Dear Students,

Over the last few days, we have seen an increase in positive COVID-19 cases within the Marist community. Our testing and contact tracing teams have reacted quickly to contain the outbreak, but additional actions are needed. Our data indicate that the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases can be traced to increased socializing among students. As a result, the College is placing additional limitations on visitors to residence halls for the coming week.

Effective March 15 - 22:

• No guests will be permitted in any residence hall on campus.
• All students on and off-campus must limit gatherings to their immediate pods and/or households.
• The Office of Safety and Security will be patrolling all week to ensure compliance with our health and safety guidelines both on and off-campus.
• These and other requirements to protect public health will be vigorously enforced to help ensure a successful Spring 2021 semester.

What Could Happen Next?
If students comply with these restrictions and previously documented public health protocols, we will see a decrease in active COVID-19 cases within our community. However, if cases continue to rise on campus, we will have no choice but to implement additional restrictions. None of these actions is attractive, and we hope that together we can avoid them. They include:

• Restricting in-person dining.
• Closing the McCann Fitness Center.
• Moving all courses to remote instruction.
• Initializing a campus lockdown.

Any student experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should immediately reach out to Health Services (health.services@marist.edu) or 845-575-3270. Please note that any student experiencing symptoms should not participate in surveillance testing until they are cleared by Health Services.

We understand the challenges associated with the pandemic, especially as we pass the one-year anniversary of lockdowns and mandatory health and safety guidelines. With the greater availability of vaccines and the advent of spring weather upon us, it is easy to become complacent. We know how difficult it is to remain vigilant—but to ensure the best possible Spring 2021 semester, we must all maintain the discipline that has served our college community so well this past year. We appreciate your help and cooperation as we continue to #ProtectThePack.

Sincerely,

Geoff Brackett, Executive Vice President
Thom Wermuth, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Deb DiCaprio, Vice President for Student Affairs