Going Green
Conn celebrates transition to lowest COVID-19 alert level
Conn’s commitment to keeping students, faculty and staff safe and healthy has paid off.
After two months of aggressive testing protocols and strict adherence to social distancing, mask-wearing and other public health measures to help mitigate the spread of the infection, the College has met the threshold to lower its alert level to a “modified Green”—the least restrictive status. To mark the collaborative effort that made the change possible, the College community has enjoyed free food trucks throughout the week and other events as a reward for reaching this milestone.
“With only four more weeks before Thanksgiving, we have been reflecting on these last two months living with COVID-19, both grateful and proud of the way our community has come together to create a safe campus,” Connecticut College President Katherine Bergeron wrote in a letter to students announcing the welcome alert downgrade. “By adhering to our protocols, you have maintained the health of our community.”
While Green status lifts some restrictions on inside dining and visiting students in other dorms, the downgrade does not represent a return to pre-pandemic behaviors, and everybody on campus is still required to wear masks and practice social distancing.
On Monday and Tuesday, people arriving at the campus testing center between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. were treated to free donuts and cider from Dude’s Donut Truck, and on Wednesday, people were invited for free cannolis from Meriano’s Cannoli Truck in front of the Arboretum between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Since August, the College has administered nearly 27,000 COVID-19 tests to students, faculty and staff, with a remarkably low positive rate of 0.09%.
“Our ability to go green really showcases just how strong our community is this semester, and simple things like getting together to have cider donuts at the testing center would have never been possible without our collective empathy and integrity,” said Milo Becker ’22, who serves as sustainability chair for the Student Government Association.
Ella Ross ’23 said the semester has naturally had its challenges due to the pandemic, but that she has been amazed by the dedication of the community to follow all the safety procedures, adding that the switch to Green level has had a very positive impact on the spirits of students.
“The versatility and creativity of events such as food trucks, outdoor concerts, watch parties and clubs have continued Conn’s culture of inclusivity despite the COVID barrier,” Ross said. “Our community is unique for many reasons, but particularly for the level of attention and care each member has for others. I’m so proud and honored to be part of this community that has worked to uphold this trust and responsibility.”
