March 11, 2022:
To the Dartmouth community,
In response to the declining incidence of COVID-19 on our campus; a very high level of compliance with COVID-19 vaccination requirements; shifting federal, state, and local guidance; and thoughtful discussions with scientific advisors and many other groups across campus, we plan to make some changes to Dartmouth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic for the spring. You can hear more about these policy updates in this video Q&A.
We are grateful for the availability of measures such as masks, testing, and vaccines that have protected our community for the last two years. However, as we transition away from some of these measures, we recognize that while these changes may be a welcome update for some, others in our community may be anxious. Please be assured that we will continue to monitor the COVID-related developments and, as we have done since the beginning of the pandemic, will be ready to shift our approach as the situation warrants. We ask that you be respectful of all in our community as we navigate these shifting policies together.
Please read below for updates on the following:
Face Mask Policy
Testing Requirements
Start of Term Testing Protocol
Isolation Guidance
Visitor Guidance
Event Guidance
Thank you for taking the time to read this message in its entirety.
Face Mask Policy
Beginning Wednesday, March 16, Dartmouth will no longer require face masks indoors, except in the cases listed below. Face masks are still required indoors until the 16th, so please keep your masks on until then! Masks are welcome for anyone who chooses to wear one beyond March 16.
Beginning March 16, masks will be required in the following cases regardless of vaccination status:
If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19;
For at least 10 days after you first test positive for COVID-19, even if you tested out of isolation on Day 5 or Day 7;
For at least 10 days after you were last in close contact with someone who has an active case of COVID-19 (in which the person with COVID-19 had symptoms or initially tested positive in the 10 days prior);
When you are at a COVID-19 testing center, at the Dartmouth College Health Service, or for employees as designated in isolation spaces;
Where required through a contract with an external organization (e.g., the Hopkins Center agreement with the Broadway League, and the Athletics department with the NCAA);
When you are on public transportation, including the Dartmouth Coach and transportation provided by Advance Transit, according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It remains a best practice to keep a face mask with you at all times as there will be situations outside of those mentioned above where masks continue to be required in the community.
There may also be times when you or others around you may choose to wear a mask even if it is no longer required; for example, if you or someone close to you is at increased risk of severe disease. We encourage any members of the Dartmouth community who feel more comfortable wearing a mask around others to do so, and KN95 face masks will continue to be available on campus. We know that everyone will be respectful of those who choose to wear a face mask, and would remind you not to ask about one another’s health or family situation.
Start of Term Testing Protocol For All Students
All students who have not tested positive for COVID-19 within the 90 days prior to the start of the term will be required to conduct an in-person PCR test at West Gym within 24 hours of arrival at Dartmouth, followed by an antigen test once they arrive at their residence. This PCR test will count toward students’ weekly testing requirement through April 10.
Students should complete their start of term tests before attending their first class of the term.
Students who did not leave the Upper Valley (e.g., if you are remaining in residence on campus between terms) are required to follow this testing procedure in order to receive test results before they attend their first class of the term.
Tuck students can drop off a completed take-home PCR test and pick up antigen tests at 4 Currier on March 19 or 20.
Geisel M2, M3, and M4 students will not be required to follow this start of term testing procedure. M3 and M4 students who are not accessing Dartmouth spaces should continue to follow the testing requirements for their clinical rotation site.
Students who have tested positive somewhere other than Dartmouth in the 90 days prior to the start of the term must report their positive test to Dick’s House at medical.records@dartmouth.edu if they have not already done so.
Following the in-person PCR test at West Gym, all students will be given a rapid antigen test to conduct immediately upon returning to their residence. The antigen test should be completed as soon after the completion of the PCR test as possible.
If students receive a positive test result from their antigen test,they should begin isolating immediately and must report their positive result to Dick’s House by calling 603-646-9440 (students may leave a confidential detailed message). Students should also send a picture of their positive test to dicks.house.nurse@dartmouth.edu.
Students who test negative via antigen test should not report their results. Only positive test results should be reported.
Read the instructions for next steps in the case of conflicting results between antigen and PCR tests.
Any student experiencing COVID-like symptoms should complete symptomatic antigen testing at the Axiom trailer in the Maynard parking lot at 11 Rope Ferry Road and begin isolation. Symptomatic students should not complete a test at West Gym.
If their antigen test is positive, students should continue to isolate according to the instructions here, counting Day 0 from the day they took their antigen test.
If their antigen test is negative, they should continue to isolate and contact Dick’s House for further instructions.
The testing center at West Gym will have adjusted hours to accommodate spring term arrivals:
Saturday, March 26: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 27: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, March 28: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 30: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, March 31: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, April 1: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take-home test drop boxes open Monday at 7:30 a.m. and remain open 24 hours a day through Friday at 2:30 p.m; however, overnight access to a drop-off box will depend on whether or not the building stays open. Visit the testing locations map for more information on testing hours and locations for the rest of the term.
Testing Requirements
In addition to the start of term testing requirements outlined above, all Dartmouth students, faculty, staff, and appointees who are not exempt from surveillance testing (due to a positive COVID-19 test result within the 90 days prior to the beginning of the term) will be required to continue asymptomatic weekly surveillance testing until April 10. As of April 10, asymptomatic testing will be optional.
Beginning April 10:
In-person and take-home PCR testing will remain available for anyone who would like to conduct a test; you can find testing locations and hours of operations on Dartmouth’s Take-Home Test Box Locations website.
At-home antigen tests will be made available for students, faculty, staff, and appointees to use at their discretion. Additional antigen tests will be made available for use as supply allows throughout the term. Students should report any positive results to Dick’s House by calling 603-646-9440 (students may leave a confidential detailed message) and by sending a picture of their positive test to dicks.house.nurse@dartmouth.edu. Employees should report their positive test results to Axiom by calling 833-408-1338.
In-person antigen testing at the testing trailers will still be required for individuals experiencing COVID-like symptoms or attempting to test out of isolation on Day 5 or Day 7.
Student-athletes who are exempt or not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations may still be required to complete a weekly PCR test to comply with NCAA guidelines.
If you have been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you must test immediately and again on Day 5. If you have been identified as a close contact but have tested positive within the previous 90 days, you only need to test if you are experiencing symptoms.
Read the instructions for what to do if you have a positive test result.
While asymptomatic surveillance testing will be optional beginning April 10, please be responsible about testing when you think it is appropriate. You can consult the CDC website for recommendations on when to complete a test.
Visitor Guidance
As of March 16, Dartmouth will no longer require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test of its visitors. Dartmouth still recommends all visitors are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations or have received a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours prior to accessing Dartmouth locations or Dartmouth-sponsored in-person events, but proof of vaccination or negative test will not be required.
Exceptions to this policy will be made for locations that have contractual agreements that require them to continue requiring proof of vaccination or test, including the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
Isolation Guidance
Dartmouth’s Isolation Guidance will remain the same for the spring: individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be expected to isolate in place for a minimum of five days from when their positive test was taken. For more information on isolation protocols, including instructions for testing out of isolation, please visit Dartmouth’s website.
Event Guidance
Dartmouth’s Event Guidance provides a framework for reducing risk and ensuring attendees are comfortable at events. Please consult the Event Guidance if you are planning an event or gathering.
Thank you for your attention to these updates. We recognize that Dartmouth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has required a tremendous effort from each of you. We sincerely thank you for taking steps to protect our community, such as wearing a mask, testing weekly, and staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. These acts of personal responsibility have strengthened our community and allowed us to transition away from more restrictive policies for the spring. As policies continue to evolve, we ask for your continued vigilance, attention to communications, and support of one another.
Sincerely,
Rick and Dave