Weekly COVID-19 Briefing 3/12/2021

One Year Ago Today

Exactly one year ago today, I sent an email to all students that they would need to return home for a few weeks and transition to online learning, while the College and the Commonwealth assessed the situation related to the new COVID-19 virus.  At that time we thought we would be able to return to in-person learning in a matter of weeks – little did we know.  These days we know more than we ever thought we wanted to know about COVID-19 and a global pandemic.  We have all learned more, changed more, and adapted our way of living more due to COVID-19.

We have also come to appreciate those we love and care about in new ways.  I have learned that our students are much more resilient, creative, compassionate, and caring than I had previously given them credit for and I am so thankful for this new knowledge and perspective.  ENC students, you are loved.  Thanks for working hard to make in-person learning a possibility for so many of us.

Quarantine and Isolation Update

As of today, there are 20 students in quarantine or isolation on campus or at their home off-campus.  While this number is up from last week our positive case number is currently 6.  As expected our numbers will continue to fluctuate throughout the semester.  It is very important that the community maintains all the safety protocols even as temperatures rise and we spend more time together outside.  Let’s continue to work hard to keep our numbers down by responsibly social distancing, wearing our fitted face-coverings, and keeping our hands clean.

Testing Center Update

Please remember that the Testing Center is only open Monday-Thursday and is closed on Friday.  It is very important that you schedule and attend your testing on the day you are invited.  In order for us to get everyone through weekly surveillance testing we need students to be diligent in promptly scheduling testing appointments when invited and showing up at the scheduled time.  THANK YOU!

Remember testing is a major component of our in-person learning safety strategy – let’s sign-up and follow through!

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

 Change to Community Gatherings

Starting on Monday, March 15^th,  only “take away” food will be permitted at College sponsored events.  This is in an effort to reduce community spread that happens through communal eating.  Treats can be given out, but corporate eating should be reserved to socially distant dining facilities and tables.

Note that all dining and picnic tables have seating capacity limits to ensure your safety when sharing a meal with friends.  Please observe the seating capacity and eat safely.

 Keep Informed and Up-to-date

The COVID Response Team has put together a great resource center with all kinds of pertinent information for our campus community.  Specifically the information on Quarantine and Isolation (Q&I) gives you some great insights into Q&I expectations and supports for students.  Take a look:

https://encedu.sharepoint.com/sites/COVIDCenter-ENC

Every Nose Covered (ENC)

Remember, if both your nose and mouth aren’t covered by your fitted mask you are protecting yourself or others.  Please wear your mask over your mouth and nose.  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.

If you have concerns about someone who is not following ENC’s COVID-19 guidelines, you can use this form to submit your concern to the Office of Community Accountability.

Thank you to each of you for all that you have done to help keep our entire community stay safe and healthy.

Jeffrey Kirksey
Vice President for Student Life and Campus Services
Emergency Response Team

23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, MA 02170-2999
www.enc.edu
617-745-3708