Pines Warns Against Large Parties, Gatherings as County Positivity Rate Falls

University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines sent the following email to the campus community today:

Over the past week, several prominent academic institutions were forced to pull back from their return-to-campus plans due to outbreaks of COVID-19 and the evolving pandemic. Positive cases on college campuses have been measurably linked to attending large gatherings or house parties. These institutions—each with detailed reopening and COVID-19 mitigation plans—have since announced a pivot to an all-virtual semester.

We, as a community, will follow a similar fate if everyone does not abide by the county executive's and governor's strict orders that prohibit such gatherings.

Today, Gov. Larry Hogan announced that, for the first time, the COVID-19 positivity rate in all Maryland jurisdictions—including here in Prince George's County—has fallen below 5%. We need your help in keeping this trend going.

So, please use your best judgment, follow the law, and do not host or attend large parties or gatherings to keep yourself and our community safe. The city and university will vigorously enforce the law, and please remember that our Code of Student Conduct applies to all students, whether on or off campus. Our ability to provide a world-class student experience depends on our ability to abide by 4 Maryland healthy behaviors.

It is our expectation that we will have positive cases on our campus and in our community. If we work to stop the spread, we can stay together longer.

Stay safe and healthy, and avoid large parties and gatherings!

It is up to every one of us!

Sincerely,

Darryll J. Pines
President, University of Maryland
He/His/Him