Enhanced Health Precautions Instituted in La Plata Hall

The university today implemented enhanced health precautions within La Plata Hall following a rise in positive COVID-19 cases there.

All residents of La Plata Hall were asked to restrict activities, practice enhanced physical distancing and self-monitor for 10 days, from 7 p.m. today through 7 p.m. Feb. 15, to mitigate the spread of the virus, Dr. Spyridon S. Marinopoulos, University Health Center director, and Valronica Scales, director of the Department of Resident Life, wrote in an email to affected residents and their families.

Students could choose to remain in La Plata Hall and follow the university’s Enhanced Health Precautions guidelines or return to their permanent residence while they restrict their activities.

These restrictions include remaining in the residence hall and in the room as much as possible, not attending in-person classes or work, and avoiding visits to RecWell facilities, Stamp or other public places. As needed, they may go outside to get fresh air around their residence hall.

The Department of Dining Services will provide a served buffet meal for La Plata Hall residents in a separate location within The Diner. They must enter via the side door facing the quad side of LaPlata Hall, pick up their meals during designated hours and return to their room to dine.

Students should continue to follow 4 Maryland guidelines: wear a mask, maintain physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and monitor your symptoms.

Those remaining on campus for the enhanced health precaution period must report to the ambulance entrance at the University Health Center tomorrow to be tested; no appointment needed. Those departing tonight do not require a test, but students still on campus tomorrow during the designated testing time do.

Students who experience any COVID symptoms or have reason to believe they were exposed to a person who has tested positive should call the HEAL Line at 301.405.4325 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays or noon-6 p.m. weekends. Anyone needing medical assistance can call the After-Hours Nurse Line at 1-877.924.7758 from 8 p.m.- 8 a.m.

“Please know that this decision was made because we prioritize the health and safety of every member of our community,” Marinopoulos and Scales wrote. “It is our hope and expectation that we will persevere through these temporary measures and resume in-person activities on Feb. 15.”