To the Parents and Guardians of Carroll College students,
With the first few days of class behind us, and a lot ahead of us, we wanted to provide an update on the initial round of COVID-19 testing, give some reminders about events, and encourage our students to keep the community safe with their personal actions this weekend and in the future.
As expected, we have had some initial positive tests.Those students have been moved to isolation or quarantine as have any students who were notified as being a close contact of a positive individual. The COVID-19 prevalence report will be updated on the front page of the Marching Back website before 1 p.m. on Friday. At that time, we will be reporting laboratory-confirmed positive cases. Everyone who received a positive test from the initial round of testing is automatically retested to verify the results.
Testing for Students
If a student has not completed their initial testing for COVID-19, they can go to the Wellness Center before 4 p.m. today and be tested. So far, we have tested over 1,000 students. After Wednesday, students that have COVID-19 symptoms should call the Carroll College Wellness Center during regular business hours at 406-447-5441. After hours, call the St. Peter’s Urgent Care hotline at 406-442-2480.
Carroll College is currently pursuing additional avenues for asymptomatic, or sentinel testing. More information will be shared with the community when it is available.
Events
If anyone is planning an event on campus, remember that we are currently under the Governor’s Phase II guidelines. As such, in-person events will be allowed with group sizes not to exceed 50 people. Social distancing protocols will be followed by spacing tables and chairs to allow for more area between guests. Seating capacity of rooms will be reduced in size. Individuals should begin planning as early as possible to ensure we can provide a safe and healthy event, and there are options for individuals to use ZOOM or other technology to hold the event. More information about who to contact to schedule an event including contact information for students, faculty, and staff can be found on the Marketing and Communication website.
Being Vigilant
Many national stories this week have focused on campuses where the first week of in-person classes was successful, but the first weekend led to significant outbreaks. At the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, this led to a shift to remote learning after an initial successful in-person opening. This weekend we are asking students to:
- Wear your mask
- Maintain social distance
- Use the “Campus Clear” application for symptom checking
- Get good sleep and exercise (it’s a great weekend to be outdoors)
It’s what Saints do!
As always, stay safe and healthy,
John E. Cech, Ph.D., President
Carroll College Marching Back Task Force