Marist College Extends Campus Pause Due To Coronavirus Again

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Marist College extended its precautionary campus pause because additional cases of the new coronavirus have been identified.

In a posted letter to the community, school officials said that all classes will remain remote through Friday.

The college mobilized a comprehensive response to recently found infections, and through the stepped-up testing identified 27 positive cases, most of which can be attributed to an off-campus event, according to the letter posted on the website.

Officials said the Office of Student Conduct is investigating the nature of the event and any violations of policy associate with it.

"It is worth nothing that even with this recent outbreak, our post-arrival infection rate continues to be low (0.65 percent) and since the initial surge in cases late last week, our rate of positive cases has slowed," the college said, adding that it is believed the situation has been contained.

In addition to the remote classes, all students must remain on campus and avoid traveling, unless directed by Marist health professionals or staff. Trips home must be avoided as well.

All official on- and off-campus activities are suspended, and gatherings, whether on- or off-campus, are prohibited.

There will be no athletic team trainings, and the James J. McCann Recreation Center is closed.

The Marist campus is closed to all visitors, including parents and families.

Officials said the actions of everyone in the Marist community will have a direct impact on the college's next steps and are urged to be vigilant.

"We must continue to follow our three health protocols: wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and practicing good hygiene such as hand washing," the school said.

Marist found out Oct. 8 about multiple positive cases of the virus as an off-campus. The campus pause was implemented at that time, but was extended.

According to the Marist College COVID-19 Dashboard, as of Wednesday, there have been a total of 37 positive tests since students arrived on campus. Eight have been cleared by the medical team to come to campus.

Twenty-six who tested positive are in isolation at home or off campus. Three positive cases are in isolation on campus.

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