Weekly COVID-19 Briefing 2/14/2021

Positive Cases Update 

Thank you for your diligent observance of the Modified Community Contact protocols and participating in additional testing this week.  Through the additional testing, just three more cases were identified and two of those had previously been moved to quarantine due to close contact.  We are working very closely with the State’s contact tracing agency the Contact Tracing Collaborative (CTC).  The CTC was pleased with our quick action in identifying contacts and placing students appropriately into quarantine or isolation.   

The CTC has classified our COVID cases as a cluster and has advised that we continue to operate within the parameters of Modified Community Contact through this coming week.  We are in close contact with the CTC and will make any appropriate adjustments to tighten or relax protocols as appropriate.  See below for Modified Community Contact definition and protocols. 

It is our hope that we can relax current protocols relatively soon and, as a community, safely maintain our standard COVID protocols throughout the Spring semester.  We may at times need to adjust protocols in the interest of community health.  We will continue to be transparent and work together as a campus community to respond appropriately as we journey through the semester together.  To review resources and tips for caring for the community please review the COVID Resource Center at https://encedu.sharepoint.com/sites/COVIDCenter-ENC 

Modified Community Contact 

Modified Community Contact is an intentional period of social distancing to minimize the potential of COVID spread while the CTC and College assessment continues to identify and isolate cases.  This period of time began this past Thursday evening and will continue at least through Sunday, February 21st. 

The goals of Modified Community Contact are: 

1. Identify any COVID-19 cases on campus and care for those students appropriately. 
2. Limit risk of exposure to COVID from any potential cases that have not yet presented. 
3. Minimize the number of students needing to be placed in quarantine housing due to being in close contact with a positive case.  

How will this affect life on campus? 

• Traditional undergraduate classes will be delivered remotely this week. AGS classes may proceed as planned. As class rooms are supervised environments we may be able to return to in-person instruction sooner pending CTC guidance.  We will keep you posted if we anticipate an earlier return to in-person learning this week. 
• Chapel with happen virtually on Wednesday, February, 17th. 
• Students will have the options of take-out or grab-and-go dining, but no dine-in eating will occur. 

• Dining Hall Hours:
• Monday and Friday: 7:30am-8:30, 11:30am-1pm, 5:00pm-6:30pm
• Saturday: 8am-9am, 11:30am-1pm, 5pm-6pm
• Sunday:  8am-9am, 12pm-1:15pm, 5pm-6pm

• All large common lounges will be temporarily closed to reduce congregating in those spaces (Spangenberg Parlor, Munro Parlor, the Memorial Underground, and the Family Room).  Hebrews and the Dug Out will remain open but the seating areas will be closed. 
• All supervised athletic practices, small group programs, and campus jobs will continue as long as social distance can be maintained.  
• In-person community events scheduled this week will be postponed. 

Testing Center Update 

The Testing Center will be open during regular hours Monday-Thursday this week.  Please pay careful attention to your email and schedule your testing appointment when prompted. 

Remember that summary testing results are published weekly at: https://enc.edu/covid-19-campus-testing/ 

Mask Wearing Reminder and Research 

Remember that a well-fitting mask that completely covers your mouth and nose is one of your best defenses against COVID-19.  New research from the CDC discourages the use of ill-fitting or loose face coverings such as bandanas.  If you are in need of a fitted mask, please reach out to Student Life at StudentLife@enc.edu and we will make arrangements to supply you with one.  Fitted face coverings have become very available and can be found a most major retailers.  Target, Wal-Mart, and Amazon all carry multiple options. 

Blessings,

Jeffrey Kirksey
Vice President for Student Life and Campus Services
Emergency Response Team, Chair
 
23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, MA 02170-2999
www.enc.edu
617-745-3718