Elon University has moved back down to Level 2 — Moderate Alert, according to an email from Jeff Stein, chair of the Ready & Resilient committee. The university had been in the High Alert Level since Sept. 21, after an outbreak in cases that caused the university to increase two alert levels in four days.
“Experience shows us that the number of COVID-19 cases may surge and dissipate at times, emphasizing the importance of keeping our guard up,” Stein wrote. “Our personal behavior is critical and that means being vigilant about wearing masks, physical distancing and washing hands. Key to our success is to strictly limit the size of your social bubble – removing your mask and relaxing your behaviors only at home with your roommate or family members.”
The High Alert Level triggered an increase in testing, the transition to remote learning for classes with a “significant proportion” of positive cases, to-go dining only and the closure of on-campus housing to visitors.
While the university has moved out of high alert, a social hiatus remains in place until the end of Thursday. Starting Friday, dining halls will be open for indoor seating and visitors are allowed in on-campus housing.
For some students, the lack of socialization during the social hiatus has taken a toll on their mental health.
Dean of Students Jana Lynn Patterson told Elon News Network in an interview Monday, that freshman students should try and get involved safely.
“It’s difficult,” Patterson said. “I certainly recommend students spend time engaging in class and as they can on their halls I know they can’t visit like they normally [would] but they can still have connections with folks on their residence halls as well as participating in student organizations and events that are sponsored by the office of student involvement.”