Web Exclusive: COVID Restrictions
By: Anna Kim, Otto Do, Lauren Kim, Jessica Huang
As the Academy reopened, students came back to reduced COVID guidelines, with relaxed masking policies and opening up of common rooms. Restrictions were further loosened on September 21 and 27.
In a student leader meeting, Lamont Health Center Medical Director Katherine Lilly stated that campus vaccination stood at 92% at the beginning of the term. To be considered vaccinated, students must have been administered a vaccine accepted by the Center of Disease and Control (CDC) which excludes many internationally-based vaccines.
Upon arrival, new lower Jacob Fernandez observed that adherence to rules has varied depending on the environment. “On the first day of classes, everyone was wearing a mask and indoors because of the teachers there,” Fernandez said. “Throughout dorms, it's definitely more relaxed. Out of a group of eight, there’s at least one kid without their mask on.”
Senior and Langdell Proctor Zara Ahmed agreed. “In private dorm spaces, students aren’t as strict with following rules, but I haven’t witnessed any violations for shared, public indoor spaces.” Ahmed cited the lack of mandated outdoor masking as the cause of relaxed masking within dorms. As of September 27, vaccinated students are allowed to wear masks indoors.
Senior and Williams House Student Listener Shalom Headly said, “People want to feel closer to others in this trying time.”
New lower Zara Virani said,” I know that personally I would love to not have to wear a mask at least in the dorms and then eventually in classes and dining halls. I think some people do get used to wearing masks eventually, while others think of them as a constant bother.”
Upper Enzo Nakornsri, who will be fully vaccinated by October, has faith in the Academy’s policies. “There's not much to worry about right now in Exeter, because the community's decently close, and we are taking good precautions to limit the amount of interaction with the outside world and with each other for the first few weeks,” he said. “I'm happy about it [and] not worried that I'll get COVID or anything.”
Prep Kamilah Alabi agreed, praising the Academy’s COVID guidelines with returning to normalcy. “Exeter has been doing pretty well with their COVID restrictions, and they're doing a good job trying to make things feel normal and to make things as easy as possible for international students.”
Returning lower Eloise Benchley said, “I'm glad that in-person classes are starting earlier...it feels great to have a normal-ish year,” she said. “I'm so glad we can visit each other's rooms in the dorm [and] day students can come in.”
Despite risks, post-graduate Chandler Pigge is grateful for the chance to interact with his community again. “To be able to be back around everybody, even with COVID restrictions, just being able to be there with your friends and your teachers, is a great opportunity.”
Upper and Dutch House Proctor Andrea Hernandez expressed concerns for unvaccinated students. “My biggest concern is how to keep unvaccinated students safe because we're not going to know who they are.”
