Important Change to Testing Frequency

April 14, 2021

Good afternoon,

We can all be grateful for the many indicators signaling that we are starting to emerge from the pandemic. On March 22, 2021, citing public health metrics that continue to trend in a positive direction from a January high, MA Governor Baker announced that the Commonwealth would be easing restrictions and transitioning to Phase IV Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s coronavirus reopening plan. Since the beginning of April, COVID-19 infection rates have continued to decline in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Vaccination supplies continue to increase with the CDC reporting that approximately 33 percent of US adults has received at least one dose of a vaccine; about 3 million doses are being administered per day; and every citizen in the US will be eligible to receive their first dose as of April 19th.

Here at Bay Path, we have collectively lived up to our guiding principle to “share and accept the responsibility for keeping ourselves and each other healthy” and our efforts have proven effective in keeping our community safe. Significantly, we have experienced only one positive case since the end of March. This is a notable accomplishment given that the testing site has processed more than 6,100 samples since the beginning of the spring semester. Thank you to all employees and students who have been doing their part by wearing masks, social distancing and complying with all COVID related policies.

In consideration of the data and trends, the COVID Command Committee has elected to modify testing requirements. Therefore, effective April 19, 2021 Bay Path University will transition to a 14-day testing cycle. Those who test between April 12-15 will not be required to submit to a COVID test again until April 26-29.

While we are modifying the testing schedule, the unpredictability of this virus means we cannot let our guard down. The following requirements remain in place: mask wearing; social distancing of at least 6 feet; frequent hand-washing; and daily symptom tracking. All employees and students must adhere to the fourteen-day testing frequency.

The testing site hours will remain the same through April 29:

• Mon, Tues, Thurs 8:00 AM-3:30 PM
• Wed 10:00 AM-5:30 PM

New hours for the month of May will be posted prior to the end of April.

Thank you for your cooperation. Stay well and enjoy spring!

Sincerely,
The COVID Command Committee