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Campus COVID Update, February 26, 2021

Updated February 26, 2021

To the Members of the University Community:

Updates to the COVID-19 Dashboard and the alert level are now live and can found here:

https://www1.wne.edu/coronavirus/dashboard/index.cfm

The sub-group of the EMRT met this morning and recommended, based on an analysis of current internal and external indicators, to keep our alert level at yellow. 

While we are keeping our alert level at yellow, we are taking some important steps, out of an abundance of caution, to safeguard our campus.

Beginning Monday, March 1, 2021 all on-campus undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses will be moved online for a period of five days, through March 5, 2021. In addition, the main food service in the University Commons will be moved to "grab and go" beginning with dinner on Friday, February 26, 2021.

Let me explain how we reached this decision.

In the last 24 hours, six residents in Windham Hall tested positive for COVID-19 and an additional two students have been identified as a close contact. These figures represent 12% of Windham Hall's 67 residents, many of whom are in single rooms.   

To protect the health and safety of our community, we have initiated a quarantine of all residents of Windham Hall as of Thursday, February 25 at 10:30 p.m. The following actions have also been implemented:

  • All residents received a mandatory PCS COVID-19 test at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 25. The quarantine of all residents will remain in place until the results are received and analyzed. We expect these results no later than Sunday, February 28, 2021. The students who tested positive have been placed in University isolation housing where they are being cared for and supported.
  • Meals are being delivered to all Windham residents beginning with breakfast this morning. Food will be delivered to the hall throughout the weekend. A food pantry for snacks and drinks is being set up in the Windham lounge. 
  • The entire residence hall will be deep-cleaned on Friday, February 25th.  
  • Windham residents are not permitted to attend in-person classes today.  

The University will increase our COVID-19 testing sample next week. All students, faculty and staff who are called to test need to comply next week. We are strongly encouraging all resident students to stay on campus next week. 

Once again, we expect to have Windham Hall test results no later than Sunday, February 28 and at that time will assess the proper duration of the Windham quarantine and the University's alert level.  If the test results warrant, we will adjust our alert level and implement any additional needed actions.

It is critical that we remain diligent in following safety protocols. Remember, we are taking these proactive steps out of an abundance of caution. We still have not had any known transmissions in our classrooms. We have a plan, and please rest assured in our ability to execute our plan in a clear and calm manner.

Thank you all your attention to these important directives to actively demonstrate our care and concern for one another. 

Best regards,

Bryan Gross
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing