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Seton Hall University

In-person Classes Underway; Public Health Statistics Continue to Improve  

New Jersey’s public health statistics have improved markedly, cases and hospitalizations are declining, and the transmission rate remains at .55, down significantly from 1.92 on January 1. Ninety percent (90%) of eligible residents have received at least one vaccine dose.

Governor Murphy is quoted as noting that “we’re on the road from a pandemic to an endemic,” although he said he is not yet ready to relax public health mandates.

The Village of South Orange ended its Indoor Mask Mandate Executive Order dated December 21, 2021. The University mask mandate remains in place.

The City of Newark is extending its indoor mask mandate and vaccine passport requirements.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning people to stop using the Empowered Diagnostics CovClear COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test and ImmunoPass COVID-19 Neutralizing Antibody Rapid Test.

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

University Update

  • There were 8 new cases since January 31.
  • As of February 2, the five-day moving average of positive cases is at 1.6.
  • 2 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: Health and Medicine

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