It has come to our attention that a local school, Providence College, has at least 85 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (this number is likely to increase). We are hopeful that they will have a quick recovery and the steps to quarantine their entire campus will prevent further spread of the virus.
Many of our students live in and visit the same neighborhoods where other college students reside. Today, there are four confirmed COVID-19 cases of JWU students living in PC's Elmhurst area (all students are remote learners and Safety & Security determined their last visits to campus were prior to their contact date with the virus). There are additional students whose test results we are awaiting (these students are all remote learners as well).
Due to increased concern, all students living in the Elmhurst area are now
required to take a COVID-19 test. (For students who do not have testing appointments with the state, we will be providing testing in the neighborhood; details TBD). Any student, anywhere on or off campus, who is asymptomatic can schedule a test through
health.ri.gov/covid/testing. All students completing testing must submit their results to
healthservices.pvd@jwu.edu. Please contact
JWU Health Services with any questions or for more information.
The expectations we have in place for the JWU community are more important than ever. Students not adhering to university and state orders are putting us all at extreme risk. We could become ill, be required to quarantine and/or isolate, or forced to move classes to fully remote deliveries along with a campus shutdown. There will be swift sanctions (including, but not limited to, removal from campus housing, university suspension or dismissal) for violations related to our
COVID-19 Conduct Protocol and general student conduct policies.
Please know that state and local police are on increased alert. They will be conducting frequent drive-bys, visiting local restaurants/bars to enforce carding and checking for fake IDs, and fining landlords, students & guests who are hosting parties/gatherings.
