COVID update - July 2
From: Van Vlerah, Abagail L <ALVanVlerah@manchester.edu>
Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2020 8:46 AM
To: All Colleagues <AllColleagues@manchester.edu>
Subject: COVID update July 2
Dear Colleagues,
Some encouraging news in this week’s update is causing us to reverse our decision to close Schwalm Hall for the year.
As of this writing, our undergraduate enrollment numbers for fall are higher than we had anticipated. As a result, we need to keep Schwalm Hall open for undergraduate housing.
We now plan to use only the third floor of Schwalm for a quarantine and isolation space in the event any students are exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for the virus. Physical Plant staff is building a barrier to separate the two. In addition, there are several rooms in the other residence halls available for quarantine and isolation if needed.
How we treat people with COVID-19
We are entering a phase of the pandemic when some people in the MU community will almost certainly need to be tested or quarantined. Some may develop COVID-19 and, if they do, will need our friendship and support more than ever. Please remember that our Mission Statement begins with “Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual …” and treat others accordingly.
This is our first pandemic – I hope it is our last – and emotions and fear can run high. Let us all treat others as we would want to be treated. We will get through this challenging time with more strength if we pull together as a community, and extend grace and compassion to others.
For more insight, I encourage you to read this excellent article regarding stigma from The Centers for Disease Control.
PGx students return to Fort Wayne campus
We are delighted this week to welcome pharmacogenomics students back to the Fort Wayne campus. While our new normal will look different for a while, seeing students in person again is a very welcome change.
Summer travel caution
As many of us take some well-deserved vacation time in the coming weeks, please be careful if you travel. COVID-19 cases are rising in many states. People spread the virus without knowing it. Wear your face masks. Social distance. And carry hand sanitizer for those times when you can’t wash your hands.
Stay healthy, everyone. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday weekend!
Thanks,
Abby
Abby Van Vlerah, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Vice President of Student Life