Federal and State Mandates and Uploading Vaccine Information  

We remain encouraged to see that state and national health statistics continue in a positive trend. The New Jersey transmission rate dropped to .89 and remains below 1, a very positive sign. We continue to monitor public and University health statistics, and government guidance.

The FDA approved (and awaits CDC endorsement) Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shots (and already approved Pfizer), for those at high health risk.

You can read more at: Track COVID-19 in New Jersey: Maps, graphics, regular updates.

Federal and State Mandates for Contractors, including Universities

President Biden's Path out of the Pandemic: COVID 19 Action Plan led to the creation of the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force which issued COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors.

Separately, on October 20, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 271.

The Task Force report and EO271 have ramifications for higher education, including additional verification of vaccination and the weekly testing of unvaccinated individuals.

Each takes effect under certain conditions and under different timeframes. We are analyzing both and preparing the actions we may need to implement, including securing additional vaccination verification and weekly testing for unvaccinated students, staff, faculty, and administrators.

Seton Hall has mandated COVID-19 vaccination since May 14, 2021 for all students, staff, faculty, and administrators with exemptions for religious and medical reasons. 

We continue to encourage the unvaccinated to get vaccinated.

We will report more on this topic in future updates.

Copying and Uploading Vaccine Information

All vaccinated members of the community should carry their vaccination card and/or take a picture of it with their mobile phone. Students should upload their vaccination cards on the student Health Portal.

New Jersey residents can download and use the State-supported Docket app which provides digital access to COVID-19 immunization records. It is primarily for those who received their doses in New Jersey, but the State is working with other jurisdictions to expand its access to include those vaccinated elsewhere.

University Update

• There were 3 new cases since last week’s report.
• As of October 18, the five-day moving average of positive cases is at .6
• No (0%) on campus quarantine and isolation beds are occupied.
• There are 3 individuals in isolation. We continue to enlist the same comprehensive testing and contact tracing protocols that identified the rise in cases in mid-September.
• We have 99.7% compliance with the Confidential Vaccine Declaration.
• The entire campus community has a vaccination rate of 90.5% with 97% of those fully vaccinated. We are particularly grateful to our students, faculty, and staff for doing their part; through their efforts, we have a highly vaccinated University community.

This is all good news; however, with the holidays and colder weather we remain vigilant and prepared should cases rise.

Testing Available Through Health Services

The University is following CDC and State of New Jersey testing guidance, and Health Services has an ample amount of testing supplies. Students (vaccinated and unvaccinated) may request to be tested for COVID-19 as frequently as once per week.

You can learn more about testing availability off campus at: How To Get Tested For COVID-19 In New Jersey

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,

Matthew Borowick
Vice President of University Relations
Co-chair, Health Intervention and Communication Team

Monica N. Burnette, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President, Division of Student Services
Co-chair, Health Intervention and Communication Team

Categories: Campus Life, Health and Medicine, Nation and World