Additionally, we have identified a cluster associated with Guilford College Athletics, currently with 18 positive cases identified. A cluster is defined by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services as five or more cases that are deemed close proximity or location.*

Based on this information, the Health and Safety Task Force has recommended and the President’s Cabinet has approved the following next steps at least through Wednesday, Oct. 6:

• Transition to Phase 2 of the Activity Matrix beginning Thursday, Sept. 30.
• Classes will move online.
• On-campus events will be transitioned online, cancelled, or greatly curtailed.

We will hold additional testing clinics on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. We will test all members of the community on Monday or Tuesday of next week, which will provide substantially more information that will allow us to determine whether or not we need to remain in Phase 2 or resume more normal activities. More information about this testing will be in this week's COVID update.

• Information specifically for students: Faculty will communicate with you regarding course work. Residential students should remain on campus and not travel home. The Dining Hall has transitioned to to-go only options. This of course generates a lot of additional trash. Please be mindful of the housekeeping and grounds staff and dispose of your waste appropriately.
• Information specifically for faculty: In Phase 2, no classrooms are to be used for instruction. Faculty will receive a separate communication from the Provost’s Office regarding this temporary shift to online classes. I realize this will be a difficult adjustment, but we need to take this step now to be certain we do not allow the virus to spread.
• Information specifically for staff: In Phase 2, all employees who are able to work remotely will do so.  Please check with your supervisor to determine whether or not you need to work on campus.

As we have seen, Guilford is not immune to the impact of the delta variant of the coronavirus. Please continue to use the tools available to us to help mitigate the spread of the virus on campus and in our community: Get vaccinated, stay home if you are sick, wear your mask, socially distance, don’t gather in large groups, etc.  

Contact tracing has been initiated with direct communication to anyone known to have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. All students testing positive are being isolated and close contacts quarantined. A close contact is defined as someone who has been within 6 feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes when either person has not been wearing a face covering. Those identified as a close contact will be notified directly and provided with further guidance.

I am asking that all in our community remain committed to protecting your fellow Guilfordians by continuing to follow our Health and Safety Protocols and related policies on face coverings, physical distancing, and gatherings and events.

Anyone in our community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, or a cough should immediately contact the COVID-19 Hotline at 336.316.2319.

We are prepared for this uptick in cases on campus, and I expect us to move through our phases to return to more normal operations. We are a strong community, and it is times like these that we showcase our resilience and care for one another.

Sincerely,
Jim Hood ‘79
Interim President

_{^{* In compliance with the Timely Notice provisions of the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, Guilford College is providing notice of this COVID-19 cluster for campus awareness. The College will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations.}}