For the last several months, Marist College has developed a reopening plan built around a single priority: the safety of students, faculty, and staff. Our reopening plan has been informed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State (NYS), and local governments, as well as advice from the College's own medical and health experts. The foundation of this plan is built on key public health practices that are proven to be effective: mandatory face coverings, comprehensive hygiene protocols, and enforced social distancing. As we begin to implement this plan, we want to emphasize a few key points.

Marist required all students returning to campus to complete and submit a PCR COVID-19 test done prior to arrival. New York State did not mandate this measure; Marist took this additional precaution voluntarily to protect the health of the campus community. In addition to pre-arrival testing, students, faculty, and staff are required to complete a daily health screening to help us identify anyone who may be exhibiting any symptoms. All symptomatic individuals will be tested, and other individuals will be tested liberally as directed by our medical staff throughout the semester.

To date, Marist has no positive cases on campus. More than 4,550 Marist students have submitted their test results. Prior to classes beginning, 34 students tested positive for COVID-19 (total percent positive = 0.63%) and were NOT permitted to move into their residential housing or allowed on campus. Of those 34, 29 have been cleared by the medical team to come to campus. The five students remaining are quarantining off-campus and will require medical clearance to come to campus.

It is important to note that in some parts of the country, testing is not easily accessible. In the cases where students were not able to be tested prior to arrival on campus, the College arranged for testing at MidHudson Regional Hospital. Students in this situation must follow our quarantine behavior policies until cleared by our medical team.

While the infection rate in New York State is one of the lowest in the country, we must recognize we are likely to have cases at Marist. To keep our community updated, data relevant to testing, and results are available on our COVID-19 dashboard. This dashboard will be updated regularly throughout the semester.

Marist's top priority is the health of the campus community. Thank you to everyone who is helping us keep our community safe.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey L. Brackett, Executive Vice President
Thomas Wermuth, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Deborah DiCaprio, Vice President of Student Affairs