COVID-19 Campus Alert Levels

Today’s alert level

Fall 2021

At the beginning of the 2021–22 academic year, Trinity College will continue to use a framework of alert levels to provide the

community with up-to-date guidance about activity and health and safety procedures on campus, based on several factors related to the virus. The framework employs four different operating status levels, from green to red, and the system is intended to help mitigate the spread of the virus among our community.

While this year’s circumstances are different than last year—notably because of the wide availability of and requirement for vaccines—we are continuing to monitor community transmission rates and respond in a way that is flexible and precise.

Therefore, during the fall semester, we’re simplifying the alert level system—still using the same four levels but taking a more flexible, nimble approach that corresponds to circumstances we’re seeing on campus and in the community.

As was implemented in the spring, the college’s current operating status will always be visible on our website and in Trinity Today, and we will notify you via email when there’s a change in the alert level and share specific guidance at that time.

Alert Level Criteria

In assessing conditions to determine the appropriate alert level, the COVID-19 Steering Committee evaluates many indicators. These factors are considered in relation to one another, not individually. They include:

• Student and employee vaccination levels
• The level of community spread of the virus locally, statewide, and beyond, as appropriate
• The number of active cases of COVID-19 among students, faculty, and staff
• The number of students in quarantine or isolation and the capacity (space and staff) to manage those requiring quarantine or isolation
• The capacity of our health center to manage the demand of day-to-day operations, with regard to both COVID-19 and general student health
• The ability to deliver the academic program and essential services
• Federal or state regulatory guidance
• The availability of PPE supplies
• The ability to conduct COVID-19 testing and receive timely test results
• The capacity of area hospitals to manage hospitalizations and accommodate surges in the virus

In addition, we continue to monitor relevant travel advisories and restrictions and other guidance and executive orders issued by local, state, and federal authorities.

Alert Levels

The green alert level aligns with the baseline for campus operations under our policies and guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. At this level, virus transmission levels on campus are low. Classes are offered as planned for the academic year. Events are held with reduced density and social distancing safeguards in place. Vaccinated and masked visitors are welcome with moderate safeguards in place. Travel is permitted with moderate safeguards in place, such as limiting international travel to particular regions.

Under a yellow alert level, a higher but manageable number of cases exist on campus, and the college is mitigating the spread through proactive measures. Classes continue as planned with minor modifications as necessary. Events are held with more stringent attendance and social distancing safeguards. Vaccinated and masked visitors are welcome but with more stringent safeguards in place. Travel will be permitted under more stringent safety requirements.

At the orange level, transmission levels on campus are increasing, and to mitigate the virus, the college will modify or reduce operations. Classes continue with greater reliance on remote options and social distancing. Events might be canceled, or moved to remote options, or held with strict safeguards. Visitors to campus are restricted to critical events or programs. Travel is limited and subject to strict restrictions.

The red alert level reflects widespread campus or community transmissions where strategies for controlling the spread of COVID-19 are limited or ineffective. The college will move to minimal staffing on campus and remote operations. Classes are transitioned entirely to remote learning, and all events are canceled. Planned visits to campus are canceled, and visitors are actively discouraged. Travel is not permitted.