By, Nicole Fitzsimmons, News Editor
Manhattan College continues to evaluate the COVID-19 presence on campus and the precautions that should be taken to prevent the spread of the virus approaching the end of this semester.
In an email sent to the Manhattan College community on Nov. 11, OneManhattan stated that there were no active cases of COVID-19 on campus currently. This good news is accompanied by the statistic of 34 recovered cases since the start of the semester. The email includes links to updated information and statistics on COVID-19 in New York City, New York State and the entirety of the United States.
The college is still trying to keep up with precautionary measures to prevent future cases. Regular COVID-19 testing is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Smith Auditorium. Students experiencing any COVID-like symptoms can make appointments during Health Services hours from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and be tested inside the offices located in Horan Hall.
In the upcoming month, the email notes multiple testing dates before and after Thanksgiving break on a more irregular schedule. On Tuesday, Nov. 30, regular testing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays will resume for the remainder of the fall semester and will conclude on the last test date of Monday, Dec. 20, before Christmas. Testing will then resume on Tuesday, Jan. 4. A complete testing schedule can be found in the college’s calendar linked in the email.
To keep up with updates to the COVID-19 vaccination requirements, the email states that the college is currently not requiring students to receive booster vaccinations. Yet, students can update their vaccination status if they have gotten the booster with proof by clicking the link in the email.
The cold winter months present a challenge to the college during this pandemic era. Since any illness can make someone more susceptible of COVID, it will be important for the college to prepare for flu season. Promising results have been noted by the college in terms of the flu season, as One Manhattan reported the lowest ever amount of flu cases for this time of year. Nonetheless, students are still reminded to wear a mask when indoors per CDC guidelines.
“We have seen fewer flu cases on campus so far this year than before the pandemic. There is a similar trend happening worldwide, based on data provided by the World Health Organization,” the email stated.
Cases of viruses on campus have been fewer, and hospitalizations remain low in the area, but the email states that COVID-19 cases are rising nationwide. New York City does seem to be approaching a plateau. The college reminds students to stay safe on campus and follow the necessary steps to ensure there are no outbreaks on campus, especially following the recent slowness of infections and a very successful fully in person semester.
“Report your symptoms on the daily symptom tracker each day you’re on campus. These actions will help us maintain a lower incidence of flu and a lower spread of COVID-19,” the email stated.
In other COVID-19 news, New York City health officials announced that all adults 18 years or older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine. This expanded eligibility was announced on Monday, Nov. 16. Adults must allow for enough time to pass from their primary series. For those who received Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, they must wait six months prior to receiving the ir booster. While, those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, there is only a two month wait period. According to a tweet from the NYC health commissioner, Dr. Dave Chokshi, as of the morning of Nov. 15 “over 630,000 New Yorkers have already received an additional dose.”
The College has yet to announce any updated guidance or requirements regarding the booster vaccine.