Stay Healthy and Safe This Summer

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

In recent weeks, we have seen a decreasing number of new cases of COVID-19 in our campus community and in our state.  As a result of this trend Governor Murphy has started to lift some of the restrictions he put in place in March to slow the spread of the virus.

As our state makes progress against the disease, it is important to remember that many precautions still remain in place, including the requirement that universities and colleges provide all instruction and support services remotely.

Although we do not yet know when institutions of higher education may be allowed to resume in-person instruction, the Presidential Advisory Committee has been working with leaders across the University to develop plans and procedures that will allow us to return to campus as safely as possible. The University will keep you informed as these plans are finalized.

In the meantime, I want to remind everyone that we all need to continue doing the things that help keep ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors as healthy as possible.  Practice these habits every day – it’s our best defense:

• Practice and promote good, basic hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve. Immediately dispose of used tissues in a waste basket. Disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces. Avoid contact with those who are sick. If you don’t feel well, please stay at home – it’s the right thing to do for yourself and your community.
• Wear a cloth face covering when in a public space or any spaces where it is required, including outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Make sure it covers your nose and mouth. Doing this helps prevent you from spreading germs to others.
• Practice social distancing.  Stay at least six feet (two arm’s lengths) away from others. Do not shake hands with or hug people who aren’t members of your household. Keep your distance from people who are sick or who may be vulnerable to infections. Avoid large, crowded gatherings.

Each of these actions can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus. And taken together, they’re even more effective.

It’s also important to exercise, eat right and stay connected with other people. Although we are physically distanced, we can still interact with each other by phone or online. Talking regularly with friends and colleagues is helpful to our wellbeing.

If you do come to campus this summer, please remember to wear a face covering, practice social distancing and keep your hands clean.

Please remember that the University Health Center remains open this summer to serve students. Call us at 973-655-3459 if you would like to request an appointment. You will be screened first to keep our office safe for you. Have a question for a nurse? Send an email anytime to askanurse@montclair.edu.

This year brought changes, challenges, and uncertainty. Amidst all of that, we came together in new ways to care, build, connect, dance, support, play, learn and reach out.  As we prepare for returning to campus I would like for each of you to be safe, healthy and have some fun. I wish you all an enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you virtually or in person in the near future.

Sincerely,

Patricia Ruiz, DNP, APN
Director, University Health Center & EMS