WOOSTER, Ohio — The College of Wooster is moving to fully remote operations after a number of students have tested positive for COVID-19, with more showing symptoms.
This past Thursday, four positive COVID-19 tests were reported on campus. Following that, an additional six positive tests were reported. The cases appear to be related to two clusters of individuals connected through living and social circles.
Based on the college's safety plan and collaboration with public health experts, all classes, gatherings and meetings will be held remote only.
In addition, there will be no athletic practices and dining operations will be take-out only. The Scot Center will be closed for the week and the libraries will be available for remote accent only.
Students will be required to stay on campus and out of the larger surrounding community except for medical care or other urgent needs. Students looking to leave campus for any reason will need to request permission from the Dean of Students' Office. No visitors will be permitted on campus, including admissions visitors, tours and personal visitors.
"We know that this time is very stressful for students for many reasons. We are at an intense part of thee semester, and concern about illness and limitation of campus operations make things even more difficult," College of Wooster President Sarah Bolton stated in a letter to students and families. "We also understand that some students may want to go home for this week. Students should think through carefully the risks and benefits of traveling home. Students who may receive positive test results once they arrive home, or who may develop symptoms while at home, will not be able to return to campus for 14 days after the positive test or onset of symptoms."
Additional public health protocols for students who want to go home and then return to campus will be shared early next week following consultation with public health experts. Following a review of the campus status throughout this week, the college will decide by Friday, October 16 whether regular operations can resume next week.
