Brown University, Providence College Begin Reopening Process

PROVIDENCE, RI — Two Providence universities are welcoming more students back to campus this week. Providence College is moving towards in-person learning, while Brown University is entering "level two" of reopening.

A stay-at-home order was issued and all learning was moved online at PC three weeks ago after more than 120 students, most of whom lived in off-campus apartments, tested positive for the coronavirus. Remote learning was initially set to expire Sept. 26, but was later extended to this week.

To prevent future outbreaks on campus, the university is taking a multi-pronged approach, PC officials said.

"There are numerous reasons that the return must necessarily be gradual, and we ask for patience as we work together through the next few days,' the statement read in part. "[Our strategy] combines various mitigation strategies — including continued aggressive testing protocols, mask mandates, and physical distancing directives — to help make possible a safe resumption of the fall semester. It has taken a tremendous amount of hard work and sacrifice to get us to this point, and we are grateful to everyone — students, parents, faculty, and staff — for their commitment to Providence College and the well-being of our community."

Students who stayed on campus during the lockdown will be tested again Monday or Tuesday. Those who left their off-campus apartment or dorm have been asked to get a test before returning, and will also be tested once back on campus.

In-person classes could resume as early as the end of this week, the statement said. The shelter-in-place order is still in effect, meaning students are asked to stay in their dorm or residence except for "essential travel" such as attending class, getting food or going to work. Students are urged to stay in their "pod," only socializing with their roommates or housemates. Gov. Gina Raimondo previously issued a similar message, urging all Rhode Islanders, but especially students, to keep their groups small and stable.

"There was no big party to blame for this," she said. "People were in relatively small groups, but they weren't consistent. There weren't masks or social distancing."

Brown University, meanwhile, moved to "level two" of campus activity Monday, meaning more activities are allowed on campus. The university developed a phased approach to reopening, based on the current public health conditions.

"This move to Level 2 is a testament to the collective commitment of Brown students, staff and faculty to promote and sustain a safe and healthy campus," university officials said in the announcement. "Your dedication and hard work to follow public health guidance — including mask wearing, handwashing, symptom monitoring, social distancing, seeking medical advice when sick and active participation in the routine testing program — has enabled us to take this important step. Thank you for all that you have and will continue to do in this regard."

Masks, frequent handwashing and social distancing are still required in level two. Full guidance is available on Brown's website. Highlights are listed below.

• Masks: Must be worn unless the person is along in a room or office, eating, more than 6 feet away from others in public, in their student pod or for personal hygiene reasons.
• In-person learning: Classes of 19 people or fewer are allowed starting Monday. In-person office hours or advising are allowed, providing mask guidelines are followed. Library access is limited.
• Dining: Meals are all grab-and-go, with the possibility of limited in-person, socially distanced meals at some point.
• Social activities: University-sponsored events will be held outdoors as much as possible, with masks and social distancing required. Students are urged to wear a mask any time they are with people who are not in the five-person pod.
• Exercise: The university is encouraging students and staff to exercise outdoors. Gym facilities will slowly reopen to students and staff.
• Off-campus: Students are urged to avoid nonessential activities off-campus, especially going to bars. Out-of-state travel is only allowed in emergencies, and with approval.