BOURBONNAIS – Students at Olivet Nazarene University have an asked to restrict movement in the community to only activities absolutely necessary. The request came in an email to students earlier today as cases continued to climb at Olivet.
New University mitigation efforts will begin immediately.
“Due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in our state and local community we need your diligent cooperation.” School administrators asked students Friday. Normal academic schedules with protocols put in place regarding mask and social distancing will continue at the University, with limited seating available for dining both in and outdoors.
Among mitigation efforts include all events at the school with over 25 people of been postponed or been moved to a virtual experience. No guests or visitors are permitted at any time in dorms or apartments assigned to people with housing contracts.
“We recognize that none of us wanted to in the fall semester under these parameters however our goals to finish strong academically and return home healthy at the completion of the semester,” the University said in Friday’s letter, asking students to keep their circles small.
The latest mitigations went into effect less than 48 hours after President John Bowling warned the University was on the heels of ‘another major spike’ on campus. Friday, ONU reported 44 active cases on campus, the most active cases reported to date since returning this fall.
Friday, the Kankakee County Health Department (KCHD) reported 238 new cases of COVID-19 in the area, a new single day record. In the last five days, KCHD has reported 938 new cases. Over 1,500 remain active now in Kankakee, with 39 individuals hospitalized locally.
