Library Closure And Risk Of Exposure (Clarification)

As announced earlier, the Molstead Library is physically closed due to staffing issues related to COVID-19. Following NIC protocols, library staff will work remotely until the anticipated reopening of the library next Thursday, October 29.

To clarify: all other offices and services in the Molstead Building remain OPEN, including the second floor Testing Center, Computer Lab, and main level Todd Hall.

Additional details regarding potential exposure to positive COVID-19 case in the Library:

Based on contact tracing interviews, it has been determined that students or visitors who frequented the library over the past several days are not at risk of exposure nor are any others who work in or visited other areas of the Molstead Building.

Individuals who had “close contact” with the person who tested positive for COVID-19 have been informed and are in quarantine as part of our college’s precautionary safety measures that go into effect when there is potential exposure.

As always, continue to remain vigilant in your health and safety practices and follow the recommendations offered by the Centers for Disease Control to reduce your risk of COVID-19 exposure.

Below is the latest definition from the CDC regarding “close contact”.

Close Contact: Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days before testing) until the time the patient is isolated.

*Individual exposures added together over a 24-hour period (e.g., three 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes). From CDC's glossary of key terms, updated 10/21/20.

Take care and stay safe.

Laura Rumpler, Chief Communications and Government Relations Officer