Jan. 16, 2022: Message to Faculty & Staff

(See Jan. 16, 2022 message to students)

Dear colleagues, 

At the start of the term, we committed to reviewing our COVID-19 policies two weeks after our return to campus; and so we are writing to share updates regarding Dartmouth’s policies for winter term.

Please read for information regarding: 

  • Social gatherings

  • KN95 face masks

  • COVID-19 testing

  • Booster shot documentation submission

  • Axiom Medical contact information

  • Isolation instructions

  • Dining

We recognize that some of the limitations imposed at the beginning of the term have led to confusion. We hope the adjustments we are making will provide clarity and give students, faculty, and staff more opportunity to participate safely in campus activities with additional resources to help minimize the risk of virus transmission on campus. 

We also recognize that since the start of the new year there have been many more cases of COVID-19 in the Dartmouth population than ever before, and although this was an expected consequence of the arrival of omicron in the region and the return of students to campus, we know that this situation is a source of anxiety. As we navigate this time of uncertainty together, we must be respectful of those around us and understand that our decisions affect our entire community. 

Social Gatherings

  • Beginning Monday, masked indoor social gatherings on campus are permitted but must occur without food and drink. We expect all students, faculty, and staff to use their best judgment when organizing any gathering and take steps to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission. Virtual alternatives are still encouraged where possible.

  • Event organizers should plan to have KN95 masks available for those who want one. Please read below for information on how to order masks.

KN95 Face Masks

  • KN95 masks are available for free to all faculty and staff. Beginning Monday, the masks will be available for individuals at all test kit pick-up locations. In addition, departments may order free masks in bulk through Central Stores.

  • Given the transmissibility of the omicron variant, use of KN95 masks is strongly recommended.

  • The KN95 masks we are distributing may be worn multiple times before being discarded. Please replace your mask if it becomes dirty or wet, has holes or tears, or becomes stretched or damaged and can no longer snugly or securely cover your nose and mouth.

  • Faculty and event organizers have the discretion to require use of KN95 masks in the classroom or other gatherings, but must respect individual exceptions granted by the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity or by Student Accessibility Services.

  • Please continue to follow Dartmouth’s face-covering policy, as it is a key part of our response to slow the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Testing

  • Most COVID-19 test results are returned within 24-72 hours; we thank you for your patience when there are unexpected delays.

  • Positive and negative test results will now be shared via email from noreply@lknotification.com. Check your test results when you receive them, as an email no longer necessarily indicates that your test result is negative.

  • To reduce waste and preserve the supply of test kits, please check your home or office for take-home test kits before requesting additional supplies.

Booster Shot Submissions

  • All faculty and staff are required to receive a COVID-19 booster shot by Jan. 31, or within 30 days of becoming eligible. At this time, please hold on to your booster record; we expect to have the secure form ready for your booster documentation submission shortly. Watch for a message early this week with more information.

Axiom Medical Contact Information

  • Dartmouth now has a dedicated support phone line with our employee testing provider, Axiom Medical. Faculty and staff who work on-site and have symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or have been identified as a close contact, should call Axiom at 833-408-1338.

Isolation Instructions

  • Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate for 10 days, but may be cleared by Axiom Medical to end isolation early if their symptoms are improving and they receive a negative on-campus antigen test result on Day 5 or Day 7 of isolation. Read Dartmouth’s isolation guidance for more information.

Dining

  • Beginning Monday, the Class of 1953 Commons will be open for indoor dining.

  • Keeping this space open for dining will partially depend on consistent mask-wearing in food service areas. Please be diligent about wearing a face covering, particularly when standing in line or interacting with dining staff. If you are not actively eating or drinking, you must wear your mask.

  • Please be advised that staffing shortages continue to be an issue in our region and for Dartmouth; if many staff need to isolate or quarantine, we may need to close certain dining areas, or other areas on campus, for a period of time.

  • Grab-and-go dining options will remain available.

  • Students who are in isolation or quarantine must pick up their meals at Sarner Underground for 10 days after their positive COVID-19 test.

As we continue to navigate the pandemic, we thank you for your flexibility. The Dartmouth student experience would not be possible without each of your efforts, and we are grateful for your continued dedication in support of our community. 

If you have questions, please contact covid-19.info@dartmouth.edu or call the COVID-19 Info Call Center at 603-646-2019. 

Sincerely, 

The COVID-19 Response Team