Jan. 18, 2023 | Mask Advisory

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Effective January 18, 2023, a MASK ADVISORY will be in effect on all areas of campus. 

A mask advisory means it is strongly encouraged for all members of the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø community to wear a mask in public, indoor spaces, especially when areas are crowded. This mask advisory will be in effect for at least two weeks and will be re-evaluated on February 1, 2023. 

Masks will continue to be required in Health Services and the Counseling Center. Free masks are available in Health Services, the libraries, Hogan and the Jo.

Masking is one of the most effective tools to avoid getting sick, or transmitting illness to others.  One-way masking is also an effective way to avoid becoming infected. You should mask if you are feeling ill. 

This mask advisory is being put in place because of the following factors:

  • The high levels of COVID, flu, and other respiratory viruses in Worcester county, the state, and across the country

  • Increased travel among the student population due to the return to campus

  • Risk of disruption to academics as students begin a new semester

As you return to campus, please remind yourself of other mitigation measures available to you to avoid getting sick and prevent getting others sick. It is encouraged that you take these precautions as you return, as we know that flu, COVID, and other respiratory virus levels remain high in much of the country. Please remember to create an isolation plan with your roommate(s) in case one of you tests positive for COVID-19.

  • COVID Testing: Take a COVID test if you are feeling unwell, are identified as a close contact, or attended a high-risk event before coming to campus. High-risk events include large crowded gatherings and/or travel on a plan, train, or bus. Test frequently if you identify with any of these factors.

    • Rapid COVID tests are available at the entryway of Health Services, 9 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    • It is recommended to test between days 3 and 5 due to the nature of the current COVID variant that is circulating. 

    • If symptomatic, there should be a two antigen COVID tests performed: the initial test and a test 48 hours after.

    • Close contacts should take a total of 3 antigen COVID tests: if the initial test is negative, take another in 48 hours. If the second test is negative, take another test in 48 hours from the second test.

    • PCR Tests are available in Health Services, please call or email coronavirus@holycross.edu if you need a PCR.

  • Handwashing: Practice good hand hygiene to avoid getting sick and transmitting illness to others.

  • Isolation: If you feel sick, avoid optional social interaction to avoid getting others sick. If you test positive for COVID, please fill out This helps us accurately understand campus positivity trends and provide you with the resources you need to isolate safely.

In my role as the Public Health RN, it is my job to remind you of the tools you have to remain healthy and begin the semester without the stress and the fatigue of illness. However, if you do feel sick, please take the above precautions to avoid infecting others. If you have any questions, please respond to this email. If you need any more information on COVID, please visit the COVID-19 webpage.