Weekly COVID-19 Briefing 5/1/2020

Congratulations!

Sincere congratulations are in order for all members of the ENC community as we officially conclude the wild ride of the Spring 2020 semester! We now know we can do things we never thought we would have to do, and we have a deeper appreciation for the close community we enjoy as a College. We look to the future with resolve to carry our brand of deeply personal, transformational higher education well into the future. We are grateful for each student, staff member, and faculty member, and we are especial proud of our Class of 2020 graduates. In all situations our God is still via, veritas, et vita (the way, the truth, and the life).

Nonessential Business Closure and Stay-at-home Advisory Extended

Earlier this week the Governor announced the extension of the stay-at-home advisory and the continued closure of nonessential businesses. Governor Baker has also appointed at “reopening task-force” that will provide guidance for a phased opening of the Commonwealth when it is appropriate to do so. The earliest possible beginning of the opening phases is May 18th, though this is subject to change to a later date if conditions warrant.

This means that all campus regulations remain in place until further notice. Thank you for your diligent efforts to keep our campus community well and to keep flattening the state-wide infection curve.

State-wide Face Covering Executive Order

Last week we notified the ENC community of a Quincy-wide face-covering requirement ordinance. A similar order goes into effect on May 6th for the entire state. Failure to comply with the executive order could result in a $300 fine. The order covers both indoor and outdoor requirements. To review the full order please visit: https://www.mass.gov/doc/may-1-2020-masks-and-face-coverings/download

For employees, students, and residents on campus this means:

• Face coverings must be worn at all times while on campus property with limited exceptions.
• Residents and Students do not need to wear face covering when they are in their own home or apartment unit, though they do need to wear covering in all shared spaces including hallways, stairwells, elevators, and laundry rooms, for example.
• Employees that are on campus do not need to wear face covering if they are alone in their office or workspace with the door closed, though they do need to wear covering when working with others or moving from space to space on campus.

It is imperative that all on-campus employees, tenants, residents, and students abide by this order.

Employee and Student Health

If employees or students have any symptoms of illness, especially fever, cough, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue or body aches, they should stay at home or in their apartment, monitor themselves, and track the symptoms.

If the symptoms are significant, employees should call their personal doctor for advice.

If they have any symptoms at all, students should call Health Services at 617-745-3893.

If any employee or residential student tests positive for COVID-19 they should call Health Services at 617-745-3893 to discuss contact tracing.

Before an employee returns to campus for work, all of the following should be true:

• No fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days with no fever and without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
• Other symptoms have improved (for example, when cough or shortness of breath have improved)
• At least 7 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared

Campus Status Report

We are now aware of six confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the ENC community. We are pleased to report that these individuals are home in self-isolation and recovering well. Any community member that may have been in contact with these individuals has been notified and will be in self-quarantine for the appropriate length of time. We are grateful for how seriously our community has taken the guidance of the Emergency Response Team (ERT). Continued adherence to ERT, state, and federal guidance will help us reduce chances of infection and spreading the virus.

Online Resources

The College continues to maintain an active website with timely information related to COVID-19 and institutional response. This informative site can be found at: https://enc.edu/covid-19-information/

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire ENC family across the world as we navigate these trying times. Above all we are grateful for a God who is present in our daily lives and who demonstrates how to love and live.

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