We learned this evening that three new cases of COVID-19 have been identified within our campus community. We are working closely with the Maine CDC on these cases, and, as we have done before, contingency plans have been set in motion and contact tracing procedures have been initiated. The three residence hall students involved received positive test results for COVID-19 after participating in UMPI’s asymptomatic testing program. We can report that these individuals are in good health and have been moved into isolation.
To support our contact tracing efforts, and in following health and safety protocols, we would ask that anyone still waiting for results from this most recent round of asymptomatic testing stay in place until results are received: if you are an on-campus resident, please stay in your dorms, if you are an off-campus resident or have already left campus, please stay in your current residence until results are received.
As a precaution, all Friday classes will be held through remote learning only. Other offices and services are not impacted. As previously planned, classes next week will be held remotely through the end of the semester.
I will send another update tomorrow once all “close contacts” identified through contact tracing have been notified. Despite this shift to remote instruction for tomorrow, we remain appreciative of all the hard work everyone is doing to keep each other safe. Our testing and health and safety protocols are working as intended and we will continue to do everything we can to minimize the spread of the virus. Please be diligent about wearing your mask, washing your hands, social distancing, and following all other safety guidelines. And remember, if you have questions or would like someone from campus to call you, please let us know here.
Ray
