Update from the Dean Regarding Positive Case in the Library

Updated August 6, 2020

Dear Albany Law School Community:

I have just received some positive news from the Albany County Department of Health: although an individual was in the library when notified of a positive COVID-19 test this morning, the Albany County Department of Health has completed contact tracing, and there were no contacts at the law school requiring others to quarantine or be tested. In other words, the County Department of Health does not believe anyone was exposed to the virus in the law school.

We learned two important lessons from this experience. First, the requirement that students, faculty, and staff present negative COVID-19 test results before classes begin worked as intended to identify a case in our community before the virus spread further. Second, the mask and physical distancing requirements worked as intended to protect our community.

The library and foyer will remain closed for at least 24 hours to allow time for sanitizing.

Graduates who have been using the library to study for the bar exam may use one of the open offices on the third floor of the 2000 building to study until the library reopens. The offices will be open for the same hours scheduled for the library. Graduates seeking access to an office should contact Administrative Services at adminservices@albanylaw.edu.

I will be available at today’s 4:30 p.m. town hall check in to answer further questions.

All my best,
 

Alicia Ouellette
President and Dean