As the saying goes, “oh how the tables have turned.”
Quinnipiac University and its students headed into the third month of COVID-19 testing with only one confirmed positive case, which is far fewer than many universities across the nation.
However, that month is coming to an end, and its ending is quite different than its beginning. The university has 48 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Monday, and administration is now beginning to worry.
The university typically sends out general emails to all students regarding COVID-19 information, but now, individual faculty members are beginning to step up and reach out to students themselves.
Chris Roush, dean of the School of Communications, sent an email to students, faculty and staff on Oct. 23, with a few reminders of how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“As Halloween approaches this weekend, we have an opportunity to reverse this trend,” Roush said in the email. “I know you have sacrificed a lot already, but please be responsible and forgo that party or group gathering you may usually attend, remain on campus rather than traveling home or away, and keep as much activity limited to your Bobcat family unit as possible.”
Daryl Richard, vice president of marketing and communications at Quinnipiac, held a meeting with other faculty pledging to work with Quinnipiac community members to have students and campus media produce public service announcements aimed toward their fellow students.
The three main messages are reminders of how to help slow the spread at school, the importance of fulfilling a complete quarantine and the make-or-break weekend that lies ahead — Halloween weekend.
“I think the real key is asking all students to be extra diligent in their efforts given we’re seeing an increase in cases – wearing a mask at all times, practicing physical distancing, avoiding large gatherings,” Richard said. “I know it’s asking for additional sacrifice, on top of so much students have already done, but forgoing the usual Halloween celebrations this year will be key, as any type of gathering outside a student’s ‘Bobcat family unit’ (their roommate, suitemates or housemates) increases the opportunity to spread the virus.”
Quinnipiac President Judy Olian released a video announcement to the university today, also urging students to follow the pandemic guidelines the school has in place, and how important it is for Quinnipiac’s future to “reverse the trend and get to Thanksgiving in good health.”
Olian stressed that students show up for their scheduled COVID-19 test when they’re supposed to, respond and cooperate with contact tracers and if a student is to test positive via an off-campus test, to let the school know immediately. Olian also announced the new rapid COVID-19 test that the school has available in its health center for students experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms.
“We only have four weeks left until Thanksgiving break,” Roush said. “Do your part, encourage each other, and observe the plans we have put in place to keep our entire community healthy and safe.”