Health Alerts

Dear Albrightians,Since returning from Spring Break, the Pandemic Planning Task Force (PPTF) has been monitoring COVID-19 protocol changes that are happening at the national, state and local levels, and the Gable Health Center has been monitoring COVID-19 positivity rates, both on campus and in Berks County.

Following a recommendation by the PPTF, which was guided by information shared by the CDC and ACHA, President Jacque Fetrow has approved the following changes to Albright’s current COVID-19 protocols, effective immediately:

• Masking indoors is optional for all Albrightians and guests to the campus. Those who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to continue to mask when indoors. With care for those who have continued health concerns, all Albrightians and visitors are asked to respect the following guidelines:
o Faculty may still request students wear masks in their classroom; faculty need to communicate their request to their students.
o Employees and students may request masking from the meeting organizer when attending meetings on campus.
o Event organizers may request masking at their scheduled events.
o Individual departments may request masking in their respective areas.
o Albright may require events that are open to the public to require masking.
o In general, if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, you should feel free to do so. A KN95 is recommended when available. Local retailers continue to advertise free supply or you may find them on the CDC website.

• Routine weekly surveillance testing will continue at the discretion of the Gable Health Center or as guided by other entities.
o Surveillance testing for athletes will continue per MAC and NCAA guidelines.
o Our on-campus surveillance testing positivity rate is 0.6%.

• Current pandemic room capacity limits for all events will remain in effect through the end of spring semester classes. We will return to pre-pandemic capacity limits for Baccalaureate and Commencement.
o Though masking guidelines have changed on campus, there are logistical and staffing challenges that prevent new or previously approved events from switching to pre-pandemic capacities or set-ups during the limited time remaining in the semester.
o Current pandemic occupancy capacity will remain in effect for meetings and events until the end of classes this spring, at which time a freeze will be placed on the Event Manager platform. When the scheduling tool reopens, room capacities will be at pre-pandemic levels and will be in alignment with Albright’s COVID-19 guidelines.

Please note, signage on campus will be changed to reflect this new protocol. This transition will occur over the next month, as staffing allows. You will also find a printable sign attached to this email that you may post to the door of your classroom, office, or room to request masking in your campus space.

What if I am at risk for serious disease?
Albright community members with comorbidities that place them at higher risk for serious disease should consult with the Gable Health Center, 610-921-7532, or their health care provider about the best strategies for reducing their risk and staying healthy.

What if Albright’s or Berks County’s positivity rate increases?
Please be aware that the PPTF and the Gable Health Center will continue to monitor the COVID-19 positivity rate at Albright and in Berks County and if the rate increases, the mask mandate may be reinstated.

Important reminders!

Vaccination card upload
If you recently received the COVID-19 vaccine or booster, please remember to upload your vaccination card to the Gable Health Center health portal. To do so, please login to Albright College LionPass, using your Albright credentials, select upload documents, immunizations, and upload the picture of your vaccine card to the site. If you need help uploading your vaccine card, check out this video tutorial. Or, you may call the Gable Health Center at 610-921-7532 for assistance in uploading your card.

If you are feeling unwell
If you have concerns that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, if you have ANY symptoms of COVID-19 (even if you think it’s just “allergies” or a “cold”), or if you were notified you were exposed to COVID-19, please call the Gable Health Center for an appointment: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 610-921-7532.

You are welcome to do a home COVID-19 test WHENEVER you choose, we just ask that you report the results to the Gable Health Center so we can help you if your symptoms continue or change, as well as make sure you are aware of all the resources you may need.

We’re all in this together
As our COVID-19 protocols evolve, please, let’s continue to work together to keep our community healthy and safe. Thank you, Albright Lions, for ROARING with us! Please visit the COVID-19 webpage for the most up to date information.

Be well,

Karen A. Campbell, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Samantha J. Wesner, DNP, CRNP, WHNP-BC
Senior Vice President of Student and Campus Life and Chief Health Officer

Joshua Williamson, M.D.
College Physician and Director, Gable Health Center