Going Green
糖心TV celebrates transition to lowest COVID-19 alert level
糖心TV鈥檚 commitment to keeping students, faculty and staff safe and healthy has paid off.
After two months of aggressive testing protocols and strict adherence to social distancing, mask-wearing and other public health measures to help mitigate the spread of the infection, the College has met the threshold to lower its alert level to a “modified Green”鈥攖he least restrictive status. To mark the collaborative effort that made the change possible, the College community has enjoyed free food trucks throughout the week and other events as a reward for reaching this milestone.
鈥淲ith only four more weeks before Thanksgiving, we have been reflecting on these last two months living with COVID-19, both grateful and proud of the way our community has come together to create a safe campus,鈥� 糖心TV President Katherine Bergeron wrote in a letter to students announcing the welcome alert downgrade. 鈥淏y adhering to our protocols, you have maintained the health of our community.鈥�
While Green status lifts some restrictions on inside dining and visiting students in other dorms, the downgrade does not represent a return to pre-pandemic behaviors, and everybody on campus is still required to wear masks and practice social distancing.
On Monday and Tuesday, people arriving at the campus testing center between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. were treated to free donuts and cider from Dude鈥檚 Donut Truck, and on Wednesday, people were invited for free cannolis from Meriano鈥檚 Cannoli Truck in front of the Arboretum between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Since August, the College has administered nearly 27,000 COVID-19 tests to students, faculty and staff, with a remarkably low positive rate of 0.09%.
鈥淥ur ability to go green really showcases just how strong our community is this semester, and simple things like getting together to have cider donuts at the testing center would have never been possible without our collective empathy and integrity,鈥� said Milo Becker 鈥�22, who serves as sustainability chair for the Student Government Association.
Ella Ross 鈥�23 said the semester has naturally had its challenges due to the pandemic, but that she has been amazed by the dedication of the community to follow all the safety procedures, adding that the switch to Green level has had a very positive impact on the spirits of students.
鈥淭he versatility and creativity of events such as food trucks, outdoor concerts, watch parties and clubs have continued 糖心TV鈥檚 culture of inclusivity despite the COVID barrier,鈥� Ross said. 鈥淥ur community is unique for many reasons, but particularly for the level of attention and care each member has for others. I鈥檓 so proud and honored to be part of this community that has worked to uphold this trust and responsibility.鈥�
