Increased Cases, Additional Restrictions, Pandemic Fatigue and More  

An increase in cases at the University late last week was followed by much-reduced numbers this week. We are grateful for the efforts of our University and local health professionals and the cooperation in contact tracing among those affected. Please continue your good work to keep yourself, and those around you, safe and well.

New Jersey's coronavirus public health statistics continued to trend even higher, with local North Jersey counties reporting increased levels of positive cases. The state's transmission rate increased to 1.26.

We are now seeing additional restrictions being issued by municipalities, including Newark, Hoboken, and Trenton, in relation to increased rates of incidence. We continue to monitor any local directives for potential impact on our people or operations.

Governor Murphy announced an increase in the number of quarantine states, adding California and Massachusetts, bringing the list to 41 states.

The rise in cases, approach of Standard Time, and fewer daylight hours can lead to pandemic fatigue. Please remember to take care of yourself and your physical, emotional and mental health.

Although it cannot arrive soon enough, efforts to develop a vaccine continue. New Jersey has begun to draft its plan for the rollout of a vaccination effort.

Let's take a moment to reflect on the tremendous dedication of all those healthcare front line workers. Many of them are among us, at our own University and local communities. Take a moment to thank them when you see them, or offer a prayer of gratitude for their devotion to keeping us all safe and healthy.

Essex County Expanded Testing and South Orange Halloween Guidance

Essex County is expanding its COVID-19 testing initiative to include satellite testing sites throughout the County in addition to continuing to operate its drive through testing center in Weequahic Park. The tests are by appointment only and are being offered to Essex County residents free of charge. To make an appointment, please visit https://www.essexcovid.org/ or call (973) 324-9950.

Holidays are important traditions, but this Halloween, please don't let your guard down. South Orange Village President Sheena Collum, the Village Trustees, and local health officials remind us how we can make Halloween enjoyable and safe at the same time. South Orange has created a Halloween Guidance packet for residents; it contains good information and advice for all, including an invitation to a free Halloween movie.

End of Semester Testing, Being Vigilant and Flu Shots

Thanksgiving will mark the end of fall 2020 semester in-person classes through the HyFlex model. We will provide students the option of being tested before they go home, starting two weeks before Thanksgiving. Testing will be available to residence hall students and students living in the local community. More information will be provided over the coming weeks.

New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said unless residents “double down” on hand hygiene, social distancing, and face coverings, the spread of COVID-19 could jeopardize how residents spend the holiday season. Please use such news as a reminder to each of us that the tenets of the Seton Hall Pledge. Mask-wearing, social distancing, hand washing – are all proven keys to keeping each of us, and those around us, safe and healthy. Remember to use #CampusClear every day, whether coming to campus or not.

It is not too late to get vaccinated for the upcoming flu season. Students who missed the University's free clinics may still get a flu shot by contacting Health Services at (973) 761-9175 to set an appointment. Employees and students are reminded that most pharmacies also provide flu shots. To learn more about protecting yourself from the flu, the State of New Jersey provides valuable information at https://powertoprotectnj.org/

COVID-19 Alert

New Jersey's COVID-19 alert app has been downloaded more than 205,000 times since it went live on September 30, state health officials reported. The State asks that students, faculty, staff, and administrators download and use COVID Alert NJ, which is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You may visit https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/app or contact [email protected] to learn more. This app does not replace #CampusClear but is a separate tool administered by the State of New Jersey.

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

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

Categories: Health and Medicine