Back to COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Update: Increase in Active Cases Among Student Body

October 10, 2020

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We write today with an update on the presence of COVID-19 among our community and the steps we are taking to limit further spread. As many of you know, COVID cases are increasing in many regions nationally and internationally. We now have 45 active cases among the student body with a majority of new cases affecting clusters of students who live in off-campus housing and don’t appear to be diffusely spread across campus.

In response to new information, we have decided to extend remote classes through the end of the week—Friday, October 16. This step is meant to help us limit the spread of the virus by reducing circulation, so that we may get back on track and continue the semester as we’d all anticipated.

Of the 45 total active cases, about 10 students have decided to return to their homes to isolate, while the remainder are or will soon be in our dedicated isolation facilities. All students are doing well; a small number of them are reporting mild symptoms.

Please consult the detailed chart on alert levels for specifics about campus operations at the orange level. It is critically important that students adhere to the following guidance:

  • No gatherings of any size are permitted, indoors or outdoors
  • Students may not travel from campus (including locally) for nonessential reasons; If you need to travel for an urgent matter, please contact the office of the dean of student life at [email protected].
  • Students living off-campus may not visit residence halls; students in campus housing may not visit off-campus houses.
  • Indoor athletic facilities remain closed (the COVID-19 testing center in Ferris will remain open). On Monday we will provide guidance on allowable individual outdoor activities.
  • The library is closed, including the 24-hour zone; call the Information Services desk for remote services or to make an appointment.

Please call the Health Center (860-297-2018) if you are not feeling well or are experiencing symptoms listed on your daily health report via the CoVerified app. The campus testing center remains open, and it is important that you continue with our testing protocols. Students: if your last name begins with A-K, you should continue to schedule appointments for Monday/Thursday. If your last name begins with L-Z, please continue to schedule appointments for Tuesday/Friday.

We have updated the COVID-19 dashboard to reflect the current number of active cases. We will continue to provide you with timely updates as we manage and monitor the current situation.

We are confident about our ability to continue to be on campus together as long as we all remain vigilant and follow best practices for mitigating spread of COVID. The virus spread can happen amongst any of us and a wearing a mask and adhering to social distancing requirements are actions we can all take to keep our fellow Bantams safe and healthy.

Thank you for your commitment to taking all health and safety precautions and caring for yourself and this community. Please remember to #ProtectTheNest!

Sincerely,

Joe DiChristina, Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management
Jason Rojas, Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for External Relations