Marywood students received an email this afternoon notifying them that all classes will be online the week of Feb. 22. This is due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases as well as students in quarantine.

As of publication, there are 11 students who tested positive for COVID-19, and there are currently 59 in quarantine. While no employees have tested positive, seven are in quarantine.

The news comes just three weeks after students returned to campus for HyBridge classes for the spring semester. The first two weeks of classes were online due to coronavirus concerns in Pennsylvania.

Despite being back on campus, students have still not experienced a full week of regular classes. Winter weather has hit multiple times leading to partial closures and all-virtual days of learning, something Annie Heyen, senior nutrition and dietetics and religion major, noted.

“It doesn’t feel like a change with all of the snow days we’ve had,” said Heyen.

Heyen also stressed that with how limited class time is, virtual classes can be tough.

Zach Penzone, a senior history major and resident assistant, said a week of online classes will be rough after the transition to in-person classes.

“It might seem hard or unfair, but if everyone does their part and is extra diligent it can only be one week,” said Penzone.

Despite classes being online, campus buildings will remain open. According to the letter from university President Sr. Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D the school will continue to provide food services at Nazareth Dining Hall and the Learning Commons cafe. However, there will be no seating at the Learning Commons for students to dine at, and all study rooms will be locked.

The fitness center will also be open while classes are online. After being closed for a routine cleaning over the weekend, normal hours of operation will resume on Monday.

According to the letter from Persico on-campus events did not contribute to the increase in cases. She also emphasized the importance of adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

“I believe that our community can rise to meet these challenges and enjoy a safe, in-person spring semester, however, we can only make it happen if we work together,” wrote Persico.

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