Oct 28: Weekly Update from President Nowaczyk

Oct 28, 2020 5:00 PM

This is the 11th week of the semester, and we all know this is a tense time of year. But we have also passed the two-thirds mark in the semester, we’ve had a beautiful fall season. 

 

COVID-19: I must stress again the importance of following health guidelines designed to prevent the spread of this virus: Wear a mask. Keep your distance. Wash your hands. Monitor your symptoms and use the FSU check-in portal

Earlier this semester we had the advantage of being in an area with a low incidence of the virus, but, as was expected by health officials, it is on the upswing in Allegany County. More time spent indoors with cooler weather and an understandable – though dangerous – weariness with restrictions makes for a bad combination for prevention. Please don’t let your Halloween party or family gathering be the reason someone gets sick.  

We anticipate adding two additional information reports in next week’s COVID testing update – wastewater testing information and our “prevalence rate,” the comparison of active COVID cases with the number of recovered cases. These are among the many indicators our steering committee has been monitoring throughout the semester, and have guided us in taking interim preventative measures, such as cluster testing and pausing activities among some athletics teams. All fall athletic teams will be finished with their activities this Friday. 

Easing Stress: The end of the semester is a stressful time in any year. That sense has been heightened by concerns about COVID-19 coupled with the added rancor and angry exchanges that have come in this election season, layered with the backdrop of the struggle for social justice.  

Students, make use of your advisors, counselors, academic assistance resources, your faculty and Student Affairs — and everyone should visit our resource listings for studentsfaculty and all employees. Please take care of yourselves.