Dear Colleagues,

I write following last week’s State of Maine announcement and executive order from Governor Mills. This new order provides guidance for citizens and businesses, laying a path to “restarting the economy.”  With this in mind, we have convened a group to evaluate the policies and practices needed to safely bring employees back to campus. We will provide details on this planning later this month.

Our current work arrangements and policies for employees, previously announced as being in effect until May 15, will be extended to May 31. Please continue to work with your manager to understand what can be done remotely, and what can only be accomplished on campus.  As always, the college remains open under the Governor’s order and staff may be on campus as required by their manager, duties, and responsibilities.

The Governor’s executive order last week requires Mainers to wear face coverings in public settings where physical distancing is difficult to maintain, and we expect the Bates community to follow this on campus. If you need a face covering for activities on campus, please contact your manager or Jess Smith, Director of Environmental Health and Safety. Coverings are in short supply, so if you have a mask or covering from home and it is suitable for your needs, please use it so that we may focus our limited supply on those whose roles most require them. Jess is our point person for PPE at Bates, and she has been working closely with Christine McDowell in the Theater department, who, with several students, has been busy making face coverings for the Bates community. Many thanks to Christine for her efforts – one of many examples of how our community has pulled together to care for those around us.

The Governor reiterated ongoing public health guidance: wash your hands; cover your cough with your elbow; and be thoughtful of your physical proximity to others and their personal space. Physical distancing remains our best method to reduce the spread of the virus. This pandemic has reinforced our existing policies: if you are sick, stay home. Focus on your health and wellness. To reiterate, our current COVID sick time policies are now extended through May 31.

I continue to be grateful for the continued hard work throughout the Bates community as we navigate these unchartered waters. Thank you for all you do for Bates.

Best, Geoff