Yamhill and Multnomah Counties, home to Linfield University’s two campuses, will both be in the state’s “high risk” category as of Friday, April 23. The change in county risk levels coincides with rising COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations in those counties over the last two weeks.
“Linfield as an institution and as a community has been able to do great things during this pandemic. As a community, we have put into place policies and procedures that have continued to protect each other, held ourselves accountable which allowed us to do what we are great at, nurture exceptional students and graduates,” said Erik Stenehjem, director of environmental health and safety. “If we can continue to wear our masks, physically distance, stay home when sick and get vaccinated when you can, not only will we finish out the year strong but we will be ready for next term!”
This means that the following changes go into effect on Friday:
- Room capacities for academic courses are limited to the posted COVID-19 room capacity or 50 people total, whichever is smaller.
- Social gatherings (whether on- or off-campus) are limited to a maximum of six people when indoors and eight people when outdoors, from two different households or family units. A reminder that for students, a ‘family unit’ is defined as you and your roommate(s). In the residence halls, a family unit is contained to each residential room.
- Room capacities for indoor events, if approved by the Office of Conference and Event Planning, are limited to 50% of the posted COVID-19 room capacity or 50 people total, whichever is smaller.
- Outdoor recreation, including athletic competitions, will be limited to a maximum capacity of 15% of the venue.
- The dining tent on the McMinnville campus, located on Renshaw Avenue, will reduce its maximum capacity to 75 people.
- Linfield’s weight room and cardio room on the McMinnville campus will move to 25% capacity. Workout times may be reserved online.
Regardless of risk level, the following remain in effect until removed by Linfield University:
- All in-person, on-campus events must be approved by the Office of Conference and Event Planning (as is required in normal event-planning processes) via 25Live, Linfield’s online event scheduling software.
- Off-campus guests are not allowed in any campus buildings or facilities, including residence halls and apartments.
- Events held at either campus must abide by the university’s COVID-19 event guidelines, found on the Office of Conference and Event Planning webpage.
- No food or drink is allowed at indoor events.
- All existing COVID-19 Linfield Temporary Policies – including those related to face coverings, maintaining physical distance and monitoring your health – remain in place.
These assignments are effective April 23 through May 6. Additional information on Linfield’s policies can be found at linfield.edu/covid.
