In the time since Dr. Goldstein’s health alert yesterday afternoon, seven additional students have tested positive for COVID-19 and are now in isolation housing. This will result in additional students being quarantined as we move through the contact tracing process.
Acting out of an abundance of caution and consistent with yesterday’s message that we would take additional steps if conditions warrant, we are closing the library and recreation center, and suspending eat-in dining and all athletic activities, effective at 5 p.m. today. All meals will be served to-go. To minimize wait times students can order meals where possible through the mobile app. Library materials and services can be accessed online. Additional cleaning of high-use areas will be undertaken by Facilities staff over the coming days.
As Dr. Goldstein announced yesterday, next week we will be testing all students approved to learn on campus. The results of that testing will determine when we can reopen these facilities. Faculty and staff who wish to secure COVID-19 testing should follow instructions from the health center.
Until further notice, students approved for study on campus may not leave the Lehigh Valley. Students also should not gather in groups of any size.
Dr. Goldstein wrote yesterday: “I cannot emphasize enough that individual behavior will determine our collective health outcome.” Our limited population, regular testing, and success thus far may have led some students to relax their adherence to the necessary protocols. It is critical that you follow these protocols, and expect others around you to do the same.
With coronavirus spread on the rise nationwide, it is important that we remain vigilant and disciplined. If we need to apply additional restrictions in the coming days or weeks, we will do so. Please do your part to keep our community safe.
Thank you.
Annette Diorio
Vice President for Campus Life