COVID-Related Updates for This Week

Rockhurst Student, Faculty and Staff Companions,

In this week’s update, we share numbers that represent a slight uptick in some of our categories. While we are seeing higher numbers of quarantined cases among undergraduates, it is important to note that we still have plenty of capacity in our quarantine and isolation facilities and that we do not need to make any overarching changes in our operating procedures at the moment. As we continue to refine protocols for fall, we are also focused on planning for next semester and we have new details about the spring schedule to share, along with a few reminders. 

Spring 2021

We plan to offer a similar mix of course modalities in the spring as we did this fall – face-to-face, hybrid and online only. In response to the pandemic, however, we will alter our calendar as follows:

• Spring semester classes will begin one week later than originally scheduled – Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. Classes will end as scheduled May 4 with finals May 6-12.
• Spring break, originally scheduled for March 15-19, will not be held in an effort to reduce spread of the virus as the result of travel. Many other universities are taking this same precaution, prioritizing safety over tradition. Instead, we will look for other ways to give students a respite.
• Easter break, scheduled for April 2-5, will take place. As always, classes beginning after 4:30 p.m. Monday will be held (April 5).

Important reminders

• It is essential that all students and employees complete the Campus Clear health screening each day. This app helps you to assess your readiness to go to class and work – and also provides instruction should you be symptomatic, exposed to a person who is symptomatic or COVID positive, or be COVID positive yourself.
• Students who have been in close contact with a COVID-positive person and reported this exposure to the University are encouraged to virtually attend their face-to-face, hybrid, and remote classes while in quarantine where possible. Students in isolation who are symptomatic or have tested positive may attend classes virtually as their health allows.
• COVID testing is available at area HCA CareNow Urgent Care, Saint Luke’s Convenient Care clinics andAdventHealth Centra Care facilities. Those seeking or needing a test should go online and/or call before they visit a clinic to ensure the availability of testing at that location and to schedule an appointment. Residents of Johnson County, Kansas, can get tested for free — sign up here. Residents of Kansas City, Missouri, as well as Jackson County and Clay County, Missouri, can sign up for free testing here. The Kansas City Health Department has noted that any RU student can sign up for the free COVID testing noted above by using their local Kansas City, Jackson County, or Clay County address. If you need a test and you don’t have transportation, please contact illnessreport@rockhurst.edu.
• All who gather together in small groups, regardless of the indoor location, should always wear their masks and maintain physical distance of six feet. Some of the increase we have seen in the 14-day quarantines noted below is because students made choices to be close to one another (under six feet) when it was not necessary and to not wear masks in each other’s presence.
• Even though you may be in the same residential “family” (i.e., students living together in the same residential space), you must wear your masks when you are in other indoor spaces (classrooms, library, study spaces, etc.).  Likewise, you should wear your masks when you cannot maintain at least 6 feet between each other outside. This not only promotes your own health and well-being, but it also contributes to the welfare of the community as a whole.

Positive and Quarantined Cases

We are currently Level 3 (Orange) out of four levels – Active cases on campus. 

For undergraduate students on the Troost campus, the percent of active COVID cases has increased from 0.7% to 1.6% and the percent of quarantined cases has increased from 1.6% to 4.3% over the past week. Graduate student numbers on the Troost campus, as well as faculty and staff cases across all categories on both campuses, remain stable and low.

As of Sept. 22  

*Fifteen of the undergraduate positive cases are in University residential facilities.

Definitions

• COVID Active: tested positive for COVID; isolated
• Quarantined: had close contact with a COVID-positive person; possibly being tested
• Close Contact: You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more; You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19; You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them); You shared eating or drinking utensils; They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you

We’re closing in on the end of September and we can be thankful for many things in terms of the way our semester is unfolding. Even though we have seen an increase in positive cases and quarantined cases, our numbers continue to be manageable for an in-person environment. If we continue to work together, remaining vigilant and following all of the protocols we have established, we have an opportunity to complete our schedule as planned. 

We know this is a very busy time of year academically, and within families, so please remember to take some time to enjoy this extraordinarily beautiful fall weather!

Sincerely, 

Matthew D. Quick, Ph.D.  
Dean of Students/Vice President  
Student Development and Athletics  
  
Douglas N. Dunham, Ph.D.  
Provost and Senior Vice President  
Academic Affairs