Covid-19 Updates

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

Students (Residents and Commuters)

Last updated: 5/5/2021, 11:50am
Today's new cases include the results of the testing of more than 300 students on Monday, May 3.

Faculty/Staff

Last updated: 5/5/2021, 11:50am

Definitions

New Positive Cases: The number of positive test results newly reported to the college on a given day.

Persons Under Investigation: Individuals awaiting results of a COVID-19 test.

Total Positive Cases: The total number of positive cases since Feb. 8, 2021.

Recovered: This includes the individuals who were medically confirmed COVID-19 cases who have recovered according to the CDC’s criteria.

Updated Friday, April 30, 2021

How long will the shelter-in-place mandate be enacted?

At this time, this mandate will be in place through at least Tuesday, May 4. On Wednesday, May 5, an announcement will be made about the future status of the mandate. Testing and contact tracing results will determine the next steps. The shelter-in-place mandate will remain in place until transmission levels are significantly reduced. Please follow all guidance from the College.

Will this be in place for the rest of the semester?

We are hopeful that the shelter-in-place mandate can be lifted so that the remainder of the semester, including finals and commencement, will be in-person. The length of the mandate will be determined by the results of testing during the coming days. This is also reliant upon the cooperation of all members of the campus community to take the necessary steps and follow the protocols in place to stop the rapid increase in positive cases.

What should I do if I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?

Contact the Wellness Center right away at 724-805-2115 or WellnessCenter@stvincent.edu.

What if I was around someone who has tested positive, but I’ve not been identified as a close contact?

Please contact the Wellness Center at WellnessCenter@stvincent.edu or 724-805-2115 for testing.

Does the mandate apply to fully vaccinated students and students who are still within 90 days from testing positive?

Yes, this mandate applies to all students.

Do commuter students have to get tested once campus opens back up and the mandate is lifted?

Return to campus protocols will be announced in the coming days.

Can I leave my room at all?

Students can leave to get meals, use restroom facilities, and to take a walk. No other social gatherings will be permitted.

What about athletics?

All athletic activities are suspended while the shelter-in-place mandate is in effect

Campus recreation/exercise?

Individual outdoor exercise is permitted, but no group events or games.

What is the difference between the symptomatic and surveillance testing that will be taking place?

Symptomatic testing is for those with symptoms, and surveillance will be done for areas where more cases were starting to appear, along with some random testing of all areas.

How will I know if I am being selected for surveillance testing?

Students will be notified via their Saint Vincent email and cell phone number that is on record with the College.

What test is being accepted for a return to campus - a rapid test or PCR?

Return to campus protocols will be announced in the coming days.

Can I still go to my work-study job since staff will be in the office as normal?

Those who are fully vaccinated and have sent their vaccination card to immunizations@stvincent.edu are permitted to attend work-study jobs if their supervisor approves. Supervisors will verify vaccination records. Supervisors should contact Wellness Center, Events or Academic Affairs to confirm that a student is fully vaccinated according to Saint Vincent records.

Can I still work at my off-campus job? Student teaching? Nursing clinic? Can I go to a medical appointment? Shop for food?

Leaving and returning to campus should be for essential activities only. Students should check with faculty and follow their instructions regarding clinicals, student-teaching and internships.

Can I get food as take out, either as delivery or by driving to a restaurant to pick up? Can I leave the floor to pick up delivered food?

Delivery, and contactless delivery where possible is permitted, but students should not leave campus for takeout meals. 

Will extra water be delivered in addition to the meals?  

Yes, water will be delivered to the residence hall lobbies.  

Does everyone have to wear masks on floors?

Yes, masking is required in accordance with College Health and Safety protocols.

Will laundry facilities be available?

Laundry facilities may be used when necessary, but avoid crowding and be sure to clean surfaces after use. Do not touch or move others’ belongings.

Can people who choose to leave for the semester at this time have help from family members or friends with moving-out?

Family members and friends can bring cars, but residents will need to get their items to the cars. Please contact a prefect or RHD for access to a dolly.

How exactly will meals work?

An email was sent to all students on Thursday afternoon detailing the procedures and schedule for picking up meals.

What if I am a commuter with a meal plan?

Commuters can come to campus to pick up meals.

What is the status of Academic Conference? Honors Convocation? Commencement?

The online Academic Conference will proceed as scheduled. A decision on in-person attendance at Honors Convocation will be made early next week. Commencement plans for May 22 depend on the COVID-19 case counts declining.

If we follow the instructions of the Wellness Center and contact tracers we can bring COVID-19 transmissions to levels that would permit in-person commencement. It is in our hands as a community.

Are other on-campus and student activities also cancelled?

Yes, at this time, all social student activities are suspended.

Can I still go to get my scheduled vaccination appointment?

Yes, provided you do not have COVID-19 symptoms or are a close contact of a COVID-19 positive case identified by contact tracing.

How can I care for my mental health?

Despite being physically separated from others, it is important to stay connected to friends and family and engaged virtually in classes. If you find your mental health and resilience is being taxed, please reach out for support. You can call the Wellness Center at 724-805-2115 to speak with a licensed therapist or reach out to our Campus Ministry and Benedictines in Residence.

To The Members of the Saint Vincent Community, 

Today, we are PCR testing more than 300 students as part of the plan to identify the source(s) of increased COVID-19 cases on campus. Thank you to the students who have confirmed their testing appointments for today.

The results of testing are expected within the next 48 hours and those results will determine the next steps for our campus community. Based on these tests, students who test positive and their close contacts will then enter the College’s quarantine and isolation protocol.

To reiterate, it is our hope to return to face-to-face instruction this semester, finish in-person and host an in-person commencement ceremony. The results of testing as well as the responsiveness to all the mitigation efforts will guide our decision.

As we see this increase in cases on our campus, this serves as another reminder of the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our entire campus community. Being fully vaccinated also means that you are exempt from quarantining when identified as a close contact. As we intend to resume full classroom capacity for face-to-face instruction in the fall, the total number of students vaccinated will determine guidelines around residence living, including relaxed visitation policies. The recommendation from the Forward Together Committee is a threshold of 80% of campus being vaccinated be used for the relaxation of mitigation steps, including visitation, for the fall semester.

Mainline Pharmacy vaccine appointments are available here and second doses can be received on campus or at home from another provider.

Additionally, a reminder from Dining Services that meal pick-up times run from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Students are encouraged to pick up their meals as close to their designated time slot as possible, which can be found here.

A special thank you, as well, to our entire community for your patience, cooperation and understanding this past weekend as an alert was sent from Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) to remain cautious on campus during their search for a missing person. This situation is ongoing, and PSP recommend continuing to use caution while on campus and in the surrounding area.

These past few days have not been easy or comfortable. Again, our strength and resilience as a community is being put to the test. Together, we continue to move forward. I commend the spirit and the resolve that are on display daily, but especially during this pivotal time for our campus.

God Bless,  

Father Paul 

Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B.
President
Saint Vincent College

To The Members of the Saint Vincent Community, 

We understand that everyone wants to know: When will the shelter-in-place end?

The short answer is clear: We want it to end as soon as possible. It must extend through at least Tuesday, May 4, to give us time to implement the plan we have put in place to conduct widescale testing of our students and to determine if the shelter-in-place needs to last any longer than Tuesday for anyone on campus. The testing that will be done on Monday, May 3, will give us that direction. The results of those tests are expected within 48 hours of completion of testing.

In making the decision on the continuation of the shelter-in-place, we will continue to use science and data to guide us. The most important matter to us in all of this is your health and safety.

At this link are FAQs with answers to many of the other questions you may have. These FAQs are also available on the MySV Portal and SVC website. Updates will be shared on an ongoing basis during the coming days.

The cooperation of each member of this campus is what will enable us to successfully navigate this latest challenge. Please continue to pray for and support one another. 

God Bless,  

Father Paul 

Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B.
President
Saint Vincent College

To The Members of the Saint Vincent Community,

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

Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B.
President
Saint Vincent College

At this time, a variety of vendors (including Janitors Supply, Colker Janitorial Supplies, Steratore Janitorial Supplies, and Allegheny Supply) have indicated that a supply chain for sufficient cleaning and disinfecting is available for the 2020-21 academic year. Saint Vincent will continue routine cleaning to remove dirt and germs from surfaces in accordance with CDC guidelines. High touch surfaces will be routinely cleaned, then disinfected using an EPA-approved disinfectant.

When notified of a positive or probable COVID-19 case, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of affected living area or workspaces will be initiated. After notification of positive test, any space that the positive COVID-19 individual occupied 48 hours prior to the notification will be cleaned and disinfected following the CDC and PADOH guidelines.

Sport team preseason camps should be canceled for the Fall 2020 season. All S-A should return with the general population of students. At least 16 days before arrival on campus, all S-As will be contacted by their coach and sent a COVID-19 screening form. The S-A will have 48 hours to return this form to their coach. All forms will then be given to the appropriate athletic trainer for review. If any symptoms or fever are present, athlete will be asked to contact their physician to be tested for COVID-19.

Once the pre-arrival COVID-19 screening is completed, the S-A will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days before coming to campus. This will include limiting outside the home exposure limiting their contact with other individuals and avoiding large gatherings. If outside exposure is necessary, S-A must wear a mask and practice social distancing when appropriate.

Upon arrival on campus S-A will again complete a COVID-19 screening and have their temperature taken with a non-contact thermometer. If symptoms or fever present, athlete will not be permitted to remain on campus. He/she will return home, contact their physician, and be tested for COVID-19.

During phase one, virtual educational sessions will be conducted for all S-A that will cover policies related to the S-A participation in varsity athletics at Saint Vincent, including sessions on drug testing, COVID-19, personal protective equipment, athletic training room policy, weight room policy, locker-room policy and day to day procedures. Both the S-A and all members of the coaching staff must participate in and complete these mandatory online sessions.

Once the S-A is cleared to return to campus by both the pre-arrival and on-campus screenings, he/she may move to their appropriate housing. In order to minimize risk, it is recommended, but not required, that the S-A consider having a single room. While in this phase, the S-A should be masked when in contact with other individuals. For team activities, the teams may place S-A in groups of 10. The groups must remain constant throughout phases two through four. The coach assigned to a group must remain constant, and where possible, coaches should not work with multiple groups. Team meetings should be held virtually when possible.

Vulnerable S-As, athletics health care providers, coaches, and athletics personnel should continue to shelter in place. It is also recommended that anyone flying in from a hot zone to continue to shelter in place during this entire phase. This phase will last until August 27th for fall sports.

During phase two, S-A should not leave campus to go home or to other off-campus housing. S-As who do not live off-campus and who chose to leave campus and spend the night somewhere other than their on-campus residence hall room will need to be cleared once again to enter phase three.

During the first week of phase two, pre-participation screening and testing may be done in the groups of 10 or less. Again, masks must be worn for these activities. During phase two, the groups of 10 may begin non-contact workouts. Masks must be worn at all times unless physically participating in a drill. This includes when on the sidelines or taking breaks. Coaching staff and support staff should be masked at all times. Social distancing should be practiced during these non-contact workouts.

Competitions of high risk only or all sports may be cancelled for the fall of 2020 due to concerns of the health and safety of S-A. If this is the case, fall sports teams will be permitted to practice under a plan to be developed by the Athletic Department as determined by the Athletic Director and the Sports Medicine Team, with input provided by the coach. The number of days and weeks permitted for fall sports practice may be limited by such a plan. Roster size, facilities, risk levels and overall S-A wellness will be taken into consideration when developing the non-competition practice place for those fall sports which have been cancelled or postpone. Plans may change due to NCAA, PAC, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and/or CDC requirements.

Once the plan has been developed for each team affected, the coach will be notified when practices can begin. Teams will start in and following the requirements beginning with Phase 2 as set out above. During Phase 2, S-A will be required to attend all practices unless practice is held during a scheduled class time. If the S-A misses a Phase 2 session, he/she will need to make up that session at another time on that same day or on another prearranged practice date, unless the coach permits the use of a countable practice day. This must occur to not waste the NCAA assigned number of practice days permitted.

Non-traditional season for spring sports will follow the same restrictions, possibly with fewer weeks and days permitted than fall teams. Non-traditional season for spring sports will also be permitted to practice under a plan developed by the Athletic Department and Sports Medicine Team, with input provided by the coach. However, this may depend on PAC or NCAA regulations.

Under no circumstances will a team be permitted to begin practices without the permission of the Athletic Department.

• Stay at least six (6) feet or two arms’ length away from other people
• Do not gather in groups, especially while indoors or in confined spaces
• Stay away from crowded places
• Avoid mass gatherings

• Staying home or in room when you are sick
• Limiting coaching and support staff to only essential personnel.
• Taking into account the capacity of rooms/buildings and considering a reduction in this number.
• Considering spacing in the cafeterias, classrooms, weight rooms, athletic training rooms/locker rooms, and other on-campus venues.
• Placing locker room use on a group schedule.
• Requiring appointments for use of athletic training rooms and weight rooms.
• Scheduling for use of the gym
• Discouraging large social gatherings.
• Housing no more than two S-As together on overnight trips.
• Holding team meetings virtually when possible.
• Avoiding any unnecessary contact should be avoided such as handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, or elbow bumps at all times, especially during practices, workouts, and competitions.
• Reconfiguring all common areas so that seating is spaced six feet apart.
• Maintaining social distancing when not participating in practice or competition, including adjustments to benches and seating for student-athletes. Dugouts should not be used if possible.

• Student-athletes, coaches, and staff are required to use masks when in all indoor spaces. This is inclusive of the athletic training room, weight rooms, and locker rooms. Coaches may also wear clear face shields. When in close contact with S-As, coaches wearing face shields must wear a mask.
• Cloth face coverings are adequate (surgical or N95 masks, while also acceptable, are not necessary). The CDC website has complete references for mask specifications and maintenance. The garment should cover both the nose and mouth and allow for continued unlabored breathing.
• Wearing gloves has not been shown to decrease transmission of the virus. Personal hygiene and avoiding touching the face is encouraged more.

Decreasing the risk of contracting COVID-19 is achieved by cleaning and disinfecting all areas and personal belongings. It will not only be the responsibility of Facilities Management Operations (FMO) to actively participate in sanitization and disinfecting but of everyone on campus. To ensure a reduction in the potential spread of COVID-19, the following will be in place:

1. Normal routine of soap and water cleaning will decrease the amount of virus on surfaces and objects, thus reducing the spread
2. Frequent disinfecting using EPA approved cleaner of common objects and areas (be sure to use all precautions when using chemical disinfectants)
3. All equipment (shared and personal) should be cleaned between uses/practices. This includes but is not limited to: athletic shoulder pads, helmets, bats, sticks, balls, blocking pads, weight equipment, dumbbells, stretch bands, treatment table, taping tables, etc.
4. Locker rooms are to be cleaned prior to use each day by FMO. (for this to be done properly, all equipment must be neatly stored in locker and all items off the floor)
5. Athletic Training Room is to be cleaned prior to use each day by FMO. Athletic trainers will be responsible for equipment and furnishing cleanings between uses.
6. Weight room equipment refers to both the Fitness Center and Student Activity Center weight room. Each facility it to be cleaned by FMO or designated staff member prior to opening every day. Users should also wipe down equipment and/or machines before and after using them. Cleaning of equipment and weights must be enforced by staff members working throughout the day. It is also recommended that at approximately half-way thru open hours the facility is closed for one hour to again be cleaned.
7. Locker rooms, athletic training room, and both weight rooms are to be fumigated as many days a week as possible
8. Hand sanitizer should be made available throughout the facilities for use before, during, and after workout, practices, and games.
9. All practice gear must be washed and dried each day. Laundry bins are to be wiped down after dirty clothes have been removed and before clean clothes are added.

The following screening tool can be used to identify people that are either symptomatic or asymptomatic with a temperature. Although not every person that identifies with the following symptoms will have COVID-19, by conducting screenings daily for COVID-19 we are taking precautions to prevent the spread if someone unknowingly had the virus. By asking these simple questions and taking a daily temperature, we can help identify people who may need medical care or isolation, and reduce the chances of an outbreak on campus. All S-As and athletic staff will be subject to daily screenings.

All student-athletes and athletic staff will complete a daily health questionnaire and undergo a daily temperature check. Answers of yes to any of the symptoms or having a temperature of 99.5 F or higher will result in the student-athlete, coach, or support staff being pulled from practice or competition. If the individual answered no to all questions and has an elevated temperature, the individual will be seated in an area away from others with face mask on and temperature will be rechecked after 5 minutes. Those that still have elevated temperature or have answered yes to questions will be instructed to wear a cloth mask over nose and mouth until cleared by a physician. He or she will also be placed in an isolation room or area. If no isolation area available they will be physically distanced from others by at least ten feet. The Wellness Center will be consulted and if needed testing will be ordered.

Daily screening questions will be asked, along with the recording of the temperature. Questionnaire are available on SWOL for S-A to access.

Taking the temperature of either the S-A or staff member will be done in the following manner. Temperature takers need to keep as much distance as possible between them and the individual being screened. Screeners should wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Face coverings should be worn by each person.

Beginning Wednesday, April 7th, 2021, temperature checks will no longer be required for practices and lifting sessions. This is in response to the lack of findings of any positive case via temperature check. Temperature checks will still be required prior to PAC competitions until that policy is updated.

Should an S-A become ill, have a fever, or answer yes to any of the screening questions, he or she should immediately be removed from the group. The S-A needs to be masked if not already and isolated. The Wellness Center should be contacted to determine if testing for COVID-19 is recommended for this individual or anyone else in contact with S-A. If it is determined that COVID-19 testing needs to be done, testing will be arranged through an appropriate provider, and in accordance with Saint Vincent College policy. The S-A will remain in isolation until cleared by the team or school physician.

The positively tested S-A may not return to play without cardiac evaluation and a minimum of 14 days from the onset of symptoms. The S-A will need evaluation and clearance documentation by the team physician.

Student-athletes who are referred for a COVID-19 test, or who undergo testing for COVID-19 on their own, must notify the College of the results of the test. A copy of a positive COVID-19 test result must be presented to the athletic training staff.

When a S-A test is positive, contact tracing needs to be initiated. This is to identify other individuals that were in contact with the ill individual. Contact tracing will be done in accordance with Saint Vincent College’s Forward Together guidelines, which follows CDC and the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Health guidelines.
The identity of a student who receives a positive result will not be shared by the College with anyone, except as required by law, to assist with contract tracing and to assist that student in receiving necessary care and instruction.

Competition and traveling are high-risk activities due to the difficulty of social distancing. Bus companies may limit the number of passengers according to CDC guidelines. Decreasing the travel party will eliminate the need for additional busses, but it will also decrease the spread if someone is infected. Standing or sitting on the sideline or bench at six feet apart is the current recommendation according to social distancing. Having an entire team dressed or not dress and present on the sideline or bench could be a danger.

Competition roster and travel roster limits need to be considered and planned prior to start of the season. It is the recommendation of the Healthy and Safety Committee of the PAC and the athletic department that home and away competition rosters be limited to the NCAA championship numbers. The NCAA competition roster and total travel party should be followed to account for S-A, coaches, and support staff.

The use of minivans and/or 15 passenger vans should be limited to very small groups. This is again to encourage social distancing and to slow the spread. When traveling in a van or on a charter bus, PPE must be utilized. All individuals must be masked and seated as far apart as possible. All travel party members are encouraged to wash hands prior to loading and after departing the vehicle.

Prior to traveling for any event, each coaching staff will be responsible for presenting a written plan to the athletic office on how to return a S-A to campus if he or she falls ill on the trip. The ill S-A is not to return on the bus or van with other team members. Recommendations for return to campus may involve contacting a parent, having a coach drive a minivan alone to the event, etc. These plans will be based on several factors including but not limited to: budget, coaching staff, and location. PPE must be given to the ill individual and they should be isolated as much as possible from others. Once they return to campus, the recommendations for ill S-A will be followed. Please be aware that the individual that drove the S-A back to campus may have to quarantine.

The PAC has implemented a screening questionnaire and temperature reading protocol. These will be done prior to leaving campus for any competition. For away competitions, the PAC has posted a Travel Party Form on the PAC website. This form will need to be completed by the coach and given to the authorized person assigned to the departure screening. The competition screening and temperature check will be very similar to Saint Vincent College’s daily screenings.

Travel party members (including coaches and supports staff) will be asked to arrive at the departure area at a specific time. The screening questionnaire and temperature checks will be conducted by a member of the sports medicine team when possible. If a member of the sports medicine team is not available at the arranged departure time, an authorized person will be named. Once the screening time has ended and all forms are signed, no further screenings will be conducted. The Travel Party Form must accompany the team to the event and return back to campus to be given to the ATC for that sport.

If an overnight trip or early departure is planned for a team, an authorized person will be assigned to conduct screenings and take temperatures before boarding the bus on the day of competition. This person will be instructed by the ATC on proper procedure.

There will only by one point of entry into the Student Activity Center Weight Room (SACWR). This will monitor traffic in and out of the SACWR, ensuring screenings and temperatures readings are complete. This will reduce the risk of someone that is symptomatic of entering the facility. Occupant capacity has been determined. Total occupancy will be reduced to 50% and may require the reconfiguration of the space, which may involve blocking off or removing equipment. This will be that maximum permitted in the SACWR including S-A, coaches, and staff. Visible signage should be present to remind all about social distancing and hand washing. A hand sanitation station will be made available at the entry of the SACWR that individuals will be instructed to use. Gloves will also be made available to S-A if desired. All individuals must enter the facility with a face mask on. Unless the S-A is doing high impact cardio activities, face mask should remain on at all times. All staff and coaches are to wear face masks at all times when interacting with S-As.

For sanitization and disinfecting guidelines, please refer to the above section.

To meet all social distancing requirements, locker rooms use may be assigned by groupings and time slots. Locker rooms must be evaluated for number of lockers present. Each locker room has a different allowable capacity. The allowable locker room capacity This number will be identified for each team by the athletic administration and sports medicine staff. Only the specified number of individuals may be present in the locker room at one time. This will permit the use of every other locker at one time. For larger locker rooms and teams, this may need to be divided into thirds.

Each group will be assigned 15 minutes with a 5-minute window between groups to prevent individuals from entering and exiting at the same time. (Example Group A 3pm-3:15pm, Group B 3:20-3:35pm) Groups should be set up by considering class schedules and then locker assignments are given after. LOCKERS CANNOT BE SHARED. If S-A missed their assigned time, S-A will need to wait until after the locker room is cleared out from the last assigned time.

This process must be determined by a member of the coaching staff to assure accuracy. It must also be monitored daily by an authorized person, preferably by a coach with larger teams. Coaches have the authority to adjust the timing of groups as the need to do so arises. Coaches may change window between slots as needed. The locker room must be clear of the scheduled group prior to the next group entering it. All individuals waiting to enter must adhere to social distancing protocol of 6 feet and not wait in hallway. The S-As must be at least 10 ft away from the locker room door. When entering/exiting and when present in locker room, individuals must be masked.

The locker room floors must be free of clothing, shoes, and debris. All personal items are to be kept in lockers. All practice clothing must be washed daily. All equipment should be wiped down after practice. See the sanitization and disinfecting section above for more guidelines.