By Meridyth Sanders ‘21, co-editor in chief
LVC is one of just a handful of colleges in the state without any positive COVID-19 tests on campus, even after seven weeks of in-person classes.
Nearby schools such as Messiah University, Gettysburg College, DeSales University and Albright College have all reported at least one COVID-19 case on campus since returning for in-person classes. However, LVC has managed to avoid any reported cases since reopening for students for the fall 2020 semester.
President James MacLaren attributes this success largely to the students and staff at LVC.
“Our location also helps, as we are in a less densely populated region of the state,” MacLaren said. “As you have likely read about or heard on the news, many of the campus outbreaks can be traced back to unmasked large social gatherings often involving alcohol. These have not been happening to the same extent at LVC.”
There are also key differences in LVC’s protective measures against COVID-19 that may play a role in the College’s success in keeping the virus at bay for the time being.
“Notable differences at LVC compared to a number of other schools have been our contact tracing, isolation and quarantine strategies,” MacLaren said. “We start isolation and quarantine protocols along with contact tracing immediately rather than waiting for a positive test.”
A more difficult aspect of preventing the virus is determining when a student or employee should get tested. LVC is only testing symptomatic students at this time. Although not tested regularly, students and staff are required to monitor their health conditions daily and report any sudden changes via an online symptom tracker.
Students who report COVID-related symptoms are treated at Shroyer Health Center, where medical staff determine whether or not a test should be administered.
“I recognize that these protocols can be exhausting, and we all want lives to return to normal,” MacLaren said. “I would just like to add that it is so important to not let our guard down and to continue with the diligence we have shown thus far.”
The College will continue to uphold the regulations and procedures for contact tracing, quarantine policies and isolation if a student or staff member on campus tests positive for the virus, as recommended by state and federal public health agencies.
To monitor LVC’s COVID-19 tests and cases, read the dashboard at www.lvc.edu/lvcforward, which is updated daily Monday – Friday.
“I am so grateful that nearly everyone on campus has followed the Community Covenant and looked out not only for themselves, but also each other,” MacLaren said. “Masking, social distancing and handwashing will continue to be critical practices until the pandemic is over.”