Earlier today, we learned of multiple positive COVID-19 cases as a result of an off-campus gathering held last weekend without proper precautions, including wearing masks and social distancing. The College is investigating the incident and is following established protocols.

Our medical and contact tracing team is in the process of identifying and testing those who could have been exposed to COVID-19 at the gathering. While we are awaiting the results of the tests, these students will be isolated and quarantined. Please understand that the students who hosted and attended the gathering will be held responsible for their actions and will be disciplined accordingly.

Marist College is making every attempt to respond quickly and limit the scope of this incident. Out of an abundance of caution, and to allow time for our contact tracers and medical team to identify, test, quarantine or isolate all those involved in this incident, we are taking the proactive step to put the campus on pause until further notice. This includes the following temporary measures:

• suspending all on- and off-campus activities
• prohibiting all on- and off-campus gatherings, including parties
• canceling all athletic team training sessions
• closing the James J. McCann Recreation Center for the weekend
• closing the campus to all visitors
• moving all classes to remote on Friday and Saturday
• prohibiting students from visiting non-assigned residence halls

We expect to update the community on the status of our testing as soon as possible. Please note, students who do not abide by the rules of the pause will be subject to disciplinary action.

Students who do not abide by the rules of the pause will be subject to disciplinary action. We ask that all students answer their phones and clear their voicemail inbox. When contacted by our dedicated contact tracers and administrators of the College, we expect students to be honest and forthcoming. We have over six weeks left together for the Fall semester, and hope you choose to do your part in the shared responsibility to keep the Marist community safe.

We will update the community on the status as soon as possible. If you see any member of the Marist community violating our COVID-19 related Code of Conduct, please call (845) 575-MASK. If you see any member of the Marist community violating our COVID-19 related Code of Conduct, please call (845) 575-MASK.

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