Quinnipiac University students, faculty, and staff have made it into week five of on-campus learning. The university put an emphasis on mask compliance, social distancing protocol, and vaccination efficiency.
The university has monitored the COVID-19 data week by week, reporting on active cases, reported cases and reminding the community of communication and policies to be enforced.
The Health, Wellness and Safety “COVID-19 and Vaccine Resources” is also updated weekly on the university’s designated website. Dr. David R. Hill, the senior medical adviser on Quinnipiac’s COVID-19 task force, has also been updating the community on up-to-date statistics, reminders, and tips through email.
Since the semester began on Aug. 30, the university has had only 37 total COVID cases. As of Sept. 27, there are 13 active positive cases among students.
“Nearly all students testing positive are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms — an indication of vaccine effectiveness,” said Hill in a statement.
Asymptomatic students are those experiencing no symptoms, while others only feel the slight effects of the virus. The next steps include quarantine and contact tracing for those who could potentially have come in contact with those who test positive.
Nearly all students testing positive are either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms — an indication of vaccine effectiveness.
David R. Hill MD, Senior Medical Adviser, COVID-19 task force, on vaccinations
Hill assured this was “providing strong protection” and a “safe environment” to take part in many of the on-campus activities deemed possible due to the vaccination requirement prior to Aug. 1.
With a 94.2% student vaccination rate, as well as a 97% vaccination rate among full-time faculty and staff, the university is taking precautionary steps to ensure the health and safety of its community.
The remaining 5.8% of unvaccinated students on campus have previously been approved exemptions, with only a few students non-compliant. The remaining 3% of full-time faculty and staff also received approved exemptions.
Hill and university administrators continue to encourage students to comply with indoor mask policies and other health protocols. The university has released several health campaigns to highlight the effectiveness and benefits of wearing your mask, including “Everything You Need to Know About Face Coverings On Campus” and “Mask Up.” Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to get tested when feeling sick, which has “helped keep covid rates and cases low and manageable.”
New Haven County has seen its fair share of COVID-19 cases, averaging 112 cases per week, with a total of 1,717 cases within the last two weeks. With concerns from the Hamden and New Haven communities over the nightlife in the city of New Haven, popular locations including Toads Place, BAR, and Elm City Tap House continuously reel in college students, and locals, every weekend. These popular nightclubs face more than just local pushback, however, as many of these business owners have struggled financially due to the impact of the pandemic on small businesses.
Quinnipiac is emphasizing the need for its community to continue to follow guidelines. The university is also expressing the importance of getting the flu vaccine, even as the pandemic continues.