This weekly update is intended to keep you informed of the latest developments from our Protect the Nest Team (formerly the Return to Campus Team). Please visit www.otterbein.edu/rtc 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. 

Return to Campus Team Has a New Name
This week marks the end of the successful phased return to campus. Now that most of our campus community is back, the Return to Campus Team is changing its name to reflect its ongoing mission. A group of students leading an effort to educate their fellow students about COVID-19 prevention recently created the “Protect the Nest” campaign. In a nod to their leadership, the Return to Campus Team is renaming itself the Protect the Nest Team.

Be a Flu Fighter! 
Did you know the flu vaccination is recommended for all people six months or older, but less than 46% of adults got the shot in the 2018-19 flu season? The flu sends up to 700,000 people a year into the hospital. According to the CDC, the impact of increasing vaccination levels by just 5% could prevent 4,000 to 11,000 people from being admitted into the hospital with flu. This is even more important this year due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Learn more about the flu at this CDC link.

Starting Monday, Sept. 21, students can get a FREE flu shot at the Student Health Center. Shots will be given by appointment only; no walk-ins will be accepted. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday- Thursday. Call 614-823-1345 to make your appointment.
 
Reminder: Cardinal Community Responsibilities 
We appreciate everything you’ve done to keep our campus safe and healthy so we can stay together. As the leaves and temperatures start to fall and activities start to move indoors, we wanted to remind everyone of our six main responsibilities for all members of the campus community this fall. You can watch a fun video or read about the responsibilities below.

• Perform a daily self-assessment. Don’t come to campus if you have two or more of the following symptoms unrelated to a chronic illness: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.
• Wear facial coverings. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are required to wear a facial covering in classrooms and other common spaces indoors, if it is safe to do so. Facial coverings are required outside when in more-than-passing proximity to another person who is not already exposed to you. In other words: walking alone or with a roommate/family member does not require a facial covering; stopping to talk to others requires a facial covering and social distancing.
• Practice social distancing. Stay 6 feet from other people whenever possible.
• Keep it clean. Clean your workspace or common spaces with the provided sanitizing supplies.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
• Share concerns via anonymous reporting page. If you have concerns or suggestions, you can report them anonymously through the reporting page on Ozone, under the Return to Campus tab.