Doing Your Part, Easter Break, Vaccine Information, and Staying Healthy  

The fight against COVID-19 is not over.

New Jersey has the highest rate of new coronavirus cases in the United States. Almost 30,000 residents have tested positive in the past week. Hospitalizations are up. The transmission rate remains at 1.09, well above the .77 of just a few weeks ago.

After weeks of encouraging public health news, we are once again reminded that victory over the pandemic cannot yet be declared.

Better days are ahead. But they are not here yet. Please continue to do your part. Do not let your guard down. Do not fall victim to pandemic fatigue. Follow the Seton Hall Pledge.

Easter break

With classes cancelled for the Easter Holy Days, we refer you to the recent reminder from Housing and Residence Life that during the Easter Break (Thursday, April 1 – Monday, April 5), the Residence Halls and the Dining Hall will remain open. In addition, the Office of Student Engagement and Housing and Residence Life has planned many events over those days for you to enjoy. Campus Ministry will also have several Masses and ways for you to celebrate Holy Week. We strongly encourage you to spend your Easter on campus, relaxing with friends, having special meals in the dining hall, enjoying the events planned for you, and staying safe.

Vaccination information

We encourage you to get vaccinated - for yourselves and all those around you.

Click here to learn when you will be eligible for the vaccine. Please carefully check the guidelines; you may be eligible earlier than you realize.

In addition to the state's vaccination web site, you can find valuable vaccination information through each of the state's county web sites. Note that the state site is a pre-registration, designed to help you know when you are eligible. It does not register you to receive the vaccination.

Here is a list of the vaccination sites throughout the state.

Another site provides information to Find COVID-19 Vaccines Near You. This site provides nationwide information.

Essex County has received high marks for its vaccination process. You can learn more at the Essex County COVID site.

The State Department of Health provides a full array of vaccine and vaccination-related information, some of it in multiple languages. Please check it out and share it with those you know who have concerns about being vaccinated.

Governor Murphy said he expects the state to receive an exponential number of vaccines within weeks but implored residents to continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and thoroughly wash hands.

Keeping Ourselves and Each Other Healthy

Governor Murphy recently increased indoor and outdoor gathering limits to 25 and 50. However, the State makes clear that, even with the greater numbers, all attendees at indoor gatherings must wear face coverings and stay six feet apart. Social distancing must be practiced at outdoor gatherings. Face coverings are required in outdoor public spaces when social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Murphy couched the state's situation as a race; new variants, viral spread and pandemic fatigue are currently winning against vaccine distribution, better weather and mask compliance.

Bottom line: Follow the Seton Hall Pledge.

Remember to use #CampusClear every day, whether coming to campus or not.

Your health and safety remain paramount in Seton Hall's planning and actions. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please contact the HICT here.

Sincerely,

Shawna Cooper-Gibson, Ed.D.
Vice President of Student Services

Matthew Borowick
Vice President of University Relations

Co-chairs, Health Intervention and Communication Team

Categories: Health and Medicine