Dear Students,
I hope your February is off to a good start! Today, I want to share some important data from Columbia’s contact tracing with you, that shows why Keeping the Compact is more important than ever.
Overall, our contact tracing efforts show that most positive cases on our campus occur as a result of a known exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. This has occurred in household settings during small, unmasked indoor gatherings or meals, and due to travel, which is currently suspended except in emergency situations. Learn more about how to stay safe from the travel FAQs and events policy.
The following trends have emerged:
- Classroom transmission has not occurred. This is because face coverings are worn and physical distancing is observed.
- Transmission of COVID-19 is far more likely in social or household situations. Often, this happens because someone in a social or household pod interacts with someone outside of it, is unknowingly exposed to COVID-19 and gives it to others within their pod.
- We have seen an increase in COVID-19 positive cases due to winter travel.
It’s been a year since COVID-19 first affected us. I know we are all tired of the ways our lives have been limited. But the data is clear: our personal choices can either raise or reduce the spread. As a community, we must stay united and Keep the Compact. By keeping your mask on, maintaining six feet of distance and staying local, you protect yourselves, your friends, essential workers on campus and the surrounding community. Thank you for your continued commitment.
Want to do more? We’re still looking for 20-second videos about how you’re staying safe during the pandemic! Send one to [email protected] and we’ll share it on our Instagram Stories, and send you a $20 Visa gift card!
Have a healthy and enjoyable week,
Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Office of University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His
Connect with me: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
Connect with University Life: universitylife.columbia.edu | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
