Weekly COVID-19 Briefing 2/5/2021

Eased Re-entry Success: 

Congratulations on a successful eased re-entry process – you did great work!  We have now established our COVID re-entry base-line and can resume our “COVID normal” life as a community.  We will resume the following starting this afternoon and into the beginning of next week: 

• All large Common Lounges in the Residence Halls and the Student Center are now open.
• Socially distant, in-person dining will resume Saturday, February 6thin the Dining Commons. 
• The Dining Commons and Dug Out will resume their regular hours effective Saturday.
• Dining Commons
• Monday-Friday: 7 AM to 9 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 5 PM to 6:15 PM
• Saturday: 8 AM to 9 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 5 PM to 6 PM
• Sunday: 8 AM to 9 AM, Noon to 1:15 PM, 5 PM to 6 PM
• Dug Out (Opening Monday 2/8)
• Monday-Sunday: 4 PM to 10 PM
• Hebrews
• Monday-Thursday: 7:30 AM to Noon, 2 PM to 5 PM, 8 PM to 10:30 PM
• Friday: 7:30 AM to Noon and 2 PM to 5 PM
• Starting Monday, 2/8, Hebrews will have pre-made sandwiches and salads available for purchase.
• In-person Classes will begin Monday, February 8th.
• In-person Chapel will begin Wednesday, February 10th.

While eased re-entry was designed to limit creating close contacts as we converged on campus from around the world, we still need to be thoughtful about our contact with others throughout the semester.  Remember a close contact is someone that has been within six feet of a positive case for 15 cumulative minutes within 24 hours – even with a mask on.  

What you can do to avoid being a close contact or returning to group gathering restrictions: 

• Limit the circle of friends you spend the most time with.
• Practice social distancing whenever possible but especially when eating.
• Wear you mask except when you are in your room with your door closed.
• Limit time off campus to reduce exposure.

Protect the Den: COVID Resources! 

We have put together a suite of resource for you that can help you navigate life on campus during COVID.  This includes information on how to register a friend to come visit you on campus, guidance on what to do if you are going to be away from campus, how to register a COVID safety concern with the College, and access to the COVID Info Center that provides insights on a range of COVID topics.  Check these resources out utilizing these QR Codes: 

Vaccinations 

Massachusetts is still in the early stages of vaccination rollout.  College students and most college employees are currently categorized in Phase III of the State’s vaccination rollout plan with the general public.  This is anticipated to be begin in April of 2021.  We will continue to monitor the vaccination rollout and provide you with any relevant updates for our community.  To get a fuller understanding of the State’s Vaccination Plan visit: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine 

Testing Update 

Regular surveillance testing has begun.  You can track community results starting Monday, February 8th by viewing the testing dashboard at https://enc.edu/covid-19-campus-testing/.  Weekly updates will be posted every Friday by 5 PM starting next week. 

Residential Students Testing: 

It is important that you make your testing appointment on your scheduled date.  If you are unable to make your testing appointment please notify testing@enc.edu so you can arrange for an alternative testing date. 

Commuter Student Testing: 

If you are  student commuting to campus you must participate in surveillance testing.  If you have not received a testing invitation over the last two weeks please reach out to testing@enc.edu to ensure you are in the testing system.  It is important to test every week.  If you are unable to make your testing appointment please notify testing@enc.edu so you can arrange for an alternative testing date. 

Employee Testing: 

The ERT has established criteria for limited employee testing.  The criteria is as follows: 

Employees that meet these criteria will be considered for routine testing: 

• Campus health care personnel that have direct hands-on care of students 
• Testing Center Staff 
• Residential Life Staff w/on-call duties 
• Employees w/Covid-on call duties 

 Employees that fall under these criteria will be considered for situational or short-term testing:  

• Temporary on-board testing staff for 2 weeks following the on-board process 
• Transitional Staff when called into active transition duty 
• Individuals providing laundry or meal assistance/direct service to those in quarantine/isolation 
• Coaching staff who are currently involved in full-team practices/games 
• Faculty or staff who are determined to be a contact of, or were exposed to, a positive case on campus 

• Situational – as needed based on heightened risk factors

If an employee feels that they fall within these criteria or have a situational circumstance that requires them to test, they should email testing@enc.edu with details of the circumstance.  A sub group of the Emergency Response Team (ERT subgroup) will review the request and determine to grant or not grant the request. 

Those that clearly fall in the predetermined criteria as well ones that are given approval from the ERT subgroup will be added to the master testing list and receive a testing invitation the following week. 

Keep up the good work! 

Thank you again for your good work social distancing and keeping your face covering properly in place.  Keep up the good work because the health and wellbeing of each other is so important!   

Blessings to you on behalf of the Emergency Response Team,

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