As the John Brown University community looks forward to kicking off the new academic year, University President Chip Pollard hosted an Instagram live on Monday, Aug. 9 to announce updates to COVID-19 protocols for the fall semester and to answer related questions.
After a year of required face masks, social distancing and a lack of social events on campus, vaccine availability offered the JBU community a ray of hope that the upcoming year would return to normal. However, the Delta variant of the coronavirus has led to tighter restrictions, given its “increased transmissibility when compared to other variants, even in vaccinated individuals,” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In a previous email sent on Aug. 4, Pollard explained that changes to COVID-19 protocols are due to a significant spike in positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Arkansas, leading Gov. Asa Hutchinson to declare a statewide public health emergency on July 29. “We will loosen these restrictions when Benton county sustains a moderate transmission level,” Pollard stated.
During the Instagram live, Pollard answered questions from students and parents regarding COVID-19 vaccination, testing, mask requirements and campus life. Here are some important updates to COVID-19 guidelines for fall 2021:
Vaccination
JBU will not require the COVID-19 vaccine but strongly recommends that students get vaccinated to protect themselves and the community. Currently, approximately 66% of faculty and staff are vaccinated, and 35% of students.
Testing
Unvaccinated students will be required to get tested for COVID-19 before school starts. Students who have had COVID-19 within 90 days of school starting or are fully vaccinated won’t need to present proof of a negative test. In addition, JBU will provide a self-swab test on campus for students who are unable to get a test.
Unvaccinated students who test positive upon arrival will have to isolate for 10-14 days before moving to campus.
Masks
According to the email sent by Pollard, “JBU recommends, in general, that students wear masks in public indoor spaces and trust students to implement that policy appropriately.”
Mask-wearing, however, will be required in classrooms, chapel, and when groups of more than 12 people are meeting indoors. Faculty will not be required to wear masks in classrooms as long as six-foot distancing is maintained, the email reads.
Physical distancing
In keeping with CDC guidance, JBU established three-feet distancing in all classrooms and dining facilities. Generally, Pollard said that he trusts students to follow physical distancing outdoors, and in groups of 12 and fewer indoors.
Other updates to COVID-19 protocols include having chapel in the Cathedral and the Berry Performing Arts Center (BPAC) to reduce the density in each place. Pollard also stated that students can expect to have “as many of the normal student activities, athletics and residential life experiences as possible.”
For more information about JBU’s fall 2021 updates, you can visit the official back-to-campus FAQ.
Featured image courtesy of University Communications