Unexpectedly, study predicts that NOT opening campus could result in MORE infections, given that a large number of students intend to return to Ithaca, regardless. The conclusion is that infections will inevitably occur and the aim is to mitigate spread and intensity of disease, while providing continuity of education.

See chart on p. 6-14 for “Key Recommendations for Teaching Reactivation”

The semester long testing spend will be $3-$5 million for 35,000 people and will include both on-arrival and once a week testing. Recommendations are for a robust, mandatory, pooled testing program, contact tracing, and quarantine.

• students must complete re-entry action items for full re-activation of key cards;
• recommended that students take an online course about the pandemic that incorporates broad disciplinary perspectives;
• progressive sanctions for behavior violations;
• data surveillance following the cadence of infections;
• text-based COVID-19 Tip Line for reporting behavioral violations;
• wastewater testing;
• policy modifications to assure students are not incentivized to take health and safety risks
• students provided immunity for activities they disclose during contact tracing