By Gillian Petrarca ’23
Staff Writer
A letter sent out to the Mount Holyoke College community on Nov. 19 updated students on new changes regarding guest access to campus buildings. The letter thanked the community for following the College’s safety guidelines, such as indoor masking, social distancing and obtaining regular COVID-19 tests. The letter also acknowledged that “COVID-19 does remain an ever-present factor in our daily lives.”
The letter stated that the COVID-19 Health and Safety Group has discussed an approach to allow outside guests to use campus buildings and spaces. This access will now include allowing events not sponsored by the College, which were previously only allowed to be held in the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center, to be held in Abbey Memorial Chapel. Events held in Abbey Memorial Chapel will be limited to 75 percent capacity and all members in attendance must wear masks when not actively eating, drinking or presenting to a group. Attendees must complete a symptom self-check prior to coming to campus and are not allowed to access other facilities beyond Abbey Memorial Chapel. Vaccinated guests who stay overnight at the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center and Hotel will now be allowed to eat breakfast in the Dining Commons; however, they must provide proof of vaccination and wear a mask when not eating or drinking.
Other changes include that emeriti faculty and retired staff may access the Kendall Sports and Dance Complex after Oct. 25 with proof of vaccination and participation in the College’s testing program. On Dec. 1, Kendall will open to spouses, partners and children of MHC students and employees. Guests must register beforehand and pay a fee to use the space, provide proof of vaccination and follow all College health guidelines already in place.
The letter concluded by stating that the COVID-19 Health and Safety Group will assess the impacts the changes above will have on the community as they continue to modify College health guidelines.