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Dear Students,

Beginning Wednesday, September 16, the City of Salisbury will reinstate limits on the number of individuals allowed at indoor and outdoor gatherings, including residential neighborhoods and apartment complexes. No more than 15 people will be allowed to gather indoors in a single space. The outdoor limit is 50.

These restrictions are in response to the rising COVID-19 numbers in Wicomico County, which has one of the top seven-day positivity rates among all counties in Maryland. While most SU students who have tested positive are not included in this number (student positivity numbers are counted in their home counties), the campus’ seven-day positivity rate remains above SU’s goal of 5 percent or less.

It is important to understand that, while there is no magic number that would force the physical campus to close to students, similar to the spring semester, rising positivity rates and other key indicators will factor into any decisions that may become necessary as the fall semester continues.

Most students are doing a great job working to curb the spread by wearing masks as appropriate, physical distancing, avoiding large gatherings, regularly washing their hands (or using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available) and otherwise abiding by SU’s Code of Community Standards. We ask that you please respect the City’s reinstated gathering limits and understand that there will be consequences for those who do not.

Please note that there are exemptions in the reinstated restrictions for religious gatherings, offices, retail stores, restaurants and other businesses. For that reason, in-person classes at SU will not be affected by the reinstatement, and operations in areas such as the Commons, Guerrieri Academic Commons, Guerrieri Student Union and SU Bookstore will continue as they have so far this semester.

Thank you for doing your part to help #ProtectTheFlock. For additional information on SU’s COVID-19 efforts, to schedule a coronavirus test at SU, or to view the most up-to-date campus numbers, please visit www.salisbury.edu/coronavirus.

Sincerely,

Valerie Randall-Lee
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students
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