Connecticut College

Dear Students, Staff and Faculty,

I am writing to you today about our local area. Throughout the summer, COVID-19 levels remained very low in New London County, but over the past few weeks, there has been a steady increase in positive cases. Below is recent data covering the period of time that we have been together on campus:

• Week of Aug. 22-28: 5 new cases
• Week of Aug. 29-Sept. 4: 18 new cases
• Week of Sept. 5-11: 19 new cases
• Week of Sept. 12-18:  26 new cases
• Week of Sept. 19-25:  60 new cases
• Week of Sept. 26-Oct. 2: 154 new cases

As you can see, there has been a significant increase over the past three weeks. Yesterday, I spoke with our contact at our local health department, Ledge Light Health District (LLHD), and learned that the increase is largely in the following areas: Norwich, New London, Groton and Ledyard. The LLHD contact tracers noted that there are many instances of family and social gathering connections influencing the spread. It is important that we not contribute to this rise in positive cases and do our part to help flatten the curve in New London County.

Students: LLHD recommends that you limit your time off-campus and only leave campus if it is essential. Those of you who live off-campus should travel between campus and your rental property as needed but limit your time beyond that to essential needs (grocery store, pharmacy, etc.).

Students, faculty and staff: While in the community, please follow the same expectations we have for our campus, including wearing a face covering, social distancing and frequent hand washing/use of sanitizer. Taking these steps will reduce the likelihood that you will contract the virus off-campus and potentially bring it to the Conn campus.

Thank you for your continued attention to maintaining a safe campus and to helping minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the county. I hope that you enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!

Sincerely,

Victor Arcelus
Dean of Students