Centenary's Plan on How to Stay Safe with COVID-19
Photo by Alena Shekhovtcova
Closing in on the two-year anniversary of COVID-19, we are all aware of the basics. We know that monitoring signs of our health and wearing a face mask correctly—over the nose and mouth—reduces our chances of spreading the virus. We recognize that social distancing, avoiding large crowds, and disinfecting regularly decreases the likelihood of becoming sick. Coronavirus has become a part of our daily lives and activities. Still, we must remain vigilant amid conditions that exhaust our efforts and attention to detail. Staying up to date with national trends and recommendations offers the best protection against illness and transmission.
Centenary College of Louisiana strives to maintain the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. With that, campus frequently updates protocol in hopes of achieving this goal. The novel Omicron variant, although less severe than other versions, is significantly more transmissible, thus lending to stricter guidance. In the face of this strain, Centenary has continually sent informational emails and amended their COVID-19 Information page.
To begin with, campus required returning students to submit a negative COVID test. Although we saw the highest peak in positive cases, this served to filter out those individuals and to prevent further spread. Symptom tracking and contact tracing are crucial to campus’s efforts in minimizing the spread of this disease. Be aware of your physical wellness, and continue washing hands, using hand sanitizer, appropriately disposing of tissues, and routinely cleaning surfaces.
Photo by Yaroslav DanylChenko
The newest procedure upholds the use of facemasks but urges individuals to now invest in KN95 masks. These are available for purchase on Amazon. They can be reused a few times, too, if heated at the appropriate temperature to rid any possible contamination. If unable to buy these types, however, campus suggests double masking: wear a surgical mask under a cloth mask. Under any circumstances, the masks should still cover your mouth and nose and fit tightly. Part of this approach is under professor discretion as some only allow KN95 masks to attend class in person. On the bright side, most classes function with a remote alternative if unable to comply.
As part of COVID policy, individual guests may be permitted on campus if they abide by the specified provisions. If the guest is expected for less than a day, then they should at all times wear a KN95 or equivalent mask indoors. If anticipating a stay longer than twenty-four hours, the guest must be vaccinated, submit a negative test, and adhere to all other guidelines.
Arguably, the most controversial component of our college’s coronavirus plan is the redefinition of “complete vaccination.” Full vaccination status now encompasses a Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson vaccine within six months or the booster. Having only the original vaccine no longer meets qualifications. While the standard vaccines have proven less effective with the surging Omicron variant, the booster supposedly lessens rates of infection. If you can, get your booster to further arm your immune system against this virus.
After January 31st, we can look forward to seeing more updates as Centenary reevaluates the situation. If in the meantime you have any questions or concerns, feel free to visit the COVID-19 Information page through centenary.edu or to email covid@centenary.edu. Stay safe out there!
