Dear Students,
It was truly wonderful to see you creating a new way of celebrating Flower Sunday yesterday. Even though we were not able to enjoy a beautiful service in the chapel, you kept alive the heart of the tradition, in which first-year “littles” are paired with upperclass students who will act as their “bigs.” I saw so many sophomores, juniors, and seniors who were happy to be paired with more than one “little”! It was in the best spirit of community, of siblinghood, and of caring for each other that Flower Sunday signifies.
The weather was beautiful, so many of you enjoyed brunch outdoors. However, as Dean Horton and I went from the Tower complex to the east side, it was clear that some students were not observing the guidance on physical distancing, with a number of groups clustered at tables meant for fewer people and a lack of distance between students who are not in blocks. We have also received feedback from the weekly community survey and the compliance reporting form that indicates a lack of routine physical distancing. I understand how difficult this can be, but we must try harder. The simple fact is that just wearing masks, although essential, is not sufficient to prevent the spread of infection—maintaining a physical distance of six feet is also critical, even when you are outdoors.
Going forward, we will make some changes:
- First, we will ask Facilities to clearly label all tables with the maximum number of people allowed. Note that it is not safe for more than one person to sit at a small table.
- Second, we have decided to continue with twice per week testing for all students. You will be receiving an updated schedule for testing, and I ask that you please follow the instructions.
Only through the combination of physical distancing, wearing masks, hand hygiene, asymptomatic testing, filling out the daily health check app, and following the code of conduct can we keep our campus safe. It is critical that you not be lulled into a false sense of security by the fact that to date we have had one case on campus and that we are doing asymptomatic testing. I am sure you are aware of the outbreak of COVID-19 on the Boston College campus, which started with a small number of students and quickly increased. We can avoid this outcome, and I know you are up to the task.
Thank you for all that you are doing to help keep our community safe.
Paula A. Johnson
President
