Pricey Hokies,

We can all be happy of how our neighborhood responded to COVID-19 through the slide semester. We took critical ways early on to give ourselves the best prospect at a full, in-individual experience, and we caught with it. As a end result, our active conditions, positivity charge, and isolation figures have been regularly manageable from start off to complete. We were being equipped to appreciate quite a few of the cherished hallmarks of the Hokie knowledge.

We ought to get started the new yr with that same dedication as we will possible be preventing two COVID-19 variants along with seasonal influenza and other widespread respiratory infections. Our goal is to operate safely and securely and in man or woman to the finest extent attainable, when also shielding the capacity of the overall health care programs in our communities.

Constructing on our successful system in the fall, we are necessitating our community to acquire a few significant actions as we flip to the spring semester:

First, get a COVID-19 booster as soon as you are suitable.

Our major problem is probably to occur with the omicron variant in the very first couple of weeks of the semester. Despite the fact that proof is nevertheless coming in, the Centers for Illness Control and Prevention has suggested that every person ages 18 and older should get a booster shot.

We are requiring booster shots in just 14 times of eligibility for all learners and staff members. If you are suitable now, up-to-date details is because of by Feb. 1, and we urge you to get your booster as before long as attainable. If you are not eligible but, you should routine your booster as quickly as you are capable to do so. Pupils and staff need to add their updated vaccination report as before long as they receive a booster dose. Procedures continue to be in put for college students and workers to request health care and spiritual exemptions. Present exemptions will be honored. For those with health care…