COVID Update: End of First Week of In-Person Classes

Dear Emerson Community, 

As we close out the first week of in-person classes, we thank everyone for their continued attention to COVID-19 policies and guidance, which helps make our campus safe. You will see on our dashboard that there are a significant number of positive cases within our community since our spring term testing program began on January 11. This was expected, as the overall number of COVID-19 cases were higher in the commonwealth and across the country as our community returned in January. 

At the same time, it is important that all members of our community continue to adhere to the guidance so we can keep the number of positives as low as possible. It is also important to follow distancing guidelines and limit gatherings to prevent exposure and becoming a close contact, which requires a 10-day quarantine. 

While our positive case numbers are higher than we experienced in the fall term, it is important to note that a majority of cases have been asymptomatic and none have resulted in needing hospitalization. That is a good thing, and we hope that continues. The measures put in place to mitigate risk and quickly identify and isolate the spread of the virus are working. 

As we prepare for Super Bowl weekend (and beyond) it is critical that groups of people NOT gather on or off campus, and if you must, you limit the number of people, have adequate space, and wear masks if gathering with those you do not live with. We, along with the City of Boston, ask that you avoid all traditional gatherings associated with Super Bowl weekend this year.  

Thank you for your continued support. 

Be well, 
Erik Muurisepp
COVID-19 Lead
AVP, Campus Life