Dear Harvard College Students,
 
We hope that your classes are going well and that you are settling into your routines for the fall semester. While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly brings new challenges that none of us bargained for when the year 2020 began, we know that we can work together to meet these challenges. No matter where you are physically located, your health is our highest priority. For those of you who have joined us on campus for the fall, we are grateful for your cooperation throughout the move-in process. We are pleased to report that so far, things are going smoothly.
 
• Over 1,500 students have moved into their residence and begun quarantine.
• All residential students have been tested, in many cases more than once, and so far we have had only a handful of positive test results.
• Students have largely been following the guidelines set forth in the Residential Community Compact, and for this we are extraordinarily grateful.
 
It is imperative that you continue to take the Compact seriously not only for yourself, but for the health and well-being of your fellow students, members of the broader Harvard community and our neighbors throughout Cambridge and Greater Boston. The elements are in place to have a safe and healthy fall, and every one of us has a role to play in ensuring that we keep our community healthy.
 
Whether you are learning on campus or off, every single one of us can and should play an active role in fighting the spread of COVID-19. Please take a moment to read through some simple ways to stay healthy while engaging in safer socializing.
 
Safer socializing: Social interaction is critical to our emotional wellbeing. This vital part of our humanity does not need to jeopardize our health, so here are some ways that you can socialize more safely:

• Wear a mask when around other people. Wearing a mask protects others in case you are infected and can reduce your chance of getting ill. Many local communities across the country and around the world now require masks, including the greater Boston area and Harvard’s campus specifically.
• Wear your mask correctly. Be sure your mask covers your nose and mouth and that there is a good seal around the edges of the face covering. Masks sometimes slide off your nose, so don’t be upset if someone points out that your mask has drifted down.
• Meet outside. Viral particles disperse more readily and respiratory aerosols become diluted quickly when you are outdoors. Indoor socializing presents greater risks of transmission. Being out in nature also brings mental health benefits.
• Socialize in small groups. Get to know your friends in groups of 2-5 people total. Socializing in small groups allows physical distance while still being able to hear each other and feel connected. We had previously recommended groups of only 2, but we are pleased to increase this to 2-5 for outdoor gatherings given the success of our first few weeks on campus.
• Stay 6 feet apart (or more) from anyone who does not live in your suite or household.
• Space your chairs or lawn blankets at an appropriate distance so you don’t accidentally gravitate toward others during conversation.
• Bring your own food and drinks when you socialize.
• Put your mask back on between sips and immediately after finishing your meal.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.  Alcohol and drugs can cause you to drop your guard and can put you at risk.
• Simplify. Don’t have close interactions with more than a couple of people in a week. In other words, limit the number of people with whom you spend extended time in close proximity (<6 feet, >15 minutes) or around whom you take your mask off (eating, drinking). That way, if you happen to be infected, you are less likely to expose a lot of friends. Avoid large gatherings, because this reduces your chances of interacting with an infected person.
• Clean your hands after touching anything that may have been touched by someone else, before eating or drinking, and before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available nearby.

• Review the latest Massachusetts travel order and Harvard’s returning to campus policies.
• Complete Harvard’s COVID-19 safety training.
• Undergo viral testing as recommended. Familiarize yourself with next steps in the event of a positive or negative test result.
• Use Crimson Clear before you leave your room every day that you are on campus.
• Keep your phone powered and nearby. If you were exposed to an infected person, or if your test is positive, Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) will need to speak with you as soon as possible.
• Comply with contact tracing and quarantine requirements.

 
Remember that mutual respect is one of our core values here at Harvard. Underrepresented communities have been hit hard by the pandemic. Also, many people in our community have medical conditions that put them at increased risk (or live with people who do). It is our responsibility to keep these members of our community safe.
 
You play a critical role. We are grateful for every action that you are taking personally and within your communities to keep Harvard healthy.

Best regards,
 
Dr. Giang T. Nguyen, MD MPH MSCE FAAFP 
Executive Director and Henry K. Oliver Chair of Hygiene
Harvard University Health Services
 
Rakesh Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College