Graphic by Karina Wu ‘22
By Katie Goss ’23
Staff Writer
With COVID-19 affecting schools across the country, Mount Holyoke reversed their plan to bring students back to campus this fall. Instead, the fall semester is being conducted entirely online. This semester, the College is only allowing students to stay on campus if their travel home is restricted, if they cannot effectively work in their home environment or if campus is their legal permanent residence. These students are experiencing a different kind of college life on campus, as they now have specific guidelines to follow in regard to curbing the spread of COVID-19.
All students living on campus have been placed in a single room across a handful of residence halls to ensure roommates do not infect each other. Upon arrival to campus, all students underwent a two-week self-isolation. Although the Dining Commons are open, they are only serving takeout meals to students. The Health Center and the Community Center are also open but with very limited hours. When in any spaces outside of their own rooms — both outside and inside — students must wear a face covering and remain six feet apart. Students are also tested twice weekly in Clapp Laboratory.
Additionally, students may travel off campus, but are limited to a radius of 10 miles. The campus is now open again to the public for outdoor recreation, excluding the track and tennis courts; however, all visitors must still wear face coverings when on the College’s grounds.
Employees are only allowed inside of buildings on campus if they have been approved to do so by the school. While on campus, they must wear a face covering and maintain social distancing. All employees and staff currently working on campus are tested based on how frequently they come into contact with students.
Should a student test positive for COVID-19 on campus, they will be placed into quarantine housing, as will other students they have come into close contact with. As quarantine housing is separated from the rest of campus, students will be asked to bring all necessities for school and entertainment for the length of their quarantine. While in quarantine, they will be asked to check in daily with the Health Center in order to assess their condition and determine what next steps might need to be taken. During this time, they will not be permitted to leave their space. Food will be delivered to their rooms daily. Once they have been approved by the Health Center, they can return back to their rooms and resume their daily routines, all while keeping within the guidelines.
As of Sept. 9, two students on campus have tested positive for COVID-19 since August 12 and are in quarantine. The Health Center is keeping daily contact with the students and closely monitoring their recovery.