Hood confirms COVID outbreak

Graphic by Kyle Richardson

By Braden Weinel//

Hood College announced eight new COVID-19 cases on campus on Friday, March 12.

These eight positive tests came from the latest round of student-athlete and coaching staff testing, the day before multiple games and matches.

Due to this recent outbreak, Hood has canceled all athletic competitions for the weekend, including men’s and women’s lacrosse, softball, baseball and swimming. The confirmation of positive cases also prevents all other sports teams from practicing.

“It’s disappointing, but we were all prepared for something like this in the midst of a pandemic,” junior softball player Cailyn Barthlow said.

The college decided to mandate to-go dining only, close the fitness center and library, and move all classes to online until Thursday, March 18. Hood is also strongly encouraging students to remain on campus during this time. 

President Andrea Chapdelaine said contract tracing began immediately following the knowledge of the testing results and that several students have been placed in quarantine, with more expected to follow.

Residential students are required to undergo testing at the Whitaker campus center on Tuesday, March 16.

Chapdelaine sent a mass email to faculty, staff and students regarding the new COVID-19 protocols that were made effective on Friday night. These protocols mirror the plan set at the beginning of the semester, which includes prohibiting students from entering rooms or residence halls other than their own.

“As we did last semester, we will get through this COVID bump and come out a stronger community,” Chapdelaine said.

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