Wilkes University President Greg Cant gestures toward a memorial luminaria during a vigil last week marking the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cant on Monday issued a letter warning of rising virus cases among the campus community, citing off-campus gatherings as a cause and advising that disciplinary action is coming as a result.
Roger DuPuis | Times Leader
University president cites off-campus gatherings as a cause
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WILKES-BARRE — Wilkes University is closely monitoring a rise in COVID-19 cases among its campus community, President Greg Cant and members of his administration wrote in a letter emailed Monday evening, citing off-campus gatherings as a cause and advising that disciplinary action is coming as a result.
“Since Monday, March 8, over 30 new student cases have been identified with several test results pending. This also means that an additional 80 students are now in quarantine and the number continues to grow,” the letter indicated.
“We are disappointed to share with you that many of these cases can be traced to a small number of off-campus gatherings hosted and attended by members of our student body,” the letter continued. “This is in direct violation of our health and safety protocols as well as health orders issued by the City of Wilkes-Barre and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Disciplinary action from the University is underway.”
Adding that “attending large, maskless gatherings in the midst of a pandemic is incredibly careless,” the letter noted that a rise in cases impacts the entire university, straining resources and resulting in a loss of academic, athletic and social opportunities.
“We recognize that an increase in those vaccinated and a national decrease in COVID-19 cases may provide a false sense of confidence that you can safely let your guard down. We also recognize that the pandemic has interrupted some of the collegiate experiences that make your time here so special,” the letter added. “But we implore you to also remember that one evening of poor decisions can have a profound impact on you, your peers and our entire campus community and their families.”
Cant continued by asking students to be mindful of the university’s health and safety protocols “so that we can remain on campus through May,” noting that face masks are required in all indoor and outdoor spaces on campus and six feet of distance is required wherever feasible.
“Assurance testing is an excellent way to do your part in keeping the campus healthy and safe. It is required that you be tested when called upon,” he added.
“After an uninterrupted, successful fall semester, we are absolutely confident in your ability to make safe decisions. But it requires a commitment from each and every one of us. Hope is on the horizon when it comes to defeating this virus. Please stay the course,” Cant concluded.