Quinnipiac University’s layered defenses against COVID-19 appear to be working as the second week of the semester draws to a close.
The university’s first run of on-campus testing of 5,099 students revealed no positive cases as of Sept. 2, according to the university’s website.
Quinnipiac required all students to take either a PCR COVID-19 test or a saliva-based test administered by Vault Health before returning to campus in late August.
Students then underwent non-invasive nasal swab tests when they arrived on campus, and that process revealed no confirmed infections.
The second layer of defense against infections compel students to wear masks, maintain social distancing and restrict off-campus gatherings to 16 outside or 10 inside.
“It limits the contact that you make with other people and limits the germs and other bacteria that can be transmitted by coming into contact with others,” said Rachael Stovall, a junior philosophy major from Hopewell, Virginia. “Meeting outside or in a nice open area would be a much better option and keeping the protocols in mind when you’re around others.”
Quinnipiac’s third layer of infection control is a symptom tracker app that prompts students, faculty and staff to perform a daily check-in before arriving on campus.
Social distancing orders requiring Quinnipiac community members to remain 6 feet from each other physically underscores the safety protocol.
“No one should be traveling or partying in large groups, so I think we should be alright,” said Alicia Galasso, a junior history major in the Masters of Arts in Teaching program from Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania. “Once everyone tested negative, this allows us to be around each other — of course taking precautions such as keeping a distance and wearing a mask.”
Signs posted throughout the Mount Carmel, York Hill and North Haven campuses state restrictions on the number of people permitted in classrooms and where students may congregate under the 6-foot-distance rule.
Quinnipiac dining is also maintaining social distancing rules by implementing plexiglass in between workers and customers and requiring workers to wear a mask at all times. Floor signage will direct students where to line up, enter and exit the cafeteria.
Dining will also feature the “Boost” app so students can order meals ahead of time, limiting the amount of people in the cafeteria at once. Boost is available for each dining spot on campus, including Starbucks, Au Bon Pain and the Bobcat Den.
Grab-and-go options will also be available for students who still want to walk into the cafeteria. Burgers, chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders are some of the options.
“I think it has been a lot better than I expected,” said Chris Pusterla, a senior finance major from Wayne, New Jersey. “I have seen what’s gone on at so many different schools and it is great to see how much better the results are here at Quinnipiac … I hope the trend continues, and we can stay this semester without issues.”