Dear Students and Loyola Families,

We are unfortunately seeing COVID-19 numbers go in the wrong direction, with 21 new positive tests among our students yesterday. We need students to take this situation seriously and make safe, healthy decisions if we are going to be able to enjoy the remaining weeks of our Spring semester in April and May.

We know that the reason we are having these issues is that students are not complying. We simply must have greater compliance among our students—especially because so few of our students are vaccinated.

You must wear masks, engage in social distancing, comply with Campus Assessment and Restriction Periods (CARPs), and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. We can do this. But you must make good decisions. You do not want to forfeit the best part of the Spring semester.

Campus COVID Update
We are extending the CARPs for Butler and Thea Bowman Halls through 6 a.m. on Monday, March 29, and implementing a CARP for Hammerman Hall beginning tonight at 8 p.m. and continuing through 6 a.m. on Monday, March 29. All residents of these three residence halls will be tested over the next two days.

Student residents of these halls who want to go home should be tested prior to leaving campus.

Please review the CARP guidelines and see whether you qualify for an exemption on the CARP website.

Easter/Spring Break Guidance
As you prepare to begin your Easter/Spring Break, I want to remind you all that you must continue to make good decisions for the health and safety of our community—and any communities you will be visiting over the break. This is not just Father Linnane reminding you to do this; this is Father Linnane reminding you at the request of the Baltimore City Health Department. 

Stay healthy, Hounds: Whether you are staying in Baltimore for the break or traveling, please continue to wear your mask, engage in social distancing, practice good handwashing hygiene, and be aware of—and comply with—any COVID-19 guidelines wherever you go. Please avoid high-risk gatherings, particularly those involving large groups. Even if you are visiting with people you know, I encourage you to continue to wear your mask.

If you are at home or traveling and start to have symptoms: You should stop socializing, quarantine, and seek out medical attention at an urgent care facility or with your doctor.

If you are on campus and begin to feel sick: Contact Student Health Services, which will be open Monday through Wednesday during the break. For medical concerns or questions from Thursday, April 1, through Monday, April 5, please reach out to our medical partners who are on call through the holiday weekend at 410-583-9396 or through our Emergencies and After-Hours page. If you test positive while home or traveling, let Student Health Services know by emailing covidhelp@loyola.edu.

Travel restrictions: As a reminder, we are asking that students only travel domestically and use all health precautions while traveling. We are not permitting students to travel internationally during the break and then return to campus due to the COVID-19 risks associated with international travel.

Consider testing before return: If you are home or going home for the break, we strongly encourage you to get a COVID test prior to returning to campus to decrease risk for unintentional spread of COVID. This will also allow you to be comfortable at home during your period of isolation if you were to test positive.

If You Stay on Evergreen
If you are living in Loyola housing, you are most welcome to stay in your housing for the break. If you are not under quarantine or in a CARP, you may visit the Loyola/Notre Dame Library and the Fitness & Aquatic Center, which will have reduced hours. Dining services will be provided on a reduced schedule. Campus Ministry will offer services in Alumni Memorial Chapel for Holy Week and Easter. You can find more information on our Easter/Spring Break information page.

The University offices are closed from Holy Thursday through Easter Monday, but students who stay on campus will be well-supported by our staff and administrators, including our outstanding team of case managers and COVID Logistics Coordinators (CLCs).

What to Expect after Break
We know you’ll be excited to see each other after the break, but please be mindful and limit interactions while we complete baseline testing for the safety of our community.
CARP will be in place: Students in Loyola housing will participate in a CARP as we conduct baseline testing for the rest of the semester. Beginning on Easter Sunday evening, all meals will be grab-and-go. All classes and events will be held online until everyone has been tested and results have been assessed. You can review the CARP guidelines here. We expect to end the CARP during the weekend of April 10, but we will communicate the end date and time that week. There is always a chance that test results would dictate a modified CARP for segments of or our whole campus community.

Mandatory campus-wide testing after the break: Starting on Tuesday, April 6, we will conduct testing of all undergraduate students who are taking in-person classes this semester, including those who are living off-campus and commuters. Testing will be held Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:20 p.m. in Reitz Arena. We can test 800 people a day, but it will take a few days to test all our students. Beginning today, you should sign up for the post-break COVID-19 testing through Aura using the location “Loyola Return from Spring Break Testing.” Whether you have traveled, stayed on campus, or remained in Baltimore for the break, you must participate in this testing. Please be patient while awaiting your results. You will receive your testing results within 36 to 72 hours via email from Lifebridge Health.

Sign up and show up: If you want the CARP to be lifted sooner, make sure you sign up and go to your appointment. It would be a shame to have to extend the CARP because a few students are not complying with the required testing.

Conclusion
Whether you stay in Baltimore for the Easter/Spring Break or travel, please take care of yourselves. Remember that your safe and healthy decisions have an impact on others. 

Enjoy a well-deserved break and be prepared to return to classes and activities for the last weeks of the Spring semester, which are always so memorable.

God bless you and your families, and please stay safe and enjoy the beauty of this holy time of the year, especially if you are preparing to celebrate Passover or the Holy Triduum.

Sincerely,

Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J.
President