Important Message for Students (December 10, 2021)

To our Bowdoin students, 

As you may have seen, Maine is reporting a record 2,148 new cases of COVID-19 today—a number well above the previous record of 1,460 cases set just yesterday. Dr. Nirav Shah, the head of the Maine CDC, describes the current conditions in the state as the worst since the start of the pandemic, and he believes these numbers will only get worse in the coming days. 

In addition, Middlebury College in Vermont is reporting thirty-four (34) new cases of COVID-19. They moved to remote classes and exams early today and are also imposing a variety of other immediate restrictions.

Our numbers have been excellent for most of the semester and, in particular, since returning from Thanksgiving break. With only a few days left, we want to do everything we can to prevent any of you from being stuck here for any part of break due to infection with the virus. We strongly recommend that everyone consider the following steps to stay safe and to make sure that those of you traveling home can get to your destinations on time:

• Wear a face covering at all times, unless you are in a private space or actively eating or drinking; 
• Avoid trips into town or elsewhere in Maine until you depart for the break, unless it is absolutely necessary (e.g., a scheduled booster vaccination), and then wear your mask; and 
• Depart campus for the break as soon as your in-person academic work is complete—including exams and other final work.  

IMPORTANT: If you leave before Tuesday, December 21, please use the linked form here to notify the College of your departure. This will ensure that any of your PCR tests scheduled after your departure won’t be counted toward your missed test totals. 

Good luck with your papers and exams and enjoy the break. I look forward to seeing you in January 

All the best, 

Clayton