Return-to-Campus COVID Information Fall 2023

This message was sent to the WPI Community August 15, 2023.

Dear WPI Students, Faculty, and Staff, 
 
In just a few short days our campus will be bustling as we begin the academic year, and we are truly eager to see all of our students and colleagues.  
 
While we recognize that COVID is here to stay and will be primarily self-managed, we want to make you aware that the US is seeing a summer spike in cases and remind you of our current COVID-19 protocols. Please visit our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions webpage for the most up-to-date answers to your COVID-19 questions.

• We encourage everyone in the community to test 24 hours prior to returning to campus, particularly those who have traveled in the last two weeks or who have any symptoms and to follow the CDC 5-day isolation protocol if you test positive. Please do not return to campus until you have completed the 5-day isolation period and continue to wear a mask for the complete 10-days. 
• If you have symptoms while on campus, please take advantage of the free test kits and masks available 24/7 in the vending machine in the Morgan Wedge next to the Dining Hall Entrance. Test kits and masks can also be found in the Campus Center mailroom, but all other test-kit vending machines have been removed. 
• Students will continue to self-manage their isolation period which includes isolating in their residential housing with roommates when they test positive for COVID. You may quickly pick up grab-and-go food from the dining hall wearing a well-fitted mask during this isolation period which you can eat in your private residence. 
• WPI recommends staying up to date with annual vaccines and will be holding several vaccine clinics on campus this year to make it easy to access flu shots and other vaccines. WPI is hosting our first two on-campus clinics September 5 and 6 from 9 am to 4 pm in the Campus Center Odeum; sign up for an appointment time here . The October vaccine clinics will be held October 4, 5 and 6 from 9 am to 4 pm in the Harrington Auditorium Balcony. The new COVID-19 booster is not available yet but we are hoping it will be ready in time for our October vaccine clinics. 
• If you have questions or concerns that are not answered on the COVID-19 FAQ webpage, please reach out to Student Health Services at SHS@wpi.edu or 508-831-5520 during normal business hours.

Thank you for all you do to keep our community safe. We look forward to seeing you next week. 
 
The Public Health