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Seton Hall University

In person classes resume on Monday, January 31, 2022  

Our two-week pivot to remote modality at the start of the semester is concluding, concurrent with the expected end of the Omicron peak. As the State’s modeling predicted earlier this month, New Jersey’s public health statistics have improved markedly, cases are down by half, hospitalizations are at their lowest in the wave, and the transmission rate is at .58, a third less than where it was on January 1.

Thank you to our entire University community. Through your continued understanding, patience, and Hazard Zet Forward determination, we now resume a fully in-person experience. Campuses and related offices, amenities, and activities remain open, proceeding as planned, with our health and safety measures in place. We wish each of you a successful spring 2022 semester!

You can read more at:

Indoor Mask Requirement

All individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated) are required to wear a mask at all indoor, nonresidential, on-campus University settings, except when alone or dining.

In accordance with CDC and NJ Department of Health guidance, we continue to implement numerous health and safety protocols that align with or exceed the guidelines for a fully vaccinated campus. In addition, please note:

  • Dining services has resumed normal operations. Tables and serving areas are monitored and wiped down. All GDS employees are masked. Restrooms receive added cleaning and attention. Dining areas passed all South Orange health inspections.
  • The Department of Athletics & Recreation will continue to provide a wide array of services in the Richie Regan Recreation & Athletic Center's fieldhouse and fitness center for full-time students and benefits-eligible faculty, staff and administrators.
  • University Libraries are open.
  • Hand sanitizer stations are regularly refreshed, particularly at the entrance to dining areas.
  • We continue to conduct comprehensive contact tracing in coordination with local health officials.
  • We continue to provide free upgraded (surgical) masks at various locations: Walsh Library (circulation desk- 2nd floor); Schwartz Hall (2nd floor – student welcome desk); Bethany Hall (1st floor- student welcome desk); Mooney Hall (Center for Academic Success- student desk); the security desk at the Law School entrance; the IHS campus security desk; and at the Student Services IHS campus desk (1st Floor, Room 1517).

Testing Resources

The NJ Department of Health and Vault Medical Services have partnered to offer a free, at-home COVID-19 saliva test kit that is available to every New Jerseyan.

The State of New Jersey provides comprehensive information regarding How To Get Tested For COVID-19 In New Jersey.

Essex County provides an array of vaccination and testing information.

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.

The South Orange Maplewood School District announced a mobile testing clinic is available every Wednesday and Saturday. Bring your Seton Hall ID. 

Hackensack Meridian Health informs us that our colleagues on the Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus can get tested through the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine by calling 551-946-7250 to schedule an appointment.

White House announces free COVID tests for each residence. Fill in this form with your contact and shipping information to order your tests. Additionally, this government web site provides alternate advice and resources for those having trouble accessing the 4 free at home tests.

Booster Shots Are Available. Get One.

We emphasize what we have said before: If you are not vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you received your initial vaccination, get boosted. Beyond the health benefits, boosted individuals who are close contacts are exempt from certain quarantine protocols.  

Vaccines are widely available – at pharmacies, hospitals, health facilities, and other locations. See where you or a loved one can find a vaccine appointment at covid19.nj.gov/finder.

The CDC provides this helpful vaccine finder. Another nationwide site provides information to Find COVID-19 Vaccines Near You

We are resuming SHUFLY service to Livingston Mall every Saturday so students can access the Essex County testing and vaccination site. The County has additional sites at the Kmart in West Orange and at Essex County College, which provides convenient access for our Law School community. Learn more at https://www.essexcovid.org/ and remember to bring your Seton Hall ID.

We are providing vaccination clinics (initial and booster doses) on the South Orange campus on Tuesday, February 8 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Bethany A and Tuesday, March 1 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Bethany A. You can register at https://setonhall.formstack.com/forms/setonhall_covid19vaccineregistration

Upgrade Your Mask

We strongly encourage you to upgrade your mask. Higher quality masks are readily available in stores and online. However, counterfeits are abundant, so be careful in your purchase.

You can learn more at:
N95 masks are your best mask option—here's where to buy them online

Higher grade masks are not washable – but they may be reusable for a short period of time, as explained in these articles:

Free higher grade masks are being distributed through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination. Read more at Free N95 Masks Available At NJ CVS, Walmart And Walgreens Soon.

Confused about the differences between cloth, surgical, KN95, and N95 masks? We found this article interesting.

CDC Provides Helpful Information

  • Types of Masks and Respirators
  • How To Talk To Your Close Contacts
  • COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know
  • Quarantine and Isolation
  • Stay Home When You Are Sick
  • Use Masks to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots

University Update

  • There were 5 new cases since last week’s report.
  • As of January 26, the five-day moving average of positive cases is at .4.
  • 1 on campus quarantine and isolation beds are occupied.
  • The entire campus community has a vaccination rate of 91.5% with 99% 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.

Please note that we regularly rotate information and reminders to keep this newsletter as concise and helpful to you as possible. Although the specific information may vary with each issue, any significant change in University health and safety protocols or resources will be clearly communicated.

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.
Vice President, Division of Student Services
Co-chair, Health Intervention and Communication Team

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

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