Start of Spring 2022 Semester Reminder; Masking; Boosters - Seton Hall University

As we announced in last week's HICT update, the University announced two adjustments to its spring 2022 semester: a Temporary Pivot to Remote Modality and Resident Student Move-In Procedures. All other protocols remain the same. Please carefully review the announcement and any related information you may have received through additional emails.

Public Health Data Shows Drop in Cases

Daily cases dropped by almost 12,000, to under 20,000. The transmission rate, which had approached 2.0, decreased to 1.35. Hospitalizations, a lagging indicator, rose to a new high. Some have speculated we are on the verge of a sharp decrease in cases, mirroring the sharp rise we have seen with the Omicron variant.

You can read more at:

• Track COVID-19 in New Jersey: Maps, graphics, regular updates 
• NJ Department of Health

University Actions to Promote Your Health and Safety

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.

Upload Your Vaccination Information by January 14

All faculty, students, staff, and administrators who have previously declared or are currently vaccinated should upload their vaccination information. 85% of you have uploaded your information. Thank you.

No-Cost Covid Testing for all New Jersey Residents

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 who thinks they need a test – even if you don't have symptoms.

To order a free test kit, visit https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nj/

Testing Is Available

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.

We found this article interesting:

When Should You Take an At-Home COVID Test?

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 strongly encourage you to upgrade your mask. Here are some thoughts on why:

• We need to wear better masks
• With omicron, you need a mask that means business
• Most people are still wearing cloth masks. Here's why that's a problem with omicron 

Higher quality masks are readily available in stores and online. However, counterfeits are abundant, so be careful in your purchase.

The CDC provides information about reviewed and approved masks at NIOSH-approved N95 Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators

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:

• https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/Portals/0/COVID-19/News/fact_sheet_mask.pdf
• How often can you reuse KN95 or N95 masks — and how do you safely do it? What to know

The CDC provides valuable guidance regarding mask wear and care: Your Guide to Masks and Wearing a Mask.

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. 

The University is working to organize transportation to a community vaccination site and is working with a potential partner to provide another on-campus vaccination clinic.

Flu Season Is Here; Get a Flu Shot

Officials are anticipating a stronger than usual flu season, given last year’s almost nonexistent spread. Like COVID, your best defense is to get vaccinated. Health Services provides flu vaccinations for students. We strongly encourage you to get a flu shot.

CDC Provides Helpful Information

• COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know
• Quarantine and Isolation
• International travel
• Stay Home When You Are Sick
• Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know
• CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population
• Use Masks to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
• Improve How Your Mask Protects You
• COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots

University Update

• As of January 10, there were 8 new cases since January 5.
• As of January 10, the five-day moving average of positive cases is at 1.6.
• 0 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.

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