By Anastasia Pumphrey
All classes will be moved to remote learning as of tonight at 6 p.m. lasting until February 15, according to an email just sent out by Rev. John Denning, C.S.C. at noon.
This email is the result of deliberation from senior leadership about how to respond to the rising COVID-19 cases on campus after the spike in cases in the last few days.
“During this time, all students on campus are being asked to quarantine in their residence hall rooms, and campus will be closed to the public and visitors. Students, who are commuters, will only have access to campus for their bi-weekly testing,” Denning said.
In particular, the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex also announced that it will be closing at 6 p.m. along with every academic building until February 15. Online classes Monday through Friday will continue throughout the ten days.
Campus Ministry sent out a notice as well that all in-person masses have been cancelled until campus can resume its in-person gathering with masks and social distancing.
“Across the country and the state, coronavirus numbers are dropping as vaccination becomes more prevalent. By adopting a strict quarantine over the next ten days, my hope is that we can resume in-person classes, while continuing to physically distance and wear masks,” Denning said.
Provost and Vice Provost of Academic Affairs DeBrenna Agbényiga sent out a follow-up email about transitioning to remote status as well, which included guides for leaving campus, surveillance testing, and commuter students.
She reiterated Denning’s message that commuter students are only permitted to be on campus for routine testing, and no outside visitors will be allowed on campus for the duration of the lockdown.
“Resident students are restricted to their individual rooms and may not socialize outside of these rooms. Common area spaces within the residence halls will be closed, except for laundry and kitchen areas,” Agbényiga said in the email.
Agbényiga said that dining options will be open but only for takeout, as students are expected to eat in their rooms.
She said that resident students may choose to go home during this period, but must communicate this to the College. Off-campus travel, according to Agbényiga, is asked to be restricted unless necessary, and if so to communicate this with the College via a form linked in the email.
“We have no doubt that we can have a successful semester, but COVID-19 is a significant foe that will exploit any vulnerabilities…Together, let us strengthen our resolve to do what needs to be done to stay on course and protect the nest,” Agbényiga said.
Rev. John Denning, C.S.C. reminded students in his email that understanding and cooperation is needed to push through this new lockdown phase and that he is praying for the community.
“I truly hope that these measures will allow us to be able to keep our students, and most especially our seniors, on campus to complete the spring semester,” Denning said. “Please know of my prayers during these challenging days and let us find ways to support and care for one another.”
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