In the past two days, there has been a significant increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases on campus. These include both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. We must be proactive to avoid further significant spread across our campus.

Therefore, effective at 3 p.m. today, a shelter-in-place mandate will be enacted. This is being implemented out of an abundance of caution to identify the sources of these increased positive cases.

During the next two days, symptomatic and surveillance testing will take place throughout campus. The results of this testing will dictate the length that this mandate remains in place. Again, it is imperative that we act now to avoid any further spread and keep our campus community safe.

If you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19, you must report them to the Wellness Center immediately and undergo the necessary testing. The Wellness Center can be reached at 724-805-2115 and WellnessCenter@stvincent.edu. Additionally, being honest and cooperating with our contact tracing team is more important than ever if we are to halt this spread quickly.

Updates about the situation on campus will be communicated daily, as will updates on any other measures that might be necessary. Please continue to check your SVC email, website and the MySV Portal for these updates.

Shelter-in-place means the following:

For students...

All courses after 3 p.m. today and all classes on Friday will be conducted remotely.
Students should remain in their rooms in the residence halls and use the utmost caution with any type of social interaction. Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will also be taking place in the residence halls and restrooms.
Students should also remain on campus. Leaving campus and returning home has the potential to expose family and others to the virus. Students who return home will be required to undergo testing and quarantine upon returning to campus until the results of the test are known.
Fully vaccinated students who choose to return home will be exempt from undergoing testing upon returning to campus, provided they have submitted their vaccination cards to immunization@stvincent.edu.
Students who hold work-study or employment positions should contact their supervisor to discuss any remote work accommodations during this time.

For faculty, please make the necessary accommodations to deliver remote instruction for Friday and the beginning of next week.

For staff, offices are not expected to close. Please contact your supervisor to coordinate necessary arrangements for your area.

Meals
All meals will be available for to-go only beginning with Dinner this evening. Only the Community Center will be open. The Shack and Barista will be closed for food service. The Dining Hall will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. A list will be sent to students soon providing a schedule for meal pick-up times. The GET App will not be in use during this time.

Resources on Campus
Faculty will be reaching out to students to check in about classes and overall well-being. Our Wellness Center counselors are also available to speak with students about any mental or emotional difficulties that are heightened during this time.

The cooperation by every member of our campus is vital. If we do not mitigate this rise in cases, it will jeopardize the remainder of this semester, including our Spring Commencement ceremony.

Please stay safe, stay healthy and do your part to keep our campus safe.

Father Paul