating there is now evidence of local community spread. We continue to see cases rise significantly across Michigan campuses. Maintaining our safe zone bubble is now more important than ever.

Albion College has now completed and received more than 5500 test results, and identified a total of nine positive cases from our first date of testing. To date, our overall positive testing rate is 0.16%, and our population positive rate is 0.45%. This is significantly lower than the national rate (5.5%) and the rate for the state of Michigan (3.92%).

Contact tracing efforts are currently underway. All close contacts with the individual will remain in quarantine for the next 14 days.

Following our public health protocols significantly limits the spread of COVID-19. I have been proud of the many ways that you have stepped up to take care of each other and our community. Brits are showing the way forward, Together Safely. Your leadership, your care for one another, and your hard work to follow the public health guidelines is paying off. It is truly impressive.

Still, I’m asking that we all continue to do our part — we will make it through this because of your leadership and commitment to one another. As a reminder:

• Wear your masks whenever outside your room. Your masks need to cover both your nose and mouth.
• Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and others. Note, every time you are within six feet of another person for more than 15 minutes, you are considered a close contact, and, should that person test positive for the virus, you will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.
• Monitor your health and practice good personal hygiene, including regularly washing your hands.
• If you are feeling sick, stay in your room.

All of us must live the commitment we made, the Albion Community Commitment, in order to be successful. I am confident Brits can do this — and I look forward to a productive, fun, healthy and safe fall semester.

Office of the President

Note:
Testing percentage = % of total tests resulting in a positive.
Population percentage = % of population testing positive.