Saint Leo is currently evaluating the White House’s COVID-19 plan
Yesterday during a press conference, President Biden unveiled a new, national COVID-19 plan, called Path out of the Pandemic. It is a six-pronged plan outlining several action items that individuals and large private and public businesses would need to take, with the goal of speeding up our nation’s recovery from the pandemic.
Employees may have many questions about the plan and are likely wondering what it will mean for Saint Leo University. At this time, the university is awaiting additional information before any changes are made to university operations. The COVID-19 Incident Command Team met this morning to review and discuss the plan and will issue additional communications when information becomes available.
While the details of this plan are being determined, the COVID-19 Incident Command Team highly encourages employees to consider receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, if they have not done so already. This action will help the university reduce its risk for spreading the virus and help our community get closer to resuming business as usual.
Employees are also encouraged to notify Human Resources (email copy of vaccination card to HR@saintleo.edu) if they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. This information will be helpful in planning related to COVID-19 prevention efforts as those who have had the vaccine are not subject to random testing.
Saint Leo shares update about the Fall Semester
The Saint Leo University COVID-19 Response Team would like to confirm that all on-ground classes at University Campus and education centers will continue to be held in-person following Thanksgiving Break.
Many students have asked if the university was planning to move classes online following Thanksgiving Break, and the answer to that question is no. Information suggesting otherwise is not accurate.
Any changes related to the delivery of courses will be sent out through Saint Leo University email. At this time, the university plans to continue to offer classes in-person through the end of the academic semester.
STUDENT MESSAGE
Important information as you prepare to return to campus
The Saint Leo University COVID-19 Incident Command Team recently made an update to the Stage 3 Framework for Advancing the Pride guide concerning our mask policy and quarantine practices.
In accordance with recent guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, masks must be worn indoors when in the presence of others by all individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated). The only exception is for students who live on University campus while in their personal residence hall room.
It is important to keep in mind that failing to abide by the university’s mask guideline is a violation of the university’s policies. Those found in violation will be subject to disciplinary action. Once our University Campus community (students, faculty and staff) reach an 85 percent COVID-19 vaccination rate or Pasco County achieves a COVID-19 positivity rate below 5 percent, this requirement will be lifted.
In addition, effective this Fall, University Campus students who are identified as needing to quarantine or isolate as a result of COVID-19 and whose permanent residence is within the state of Florida will be asked to return to their homes to do so. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis upon request to the COVID-19 Response Team.
With our close-knit communal living environment, Saint Leo University strongly encourages students to consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine before returning to University Campus. The more students who choose to become vaccinated, the more we can return to a normal, engaging and fun academic year.
A special vaccine clinic will be held at the beginning of the semester to make it convenient for students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Details about this event will be shared soon. In the meantime, students should continue to check their Saint Leo University email for future updates related to COVID-19 and the Fall Semester.
Learn about how students, faculty, and staff can win in more ways than one when they receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
If a campus student in residence is experiencing symptoms of illness and is concerned about possible COVID-19 infection (fever over 100.4, other symptoms of illness), they are asked to immediately self-isolate and contact the Health Center in DeChantal Hall at (352) 588-8347. After hours, they can contact University Safety at (352) 588-8432 for the on-call nurse. Online and education center students, are asked to immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider and notify your center director or advisor of your illness. Staff and faculty should do the same and also contact their supervisor and human resources business partner.
Learn about Saint Leo's reopening plans and hear messages from university leadership.
