Simmons changes COVID policies amid low transmission

Graphic by Sarah Carlon.

Simmons residents are now permitted to bring one guest into the dorm buildings, provided they are vaccinated and symptom-free, according to an email from Simmon’s COVID-19 Recovery Task Force Steering Committee.

This policy is amended from previous regulations, where only one guest per room was allowed. Previously, each guest had to be a verifiable student at one of the Colleges of the Fenway. 

In addition to the loosening of guest policies, the email announced that student organizations may now meet on residential campus. 

Food and drinks may also be eaten in any lounge or public space as long as social distancing is maintained. Earlier policy stated students and staff could eat only in private offices and workspace or in designated communal dining areas.

The email cited a low positivity rate of 0.13% and “high compliance with weekly testing” as reasons for the policy change. 

The full updated policies may be found in the Undergraduate Community Standards handbook.