Dear Assumption Faculty and Staff,
I hope this message finds you and your family in good health amid the ongoing pandemic. As the Commonwealth transitions to another phase in its
Reopening Massachusetts plan, I wish to share information relative to University operations and our safety protocols.
Based upon guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the advice of medical professionals, the University must maintain its
comprehensive safety protocols to promote the health and safety of the Assumption community.
While the Governor has eased some of the restrictions implemented to slow or prevent the spread of COVID-19 and with vaccinations underway, the virus persists as a considerable public health threat.
Yesterday, there were an additional 66,000 confirmed, new cases of COVID-19 in the United States and more than 2,100 deaths; 980 cases and 37 deaths in Massachusetts. While positive cases were decreasing in Massachusetts, they have plateaued in the last two weeks. Even with the safety protocols in place, the University reports 36 cases of COVID-19 on campus since January. An additional challenge to the current situation is the rapidly spreading and highly infectious variants that are present in Massachusetts. These are but some of the many factors necessitating the need to maintain all of the safety protocols. It is imperative that all members of the community continue to comply with our protocols.
For more than a year now, each day University officials have diligently monitored the COVID-19 situation and will continue to do so. Like you, we too yearn for the day when the safety protocols may be relaxed in the hope of realizing a new normal. Until then, we take seriously the responsibility to promote the health and safety of the University and Worcester communities.
Thank you once again for your understanding and patience as we provide students the option of in-person learning and an on-campus experience during the pandemic.
Sincerely,
