January 29, 2021 Update

Important Message from Dr. Mark Reed and Associate Dean Eric Ramsey

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your cooperation, patience and compliance with health guidelines during your first two weeks back on campus.  For most of you this will be your first weekend out of quarantine and we are sure many of you are looking forward to catching up with friends in person.  You can check out a list of activities and indoor spaces available for studying at http://dartgo.org/winter.

As you make plans for the weekend, please keep in mind COVID and the cold.  We have 10 active COVID cases among students including a cluster (3 or more related cases).  The temperatures this weekend are going to be dropping to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips to keep mind: 

COVID: 

  • Wear face coverings
  • Maintain 6 feet of physical distance
  • Avoid gatherings of more than 9 people
  • Call the Health Service 603-646-9440 24/7 if you feel sick
  • Wash hands frequently

Managing the cold temperatures:

  • Limit your time outdoors or go inside regularly to warm up.
  • Dress in layers of loose fitting clothing with an outer layer that is wind/water proof. Wear mittens and a hat to prevent heat loss.
  • Stay dry.  If your clothing gets wet, change into dry clothes and warm up. 
  • Alcohol causes the body to lose heat at an accelerated rate by dilating blood vessels.  Alcohol also impairs one's ability to recognize getting cold or feeling pain.
  • Drink warm tea or hot cocoa.

Watch for Signs of Hypothermia:

  • Shivering
  • Dizziness
  • Cold/pain/numbness in extremities
  • Nausea
  • Rapid breathing
  • Confusion
  • Lack of coordination

As always, please don't hesitate to call the Health Service at 603-646-9440, around the clock, if you feel ill in any way or are concerned that you may have been exposed. Consultations are confidential. And as you prepare to enjoy the weekend, please look out for one another, and use the LiveSafe app or call Security at 646-4000 if you or someone you know needs help.

Regards,

Mark Reed

Director, Dartmouth College Health Service

Eric Ramsey

Associate Dean for Student Life