OCT. 10, 2020

To the community,

While recent news has indicated an uptick in COVID-19 transmission in the Upper Valley, such an increase is not unexpected. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a rise in cases is anticipated across the country for fall and winter this year.

As a reminder, Dartmouth continues to publicly post information about our case count and ongoing virus testing results daily on the COVID-19 dashboard.

In addition to the results of individual testing, we will also post announcements regarding any clusters that may emerge. New Hampshire identifies a cluster of cases (also referred to as an outbreak) as three or more people identified as having active COVID-19 as a result of a case investigation and contact tracing or three or more patients with the virus who are discovered to be linked with the linkage established outside of a case investigation and contact tracing (PDF). The state's cluster investigation unit will investigate all outbreaks.

Dartmouth currently does not have a cluster of individuals with COVID-19; however, based on the rising rate of transmission in the state, it is likely that these will occur.

Should a cluster emerge, here's how we will communicate with you:

• We will send a timely email to the campus community regarding the development of the cluster.

• We will update the main Dartmouth website to reflect the new data.

• Notification posters will be provided to supervisors to place in employee breakrooms as needed.

• We will work with local media to share accurate information.

Dartmouth shares all positive test results with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS), which also makes the information available on the state website. NHDHHS then initiates a contact tracing investigation to promptly identify and reach out to possible contacts of individuals who have tested positive for the virus.

Dartmouth will post information on the COVID-19 dashboard that indicates whether those who have tested positive are students or employees. Only an individual has the right to release personal details about their health; the names, residential information, and roles of people who have COVID-19 or who are quarantining will not be disclosed by Dartmouth and should not be shared with others.

There are many ways that you can help to reduce the transmission of the virus:

• Remember to take the Temperature and Self-Assessment screening every day if you are working or living on-site.

• Maintain 6-foot physical distancing and avoid large group gatherings, respecting group limits.

• Restrict your travel to within the Upper Valley and discourage visitors who would like to come to campus.

• Practice energetic hygiene: wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitizer, and cough and sneeze into a tissue or your arm.

• Wear a mask wherever you go.

The seven-day positivity rate of the Dartmouth on-campus community is 0.05% after testing more than 7,800 individuals (since July 1) and our wastewater testing results continue to be negative. We know it hasn't been easy, but your efforts are working. If we maintain this momentum, we will defy this pernicious virus and finish our fall term on a healthy and successful note.