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Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted

by President | May 05, 2021

To The Members of the Saint Vincent Community,

This morning, the College received the results of Monday’s surveillance PCR tests, which returned a 3.5% positivity rate.

These results will allow us to identify the sources of the recent increase in positive cases. Therefore, for those students living in the residence halls on campus and who did not leave campus during this time, the shelter-in-place order will be lifted, effective today at noon. For students who returned home during this time, please see the instructions below about Returning to Campus.

Commuter students may also return to campus for face-to-face instruction.

In-person instruction resumes with evening classes today, May 5. Students who remain off-campus will be accommodated and may attend remotely.

These results do show, though, that the virus remains present on our campus. Staying diligent in mask-wearing, physical distancing and abiding by the neighborhood policies in the residence halls is as critical as any time this semester.

Contact tracing began this morning for the confirmed positive cases to place students into isolation and quarantine protocols. If you are contacted by a member of the SVC contact tracing team, it is imperative that you are responsive and follow all guidance if you are identified as a close contact. 

Returning to Campus
For resident students who left campus, you must express your intent to return to campus now that the shelter-in-place order has been lifted. You must fill out the form at this link, whether you are intending to return or not, by 8 p.m. today:

For resident students who are intending to return, after completing the form, you will then be provided with further instructions about scheduling a time to receive a COVID-19 rapid test prior to returning to your residence hall, unless you are in one of the following categories, which you must note on the form:

  • Students who are fully vaccinated and who have provided their vaccination card to immunization@stvincent.edu.
  • Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, but no less than the last 14 days.
  • Students who have received a negative PCR test within the past 48 hours. Proof of this test must be provided to immunization@stvincent.edu prior to returning to campus.

Dining
Dining will remain as takeout only through brunch on Sunday, May 9. In-person dining at the Community Center and The Shack will resume for dinner on Sunday, May 9. 

Varsity Athletic Competition
Further guidance will be coming about resuming competition for varsity athletic teams who are still in-season.

Additional information about upcoming campus activities will be forthcoming this week from Student Affairs.

I want to sincerely thank each member of this community for your patience and resilience this past week. The sudden change with the shelter-in-place was drastic and unsettling. We are glad to be moving forward again and we must commit ourselves to finishing this spring semester strong, culminating in the Commencement celebration for the Class of 2021.

Thank you and God Bless,

Father Paul