An immense amount of effort went into building the pandemic response ecosystem that protected University of Idaho students and employees last fall. The in-house COVID-19 testing lab, our partnership with Gritman Medical Center, efforts to examine wastewater and classroom technology improvements all contributed to our ability to hold in-person classes on the Moscow campus. Fall semester operations were a success because of the logistics put into testing students, isolating positive COVID-19 cases and proactively approaching challenges related to the pandemic. We saw which tactics worked and identified where improvements could be made. To that end, Spring 2021 is beginning to look a lot like fall. We are off to a great start. More than 5,100 people have already received the COVID-19 tests required to enter a classroom or live in U of I residence halls, and we have experienced a low positivity rate, much lower than the statewide average. We expect that instances of COVID-19 will rise as the Vandal Family comes together for spring and our asymptomatic community is tested and retested. We are prepared to respond quickly and thoughtfully to this dynamic environment. As was the case last fall, students who test positive will be cared for and supported in our isolation facilities. I am excited to see our students return to campus. Thereâs an encouraging feeling that comes from seeing Vandals start a new semester in Moscow and around the state. 2020 was a year we are all glad is behind us, but thereâs also a sense of pride for what we have accomplished as a university, and a knowledge that 2021 will continue to challenge us. Spring is a busy time as many Vandals make the final push to complete capstone projects and the final credits toward a university degree. Student-athletes are working to achieve their highest potential during an eventful and unprecedented spring sports season. Achieving these milestones while in person and keeping COVID-19 in check requires vigilance. Living by the Healthy Vandal Pledge is a critical piece of the ecosystem we have created to keep our community safe. I appreciate how our community has responded thus far and am optimistic we will soon be on the other side of this historically challenging time, well-positioned, stronger and ready to achieve the objectives we have set. We have many opportunities to thrive this spring with your support. |