This update is intended to keep you informed of the latest developments from our Protect the Nest Team. Please visit www.otterbein.edu/covid19/ for additional general and student-related information. If you have questions or concerns, contact the COVID Hotline at 614-823-1586 or covid@otterbein.edu.

Reminders: 

• Students who participated in the testing event on campus do not need to send their results to the COVID Support Line. Student Affairs already has your results.  
• Before you come to campus each day, don’t forget to complete your self-screening assessment. Download this guide, which has important information and a checklist. 
• It’s cold and flu season. This year, some of the common symptoms overlap with COVID-19 symptoms. If you are feeling ill, don’t take any chances — stay home!  
• If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, contact the COVID Hotline at 614-823-1586 or covid@otterbein.edu and let our Student Affairs staff and OhioHealth representative advise you on your next steps.

Welcome Back! 

We are grateful for such a healthy and safe fall semester. You made that happen, so let’s do it again! We are so excited you are back!   

Additional FREE On-Campus COVID-19 Testing Event 

Whether you are a student who needs to be tested to fulfill your return-to-campus requirement or you would like to have a test voluntarily, you are invited to participate in Otterbein’s ADDED FREE COVID-19 testing event from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26, in the Clements Recreation Center. Due to a successful, strong turnout and expressed interest in additional, voluntary testing, this second round of testing will be again be held in partnership with the Ohio National Guard. You must pre-register for the event at https://www.otterbein.edu/covid19/directions-for-signing-up-for-testing-event-tuesday-january-26-2021/. 

Group Meetings on Campus 

We encourage all members of the campus community to meet virtually when possible, but we understand that some organizations and clubs will want or need to meet in person. Our general guidelines will apply, including adhering to room capacity, wearing facial coverings, maintaining social distance, not moving furniture and sanitizing the space before and after use. Additionally, in-person group meetings of any size must have a faculty or staff member present. Anyone planning an event or gathering larger than a meeting on campus should consult the Office for Events and Conferences. 

Athletic groups are allowed to meet in larger numbers and closer proximity because students and certain staff in Athletics are operating under strict NCAA guidelines that includes a rigorous testing protocol to monitor for any spread of COVID-19. Each team returned to campus in a three-phased approach to slowly and safely increase their “bubble” size.  

Food Service  

Campus food service will be grab-n-go ONLY now through Jan. 30. Full service with limited seating availability will be available starting Jan. 31.