By Casey Roepke ‘21
News Editor
The Mount Holyoke campus moved back into the first operating level — Normal COVID-19 Operations — on Thursday, Feb. 25. Marked by low positive case numbers and contained transmission, Operating Level 1 will allow students more freedom on campus and within a 10-mile radius.
“This means that the campus is continuing its daily health screenings and all should continue to wear face coverings and practice physical distancing,” the announcement to the community, made on Wednesday, Feb. 24, explained. “Residential students will continue to be tested twice per week. There are still no visitors or guests allowed in any campus building except for approved vendors and contractors, and the campus grounds remain closed to visitors (including alums and students not studying on campus) and the public at large.”
According to the COVID-19 dashboard, the College had two new positive COVID-19 cases in the past seven days: one student and one staff member.
As the campus transitions back into Operating Level 1, students will continue to be tested twice weekly and must wear face masks and keep at least a 6-foot distance from others. Students will now be allowed to travel within a 10-mile driving distance from campus, which was previously permitted only for essential appointments, within the Village Commons and on shuttle trips.
In an email sent to the student body, a spokesperson for the College wrote that students should continue safe behavior to protect themselves and their community members.
“Students must be particularly sensitive to the fact that their neighbors and/or fellow residents are impacted by their decisions,” the email read.
The change in operating level does not affect remote staff members who will continue working remotely.
“Every individual’s diligence, vigilance and compliance will help our community maintain this operating level,” the email stated.