Dordt University let parents and students know that, by Aug. 19, the students must upload either a copy of the vaccine record or a negative COVID test to Dordt’s Online Student Health Portal.
The college said the best way to “return to normal” is for everyone who can to get vaccinated.
“According to the latest data, the Delta variant of Covid-19 is said to be four times more contagious than the alpha Covid-19 virus, and the people infected by the Delta variant are twice as likely to be hospitalized,” the email said. “Plus, there is an increase in the number of 18- to 22-year-olds who are being hospitalized due to the Delta variant—more so than with the alpha Covid-19 virus. Those who are unvaccinated and contract Covid-19 are more likely to have worse health effects, too.”
The email said the vaccine is “one of the best” steps that can be taken to end the Delta variant and return to the “everyday freedoms we all enjoy.”
All of this could change, according to the college. Quarantine practices have changed. Anyone vaccinated and needing to quarantine will receive complimentary housing and food.
“However, if you are unvaccinated and need to quarantine, you will have some financial responsibility to cover the difference between the standard cost of Dordt’s room/board and additional accommodation costs incurred due to quarantining.”
Masks will not be required at the beginning of the year, but there may be situations where it is needed and, again, the policy could change.