Online classes resume in Ruskin and Erie

Posted: March 23, 2020

Hope you have had a healthy Monday, everyone.  

Things are calm and quiet across campus today, but we know that is not a reflection of all that is happening around us.

Online classes launched this morning with much success and a few hiccups, as would be expected. Hang in there and be patient and gracious with yourselves and others. Remember, this is a first for all of us and we’ll get through this together.

The faculty and staff, meanwhile, are busy Zoom-ing each other and sending a flurry of emails and requests working to keep us all on track.

The weekend was a busy one for everyone in Residence Life as students finished moving out and those still staying with us started to get consolidated into a few halls. There is nothing normal about this situation yet, but it seemed that over the weekend even the supermarkets were getting back on track.

Erie County announced its fourth case of COVID-19 earlier today, a sober reminder of the agent of all this change.

If we are to “flatten the curve” and limit the spread of the coronavirus, we all must do our part to practice social distancing. Avoid large gatherings and if you do go out in public, maintain a healthy distance from other individuals.

Testing has not been readily available but we do know coronavirus is in the area. So far, there has been no confirmation that a Gannon student or employee has COVID-19.

However, the University and the Erie County Department of Health are investigating the exposure of a Gannon student to a non-Gannon individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Our Gannon student followed protocol and was tested Saturday in Erie and the results are pending. The student went for testing after learning someone they had socialized with last Tuesday and Wednesday had just tested positive for the disease caused by the coronavirus. Neither of these young adults are showing any signs of illness. The original person, who does not live on our campus, was tested because a co-worker had tested positive. Both that person and the student are self-isolating and following social distancing guidelines. This is just another reminder of our need to be vigilant as we have been to control exposure and spread of this virus.

Any students who might have come into contact with this student will be notified by the health department if tests return positive. The health department has already started a contact search should that become necessary. Anyone contacted will be asked to self-monitor for signs of the illness and to alert the student health center if they develop any symptoms of the disease. Gannon’s Health Center remains open to support students here on campus.

Understand that this is an evolving situation and we will continue to keep everyone informed as events unfold. Continue to visit https://update.gannon.edu for our latest decisions and for resources to assist you. If you have a question or a comment, submit it at https://www.gannon.edu/Questions-or-Comments/
Please know that we are here if you need anything and we are working diligently as you all are to make the best of this situation and continue to learn something new each day. Peace and best wishes for good health and safety for you and your family.