September 14, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
As you know, we had a case of COVID-19 on campus last week. I write to let you know that the County Health Department has completed its investigation and has been in touch with those people determined to be close contacts at risk of exposure. Close contacts are defined by the CDC and the NYS Department of Health as individuals who have been within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes. Close contacts are subject to mandatory quarantine.
Fortunately, the affected individual in our case wore a mask and maintained physical distance while in law school facilities. As such, the County Health Department determined that there was no need to quarantine people who simply shared a classroom or hallway space.
Out of an abundance of caution, the law school notified those who had been in class with the affected individual and encouraged precautionary testing. I am happy to report that, thus far, all such individuals have tested negative.
With contact tracing and disinfection of affected areas completed, and no further evidence of spread of the virus, the law school reopened its buildings Saturday and resumed classes today. It appears our safety protocols worked as intended to prevent the spread of the virus.
Of course, we must remain vigilant. Wear your masks. Maintain 6 feet of distance from one another. Wash your hands frequently. Sanitize workstations before use. Avoid large gatherings. Remind each other to do the same.
It is especially important that you stay home and attend classes or work remotely if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones. Given that the coronavirus often presents as a mild sore throat or persistent headache, it is better to be safe than sorry. Do not come to class with symptoms until you have been cleared through testing.
With this virus, we all need to assume that any one of us could be positive at any time. By following the safety protocols, we keep each other safe.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Thanks for your cooperation as we keep each other and our community safe.
All my best,
Alicia Ouellette
President and Dean
