Looking Forward, a Second Wave, and Staying Vigilant  

We set our clocks back and turned our calendars ahead. November has arrived, and with it, preparations for the conclusion of the fall 2020 semester.

We look forward with great hope and determination to the successful conclusion of this semester. But as recent news reminds us, we must remain vigilant to preserve the health and well being of ourselves and all those around us.

COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout the world, nation, region and state. The number of quarantine states was raised to 43. New Jersey’s positivity rate exceeded 8%, the highest it has been since May. Governor Murphy and Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said Monday that prediction models show the peak coming in the first quarter of 2021, warning of a “second wave” that will impact New Jersey for the next few months.

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. We continue to regularly update the University dashboard.

There's Still Time to Get a Flu Shot

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/

CDC Shared Housing Guidance

The CDC continues to provide health and safety updates and guidance. A recent update provided suggestions regarding good hygiene practices for those living in shared and congregate housing.

Self-Administered COVID-19 Test Kits

Students concluding their semesters on or near campus and preparing to return home for the winter session are encouraged to test for COVID-19 before leaving for home. The test is a simple, self-administered saliva sample test. Test kits will be available on November 10th in each residence hall (resident students may pick up a test from the RD’s office) and commuter students may pick up a test at Health Services (303 Centre Street, across from the main gate). Students are encouraged to complete the test as close to November 10th as possible. The reason for this is that any student who tests positive will be required to isolate for 10 days in Ora Manor before leaving campus. We will provide students with more details about the testing in additional communications to follow.

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.

Sincerely,

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

Matthew Borowick '89/MBA '94
Vice President of University Relations

Co-chairs, Health Intervention and Communication Team

Categories: Campus Life, Health and Medicine