According to an email from Jason Buck, a representative from NEC’s Covid-19 Response Team, cases are on the rise and steps are being taken to provide tests to students.
“In the last eight days, our team has received 16 reports of positive COVID tests from our student population,” the email stated. “There have been several additional positive results among our staff and faculty.”
The email announced that on-campus students will receive one free antigen test in their mailbox this week.
Commuter students are urged to pick-up a test at the following locations:
“In Manchester, please stop by for a test at the Mail Center at 104 Concord Hall on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and Noon or between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Henniker commuters can get their test at the Mail Center in the Simon Center between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.”
According to the email, students who test positive for COVID should immediately contact the Covid Response Team at covidresponseteam@nec.edu. If the positive result comes after regular business hours, contact Campus Safety.
Students are encouraged to wear masks if they are feeling ill. The Covid Response Team also wants students to have a plan if they test positive. According to the team, students who live within four hours of campus are expected to quarantine at home following a positive test.
Another announcement from the email was that a vaccine clinic will be held in the future.
“The Wellness Center is arranging for a vaccine clinic on the Henniker Campus, at which COVID vaccine doses and boosters will be available – including the updated COVID booster. Please watch for an announcement about that clinic and please plan on attending if you wish to get any COVID vaccine doses, boosters, or other required shots.”
In an interview on August 31st, Buck told The NewEnglander there were two active cases at that time, and six cases at the beginning of the semester.
“People are concerned when we have some positives come up but the good thing is that people seem to be recovering well,” Buck said.