April 13, 2021

Finals Week has arrived! Two weeks until TS Empire State departs Fort Schuyler on SST A-Cruise. As a reminder, and for everyone's health and safety:

Students participating in spring sports must be tested Monday/Tuesday each week
All students departing campus this week must be tested before leaving campus
Cadets participating in Summer Sea Term Cruise A must be tested this week

Here are the COVID-19 positivity rates (7-day rolling average and change from the previous week) as of Sunday, April 11.

	7 Day Rolling Average	Change from Previous Week
NY State	3.2%	-0.4%
NY City	3.5%	-0.8%
Long Island	3.9%	-0.5%
Bronx	3.6%	-1.1%
SUNY-Wide	0.3%	No Change
Maritime College	0.2%	-0.4%

Last week, 1107 students and employees were tested on campus. Of those tested, 2 were identified as positive (0.2%); both were students.

We are in the home stretch of the end of the academic year and the beginning of Summer Sea Term. The requirements for following COVID-19 protocols remain in effect as DOH and SUNY guidelines for higher education institutions have not changed. As changes occur, we will keep the campus community informed.

April 5, 2021

Here are the COVID-19 positivity rates (7-day rolling average and change from the previous week) as of Sunday, April 4.

	7 Day Rolling Average	Change from Previous Week
NY State	3.6%	+0.1%
NY City	4.3%	No Change
Long Island	4.4%	No Change
Bronx	4.7%	-0.2%
SUNY-Wide	0.3%	No Change
Maritime College	0.6%	-0.5%

Last week, 983 students and employees were tested on-campus. Of those tested, 6 were positive (0.6%); all were students.

march 29, 2021

Dear Maritime College Community,

Here are the COVID-19 positivity rates (7-day rolling average and change from the previous week) as of Sunday, March 28.

	7 Day Rolling Average	Change from Previous Week
NY State	3.5%	+0.2%
NY City	4.3%	+0.2%
Long Island	4.4%	No Change
Bronx	4.9%	+0.3%
SUNY-Wide	0.3%	No Change
Maritime College	0.8%	-0.3%

Last week, 1052 students and employees were tested on-campus. Of those tested, eight were positive (0.8%); all were students. Of the eight students, two had received at least one dose of their vaccination prior to testing. As of Sunday, 15 students were in quarantine/isolation on and off-campus. This includes students in precautionary quarantine who came in contact with and were potentially exposed to others who were infected.

DON'T BE LULLED INTO A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. AS REPORTED TODAY in MEDIA OUTLETS, NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY NOW LEAD THE COUNTRY IN COVID-19 INFECTIONS. Orange and Rockland counties are seeing the highest daily positivity rates in the State - 8.3 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively. Just below them is Bronx County, which currently has a 5.4 percent positivity rate, and Suffolk County, which has a 5.2 percent positivity rate. So although our campus positivity rate is low compared to the surrounding counties, we need to exercise extreme caution and continue to follow all protocols on and off campus.

WITH ONLY TWO WEEKS OF CLASSES REMAING AND FOUR WEEKS TO SST, getting infected with COVID or coming into contact with someone who is COVID positive could jeopardize your ability to take your finals and finish prerequisites for Summer Sea Term.

EFFECTIVE APRIL 6, ALL NEW YORK STATE RESIDENTS AGES 16 AND OLDER ARE ELIGIBLE TO GET VACCINATED. Register for an appointment here. All faculty, staff, and students are highly encouraged to get vaccinated. It will reduce your chances of experiencing severe symptoms should you become infected and reduce the chances of spreading the virus to family, friends, and the Maritime College community.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 VACCINATION, YOU MUST STILL PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY TESTING AND CONTINUE TO WEAR A MASK, SOCIAL DISTANCE, AND PRACTICE PROPER HYGIENE.

This semester, 65 students have been referred to the judicial process for failure to adhere to COVID protocols, including not participating in weekly testing, not wearing a face mask, not social distancing, being in a dorm room other than your own, or other irresponsible social behavior.

Thank you to all those who have used the hotline to report violations of the College's COVID health and safety protocols and submit concerns/suggestions regarding COVID-19. You may contact the hotline at covidsafety@sunymaritime.edu or 718-409-5985. All reports are kept confidential. We appreciate your reports and feedback.

CONTINUE TO MAKE SMART CHOICES ON AND OFF-CAMPUS, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

March 24, 2021

THIS WEEK WE HAD AN UPTICK IN THE PERCENTAGE OF POSITIVE TESTS. This is a clear reminder that we must not let our guard down. We are rapidly approaching the end of year and we don't want to let the carelessness of a few impact the entire campus. As I pointed out last week , the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Naval Academy both had to shift to fully remote classes due to COVID outbreaks. At each academy, approximately 100 midshipmen were infected. Academy officials were forced to restrict students to their rooms and cancel liberty. Similarly, Duke University locked down their entire student body.

WITH LESS THAN THREE WEEKS OF CLASSES AND FIVE WEEKS TO SST, WE MUST CONTINUE TO STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE PROTOCOLS. Don't let the warmer weather lul you into a false sense of security. Getting infected with COVID or coming into contact with someone could jeopardize your ability to take your finals and finish pre-requisites for Summer Sea Term.

Here are the COVID-19 positive rates (7-day rolling average and change from the previous week) as of Sunday, March 21.

	7 Day Rolling Average	Change from Previous Week
NY State	3.3%	+0.2%
NY City	4.1%	+0.1%
Long Island	4.4%	+0.1%
Bronx	4.6%	No Change
SUNY-Wide	0.3%	No Change
Maritime College	1.1%	+0.7%

Last week, 1009 students and employees were tested. Of those tested, 11 were positive (2.1%). As of Sunday, 15 students were in quarantine/isolation on and off-campus. This includes students in precautionary quarantine who came in contact with and were potentially exposed to others who were infected.

ALL FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE VACCINATION ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO GET VACCINATED. It will reduce your chances of experiencing severe symptoms should you become infected and reduce the chances of spreading the virus to family, friends, and the Maritime College community.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 VACCINATION, YOU MUST STILL PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY TESTING AND CONTINUE TO WEAR A MASK, SOCIAL DISTANCE, AND PRACTICE PROPER HYGIENE.

This semester, 60 students have been referred to the judicial process for failure to adhere to covid protocols, including not participating in weekly testing, not wearing a face mask, not social distancing, being in a dorm room other than your own, or other irresponsible social behavior.

CONTINUE TO MAKE SMART CHOICES ON AND OFF-CAMPUS, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM.

March 17, 2021

Dear Maritime College Community,

For the third week in a row, Maritime College’s 7-day COVID test positivity rate is 0.5% or less, 9 times less than the positivity rate in the Bronx and Long Island. While I am very proud of everyone’s efforts and what we have accomplished, and while I acknowledge that we are all suffering from COVID (and winter) fatigue, WE ARE NOT OUT OF THE WOODS YET.

As the following examples highlight, WHILE WE MAY BE DONE WITH COVID, COVID IS NOT DONE WITH US. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Naval Academy both had to shift to fully remote classes due to COVID outbreaks. At each academy, approximately 100 midshipmen were infected. Academy officials were forced to restrict students to their rooms and cancel liberty. Similarly, Duke University just locked down their entire student body.

OUR PROTOCOLS WORK AND WE MUST CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THEM if we are to prevent the spread of the virus on our campus, continue face-to-face instruction to the end of the semester, and execute Summer Sea Term.

Here are the COVID-19 positive rates (7-day rolling average and change from the previous week) as of Sunday, March 14.

	7 Day Rolling Average	Change from Previous Week
NY State	3.1%	-0.1%
NY City	4.0%	No Change
Long Island	4.3%	No Change
Bronx	4.6%	-0.3%
SUNY-Wide	0.3%	-0.2%
Maritime College	0.4%	-0.1%

Last week, 1078 students and employees were tested. Of those tested, 4 were positive (0.4%). As of Sunday, 32 students are in quarantine/isolation on and off-campus. This includes students in precautionary quarantine who came in contact with and were potentially exposed to others who were infected.

The second round of vaccinations for those who were vaccinated as a group at Yankee Stadium will take place during the week of March 25. We are currently working to arrange vaccinations for those Cadets who registered for SST and have not yet been vaccinated. Please monitor your email for more information.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 VACCINATION, YOU MUST STILL PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY TESTING AND CONTINUE TO WEAR A MASK, SOCIAL DISTANCE, AND PRACTICE PROPER HYGIENE.

CONTINUE TO MAKE SMART CHOICES ON AND OFF-CAMPUS, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM. Less than four weeks of classes remain, and six weeks until SST-2021.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

march 9, 2021

Dear Maritime College Community,

Here are the COVID-19 positive rates (7-day rolling average and change from the previous week) as of Sunday, March 7.

	7 Day Rolling Average	Change from Previous Week
NY State	3.2%	+0.1%
NY City	4.0%	No Change
Long Island	4.3%	+0.3%
Bronx	4.9%	-0.2%
SUNY-Wide	0.5%	-0.5%
Maritime College	0.5%	No Change

Last week we tested 1134 students and employees; 5 students and 1 employee tested positive (0.5%). As of Sunday, 35 students were in quarantine/isolation on and off-campus. This includes students in precautionary quarantine who came in contact with and were potentially exposed to others who were infected.

LAST WEEK OVER 700 STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN SUMMER SEA TERM WERE VACCINATED. Many thanks to Dean Imbriale and Captain Hanft and their teams. We are working on options for students currently on the waitlist. All students participating in Summer Sea Term are highly encouraged to get vaccinated. Students opting not to be vaccinated will be assigned to the "B-half" of the cruise.

ALL OTHER FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE VACCINATION UNDER OTHER CATEGORIES ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO GET VACCINATED. Beginning March 10, all New Yorkers 60 years of age and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Government public-facing essential workers (e.g., student affairs, financial aid/student accounts, HR, Housing, communications, advancement, business office, library, waterfront, etc.) will be eligible beginning March 17. This expansion also includes public-facing essential building services workers (e.g., facilities and IT). Vaccination will reduce your chances of experiencing severe symptoms should you become infected and reduce the chances of spreading the virus to family, friends, and the Maritime College community.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 VACCINATION, YOU MUST STILL PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY TESTING AND CONTINUE TO WEAR A MASK, SOCIAL DISTANCE, AND PRACTICE PROPER HYGIENE.

CONTINUE TO MAKE SMART CHOICES ON AND OFF-CAMPUS, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM. Only 5 more weeks of classes and 7 weeks until SST-2021.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

March 3, 2021

Dear Maritime College Community,

Here are the COVID-19 positive rates (7-day rolling average and change from the previous week) as of Sunday, February 28. Today, we received the final pool test results from last Thursday.

	7 Day Rolling Average	Change from Previous Week
NY State	3.1%	-0.3%
NY City	4.0%	-0.4%
Long Island	4.0%	+.06%
Bronx	5.1%	-0.7%
SUNY-Wide	1.0%	+0.4%
Maritime College	0.5%	-1.0%

Out of 1199 surveillance tests conducted last week, 6 positive results were identified (0.5%). This compares to 1.5% the previous week and 1.0% two weeks before. All six positive test results were from students. As of Sunday, 28 students were in quarantine/isolation on and off-campus. This includes students in precautionary quarantine who came in contact with and were potentially exposed to others who were infected.

THE DECREASE IN OUR POSITIVITY RATE CLEARLY INDICATES OUR COVID PROTOCOLS ARE WORKING. As COVID continues to be a risk in the surrounding areas (as indicated in the above table) we must continue to adhere to these protocols closely over the next weeks.

I AM PLEASED THAT WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER VACCINATIONS THIS WEEK for students, faculty, staff, and crew members going on Summer Sea Term. All students participating in Summer Sea Term are highly encouraged to get vaccinated. Students opting not to be vaccinated will be assigned to the "B-half" of the cruise.

All other faculty, staff, and students who are eligible for the vaccination under other categories are highly encouraged to get vaccinated. It will reduce your chances of experiencing severe symptoms should you become infected and reduce the chances of spreading the virus to family, friends, and the Maritime College community. Note: If you have received the COVID-19 vaccination, you must still participate in weekly testing and continue to wear a mask, social distance, and practice proper hygiene.

This semester, 56 students have been referred to the judicial process for failure to adhere to covid protocols, including not participating in weekly testing, not wearing a face mask, not social distancing, being in a dorm room other than your own, or other irresponsible social behavior.

Continue to make smart choices on and off-campus, inside and outside the classroom.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

February 24, 2021

Dear Maritime College Community,

Here are the COVID-19 positive rates (7-day rolling average and change from the previous week) as of Sunday, February 2. Due to a delay from winter storms, we just received the final pool test results for last week.

	7 Day Rolling Average	Change from Previous Week
NY State	3.4%	-0.4%
NY City	4.4%	-0.1%
Long Island	3.4%	-1.4%
Bronx	5.8%	-0.6%
SUNY-Wide	0.6%	+0.1%
Maritime College	1.5%	+0.5%

Out of 969 surveillance tests conducted last week, 15 positive results were identified (1.5%). This compares to 1.0% the previous week and 2.2% two weeks before. All 15 positive test results were from students. As of Sunday, 28 students were in quarantine/isolation on and off-campus. This includes students in precautionary quarantine who came in contact with and were potentially exposed to others who were infected.

WE CANNOT LET OUR GUARD DOWN. Next week marks mid-semester! With only a little over six weeks of instruction remaining in the semester, we must continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and others. While we live, work, and operate in the Bronx, an area with a relatively high COVID positivity rate, close adherence to our protocols has allowed us to continue with on-campus face-to-face instruction. All students and employees must continue to:

Properly wear masks at all times, covering both nose and mouth.
Get tested weekly, per SUNY requirements. Please schedule your COVID-19 testing appointment here.
Cooperate with our Contact Tracers should they call you.
Properly complete the mandatory 10-day isolation should you test positive or should you be identified as a close contact.

We know these protocols work, and close adherence to them will allow us to continue with face-to-face instruction while reducing the risk of spreading the COVID virus on campus.

If you have received the COVID-19 vaccination, you must still be tested every week and continue to wear a mask, social distance, and practice proper hygiene.

THIS SEMESTER, 42 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE JUDICIAL PROCESS FOR FAILURE TO ADHERE TO COVID PROTOCOLS, including not participating in weekly testing, not wearing a face mask, not social distancing, being in a dorm room other than your own, or other irresponsible social behavior.

Continue to make smart choices on and off-campus, inside and outside the classroom.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

February 16, 2021

Dear Maritime College Community,

Here are the current summaries for COVID positive rates (current and 7-day rolling average):

	7 Day Rolling Average	Change from Previous Week
NY State	3.8%	-0.7%
NY City	4.5%	-0.6%
Long Island	4.8%	-0.7%
Bronx	6.4%	-0.4%
SUNY-Wide	0.4%	0.0%
Maritime College	1.0%	-1.2%

Last week, out of 1235 surveillance tests Maritime College had 12 positive results (1.0%). This compares to 2.2% the previous week and 0.7% two weeks before. Eleven (11) positive tests were from students, 1 from an employee. Currently, 36 students are in quarantine/isolation on and off-campus. This includes students in precautionary quarantine who came in contact with and were potentially exposed to others who were infected.

We have significantly expanded the number of quarantine/isolation rooms on campus from 14 to 32 by allowing residential 1/C cadets to transition to Day Student status to reside off-campus this semester and consolidating rooms.

ALTHOUGH THE RATES ARE DOWN, WE CAN’T LET OUR GUARD DOWN. We have 8 weeks of instruction left and are 10 weeks away from Summer Sea Term. As a community, we must continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and others. The decreased number of positive results are an important reminder that our protocols are working: wear a face mask properly on and off-campus, social distance, frequently sanitize/wash your hands, avoid gatherings (large and small), and ensure no visitors or students other than the room’s occupants are in a dorm room. If we do not contain the virus's spread on campus, we jeopardize the opportunity to hold our much anticipated Summer Sea Term.

ALL STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES MUST BE TESTED EVERY WEEK per SUNY requirements. Please schedule your COVID-19 testing appointment here. If you have received the COVID-19 vaccination, you must still be tested every week and continue to wear a mask, social distance and practice proper hygiene.

THIS SEMESTER, 25 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE JUDICIAL PROCESS FOR FAILURE TO ADHERE TO COVID PROTOCOLS, including not participating in weekly testing, not wearing a face mask, not social distancing, being in a dorm room other than your own, or irresponsible social behavior.

Continue to make smart choices on and off-campus, inside and outside the classroom. Together, we can do this!

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

February 10, 2021

Dear Maritime College Community,

Here are the current summaries for COVID positive rates (current and 7-day rolling average):

	Current	7 Day Rolling Average
NY State	4.0%	4.5%
NY City	4.8%	5.1%
Long Island	5.1%	5.5%
Bronx	7.6%	6.8%
SUNY-Wide	0.4%	0.4%

Last week, Maritime College had 24 positive results out of 1097 surveillance tests (2.2%). This compares to 0.7% the previous week and 0.9% two weeks before. Last week, all positive tests were from students. Currently, 37 students are in quarantine/isolation (including students in precautionary quarantine who came in contact with and were potentially exposed to infected students).

As testing has increased (100% of students and staff weekly), we have experienced a rise in the number of positive test results. To accommodate the growing number of students who must quarantine/isolate, we need to expand the number of quarantine/isolation rooms on campus. We are currently at capacity and have made arrangements to utilize residential dormitory rooms at another NYC SUNY campus temporarily. We are allowing residential 1/C cadets to transition to Day Student status to reside off-campus in order to consolidate rooms and increase quarantine/isolation room capacity.

WE MUST, AS A COMMUNITY, CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF POSITIVE COVID CASES. These increased numbers are an important reminder that we all must follow the protocols: wearing a face mask properly on campus, social distancing, sanitizing/washing your hands frequently, and avoiding gatherings (large and small). Our contact tracing, as well as CDC studies, show that activities outside of the classroom are the biggest spreaders on a college campus. To date, the classrooms have not been the cause of the spread. If we do not contain the virus's spread on campus, we jeopardize the opportunity to hold our much anticipated Summer Sea Term. If positivity rates continue to increase, stricter measures will be implemented.

ALL STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES MUST BE TESTED EVERY WEEK per SUNY requirements. Please schedule your COVID-19 testing appointment here. The number of testing stations has been increased from two to eight to accommodate the increased testing requirements.

Students who do not adhere to the College protocols and requirements will be referred to the judicial process with sanctions up to and including possible suspension from the College with no refund. This includes not participating in weekly testing, not wearing a face mask, not social distancing, being in a dorm room other than your own, or irresponsible social behavior. Students who are suspended this semester will not have access to the campus or be permitted to participate in classes (face-to-face or remotely). License students suspended this semester will be unable to meet the requirements for SST.

To avoid additional and more stringent COVID measures, we need to hold ourselves and each other to a higher standard in the classroom, outside of the classroom, on-campus, and off-campus.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

february 1, 2021

Dear Maritime College Community,

The good news is that New York’s COVID-19 positivity rate has declined for 23 straight days. Here are the current summaries for COVID positive rates (current and 7-day rolling average):

	Current	7-Day Rolling Average
NY State	4.4%	5.2%
NY City	4.6%	5.2%
Long Island	5.5%	6.3%
Bronx	6.7%	6.8%
SUNY-Wide	2.1%	0.3%

Last week, Maritime College had 5 positive results from 677 surveillance testing (0.73 %). Currently, 6 students are in quarantine/isolation on-campus and 12 off-campus.

While the COVID-19 positivity rate is low off campus and is less than 1% on campus for the past two weeks, it is important we all continue to strictly adhere to the COVID protocols in order to continue with face-to-face instruction on campus.

The College will curtail COVID-19 testing on Monday and Tuesday due to the snowstorm. Additional information regarding testing rescheduling this week is forthcoming. Please monitor your email.

As a reminder, we all need to continue to adhere to the strict protocols on proper facemask wearing, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and practicing proper hygiene. A facemask has no effect on you or others if you remove it while talking or wear it below your nose.

Thank you to all those who have used the hotline to report violations of the College's COVID health and safety protocols and provide concerns/suggestions regarding COVID-19. You may contact the hotline at covidsafety@sunymaritime.edu or 718-409-5985. All reports are kept confidential. We appreciate your reports and feedback.

Wear your mask (correctly), keep a positive attitude, and test negative. We can do this together!

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

january 25, 2021

Dear Maritime College Community,

Here are the current summaries for COVID positive rates (current and 7-day rolling average):

NY State: 5.1%, 7-day aveg 6.0%
NY City: 4.9%, 7-day avg 5.7%
Long Island: 6.0%, 7-day avg 7.0%
Bronx: 7.3%, 7-day avg 7.3%

Over the past three weeks, we have brought students back to campus in a phased approach. All students were required to complete a 7-day precautionary self-quarantine, submit a health attestation (CampusClear), and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. This last measure was extremely important. Over the past two weeks, we conducted 786 tests, which yielded 7 positive results (0.89%). Not included in these numbers are the 22 positive results from off-campus student testing (which prevented their return). Today, 23 students are under quarantine, including 7 on campus.

Our return to campus protocols helped create a “bubble” at Martime College. The challenge now is to maintain this bubble for the next 11 weeks of face-to-face instruction.

To successfully keep the virus off the campus, it is essential that we all follow the protocols regarding face masks, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings. A recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education provided the five biggest lessons about the coronavirus on college campuses:

With precautions in place, classrooms and other formal on-campus spaces are not important vectors of viral spread. This is especially true if everyone follows the protocols.
Off-campus social gatherings are the top drivers of coronavirus at colleges. Gatherings do not necessarily have to be large – small gatherings can quickly fuel the spread.
Residence halls can also promote spread when students gather in groups or do not practice good hygiene.
College student outbreaks can lead to infections and deaths among more vulnerable people. It is not just about students. It is also about vulnerable family and community members.
Entry and surveillance testing are critical, thus the reason for mandatory testing.

In accordance with SUNY policy, we will increase the frequency of testing students, faculty, and staff. Starting Monday, February 1, all students and employees are required to be tested each week. This is not optional. Students who fail to undergo testing will be referred to the judicial process and face potential sanctions outlined in the Uniform Sanctioning in Response to COVID-19 Student Violations. If you previously tested positive or been vaccinated, please contact health services for guidance.

As members of the Maritime College community, we each hold a shared responsibility to do our part in minimizing the risk of exposing ourselves and others to COVID-19. Let’s make every effort to stay safe, healthy and keep the virus off our campus this semester.

To report any violations of the College's COVID health and safety protocols, or if you have concerns/suggestions regarding COVID-19, please email covidsafety@sunymaritime.edu or call the hotline (718-409-5985). We continue to receive many concerns and useful suggestions, and appreciate your reports and feedback.

Wear your masks, keep well and let’s make it through April.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

november 23, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

Dear Campus Community,

Last week, out of 881 tests for COVID-19, three tested positive (0.34%). Over the past two weeks, our Health Services conducted over 1,700 COVID tests to comply with the SUNY testing requirement for all students to be tested prior to Thanksgiving. I appreciate those employees who were tested over the past two weeks either on or off-campus. Thanks to all who participated in testing and for keeping you, your family, friends, community, and our campus safe.

Students who fail to be tested are being referred to the judicial process and face potential sanctions as outlined in the SUNY Uniform Sanctions policy.

Maritime College has administered 4,553 tests this academic year to date and had a total of 19 positive tests (0.42%). SUNY system-wide (64 campuses) has administered over half-a-million tests with a 0.51% positive test result rate.

Just because you are now home, don’t assume that you are safe from the virus. The seven day rolling average for percent of positive infections is now at its highest point since the end of June. The virus does not care whether you are home or with family and friends. Follow the guidelines regarding small gatherings (less than 10 people), wear face coverings, practice good hygiene, social distance, and avoid places known to be key sources for spreading the virus: restaurants, bars, gyms, and private home gatherings.

Here are summaries of the COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent of COVID Positive Tests (7-day rolling average)

NY State: 2.9% (0.0%)
Regional (New York City): 2.5% (+0.0%)
County (Bronx): 3.3% (+0.60%)

Note: All stats remain below the NYS Department of Health guidance for educational institutions to open (<5%). We are monitoring the NY State and NYC hot spots.

SUNY-Wide Metrics (Rolling 7 Days)

Total Tests: 77,766
Total Positive Tests: 427
Percent of Positive Tests: 0.55% (-0.16%)

The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker (Rolling 7 Days):

Total On-Campus Tests Administered: 842
Total On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 2
Percent of On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 0.34% (+0.04)
Total Off-Campus Tests: 39
Total Off-Campus Positives: 1
Total On and Off-Campus Tests 881
Total On and Off-Campus Positives: 3
Percent of On-and Off-Campus Positives: 0.34% (-0.02)

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100).

Last week, four students were referred to the judicial process to face possible sanctions for violating the College's COVID health and safety protocols. To date, 44 students have been referred.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

November 16, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

Dear Campus Community,

Last week, out of 829 students tested for COVID-19, three tested positive (0.36%). The students were quickly isolated and another five were placed in quarantine due to contact with those who tested positive. Whether you are studying with a classmate or socializing with family and friends, protect yourself, fellow students, faculty, staff, friends and family. Wear your facemask, social distance, practice good hygiene, and avoid large and small gatherings.

Please be reminded that SUNY requires ALL students to be tested before November 20. Students who fail to be tested will be referred to the judicial process and face potential sanctions as outlined in the SUNY Uniform Sanctions policy. Employees are also encouraged to take advantage of this testing.

It is equally important that you do not bring the virus to campus after Thanksgiving. Newly reported COVID-19 cases in New York and New Jersey have nearly doubled in just the last week, reflecting a national trend. Consequently, the governor announced new restrictions. These are intended to slow the virus's spread from the key sources: restaurants, bars, gyms and private home gatherings. More information on the restrictions is available here.

Here are summaries of the COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent of COVID Positive Tests (7-day rolling average)

NY State: 2.9% (+0.90%)
Regional (New York City): 2.5% (+0.8%)
County (Bronx): 2.7% (+0.60%)

Note: All stats remain below the NYS Department of Health guidance for educational institutions to open (<5%). We are monitoring the NY State and NYC hot spots.

SUNY-Wide Metrics (Rolling 7 Days)

Total Tests: 67,085
Total Positive Tests: 476
Percent of Positive Tests: 0.71% (+.18%)

The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker (Rolling 7 Days):

Total On-Campus Tests Administered: 827
Total On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 1
Percent of On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 0.12% (-0.50)
Total Off-Campus Positive Tests: 2
Total On and Off-Campus Positives: 3
Total On and Off-Campus Tests 829
Percent of On-and Off-Campus Positives: 0.36%

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100).

Last week, no students were referred to the judicial process to face possible sanctions for violating the College's COVID health and safety protocols (first time since the beginning of the year).

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

November 9, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

Dear Campus Community,

Last week, out of 485 students who were tested for COVID-19, three tested positive (0.62%).

With only two weeks of classes remaining before transition to remote instruction, we must continue to strictly adhere to our health and safety protocols: properly wear your mask, social distance, practice good hygiene, and avoid large gatherings. This is especially important since the COVID-19 positivity rates for New York State, New York City, the Bronx, and Long Island have increased over the past two weeks. We are monitoring the situation closely to determine what additional preventative measures we should put in place.

Starting this week, we will be testing all students (residential and commuter) before the Thanksgiving break as required by SUNY administration. Each student will receive an email from Maritime College Student Health Services with information regarding appointment scheduling and pre-testing requirements. ALL students must schedule an appointment to be tested for COVID-19 prior to November 20. Employees are also encouraged to schedule a test prior to departing campus.

Here are summaries of the COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent of COVID Positive Tests (7-day rolling average)

NY State: 2.0% (+0.5)
Regional (New York City): 1.7 (+0.02)%
County (Bronx): 2.1% (+0.03)

Note: All stats remain below the NYS Department of Health guidance for educational institutions to open (<5%). We are monitoring the NY State and NYC hot spots.

SUNY-Wide Metrics (Rolling 7 Days)

Total Tests: 53,027
Total Positive Tests: 278
Percent of Positive Tests: 0.53% (+29%)

The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker (Rolling 7 Days):

Total On-Campus Tests Administered: 470
Total On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 5
Percent of On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 0.62% (-0.44)

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100).

Over the past week, six students were referred to the Student Affairs Judicial Process to face possible sanctions for violating the College’s COVID health and safety protocols. To date, 40 students have been referred. All students should review the SUNY Policy on Uniform Sanctioning in Response to COVID-19 Student Violations. The policy, issued this past September, details a list of sanctions ranging from housing suspension for no less than one calendar year to dismissal, which will leave the respondent ineligible for a refund of tuition, room, board, or fees and responsible for all amounts owed.

To report any violations of the College’s COVID health and safety protocols, or if you have concerns/suggestions regarding COVID-19, please email covidsafety@sunymaritime.edu or call the hotline (718-409-5985). We continue to receive many concerns and useful suggestions and appreciate your reports and feedback.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

November 2, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

Dear Campus Community,

Unfortunately, last week there was an uptick in COVID-19 cases, with 5 students testing positive out of a total 470 on-campus tests (1.06%). Additionally, three people who took tests off campus tested positive. Isolation, quarantine and contact tracing protocols are being followed for those who tested positive.

New York State, New York City, the Bronx, and Long Island have all shown increases in the positivity rate since last week. We are monitoring the situation closely to determine what additional preventative measures we should put in place. This increase serves as a clear reminder that we must strictly adhere to our health and safety protocols if we are to continue in-person instruction until the Thanksgiving break. Properly wear your mask, social distance, practice good hygiene and avoid large gatherings. These are actions we all need to take seriously.

Over the next few days, students will receive information regarding mandatory testing prior to departing campus for the Thanksgiving break. As required by SUNY, ALL students (residents and commuters) MUST be tested before November 20.

Here are summaries of the COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent of COVID Positive Tests (7-day rolling average)

NY State: 1.5% (+0.02)
Regional (New York City): 1.5 (+0.02)%
County (Bronx): 1.8% (+0.06)

Note: All stats remain below the NYS Department of Health guidance for educational institutions to open (<5%). We are monitoring the NY State and NYC hot spots.

SUNY-Wide Metrics (Rolling 7 Days)

Total Tests: 48552
Total Positive Tests: 110
Percent of Positive Tests: 0.23% (-0.11)

The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker (Rolling 7 Days):

Total On-Campus Tests Administered: 470
Total On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 5
Percent On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 1.06% (+0.79)

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100).

This week, 3 students were referred to the Student Affairs Judicial Process to face possible sanctions for violating the College’s COVID health and safety protocols. To date, 34 students have been referred. All students should review the SUNY Policy on Uniform Sanctioning in Response to COVID-19 Student Violations. The policy details a list of sanctions ranging from housing suspension for no less than one calendar year to dismissal, which will leave the respondent ineligible for a refund of tuition, room, board, or fees and responsible for all amounts owed.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

october 26, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

Dear Campus Community,

Last week we completed our fourth week of pooled surveillance testing in which 1646 tests have been administered with two positive test results identified (0.12%).

I want to thank each of you who are doing your part to follow all the COVID-19 protocols: wearing facemasks, practicing social distancing and good hygiene, avoiding large gatherings, and making smart choices/decisions on and off-campus. Given the growing number of positive cases and hospitalizations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, we must redouble our efforts and strictly adhere to our health and safety protocols if we are to continue in-person instruction until the Thanksgiving break. Once we reach Thanksgiving, we can then transition to remote classes as a prudent and pre-emptive health and safety measure in light of current and anticipated future conditions.

Unfortunately, student adherence to safety protocols remains an issue. There has been a recent increase in the number of students referred to the Student Affairs Judicial Process to face possible sanctions for violating the College’s COVID health and safety protocols. To date, 31 students have been referred, 14 of whom were referred last week. I urge students to take this matter seriously and strongly recommend all students review the SUNY Policy on Uniform Sanctioning in Response to COVID-19 Student Violations. The policy details a list of sanctions ranging from housing suspension for no less than one calendar year to dismissal, which will leave the respondent ineligible for a refund of tuition, room, board, or fees and responsible for all amounts owed.

Here are summaries of the COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent of COVID Positive Tests (7-day rolling average)

NY State: 1.3%
Regional (New York City): 1.3%
County (Bronx): 1.2%

Note: All stats remain below the NYS Department of Health guidance for educational institutions to open (<5%). We are monitoring the NY State and NYC hot spots.

SUNY-Wide Metrics (Rolling 7 Days)

Total Tests: 42,605
Total Positive Tests: 146
Percent of Positive Tests: 0.34%

The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker (Rolling 7 Day):

Total On-Campus Tests Administered: 370
Total On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 1
Percent of COVID Positive Tests: 0.27%

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100).

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

October 13, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

Dear Campus Community,

For the second week in a row, we conducted over 400 tests, and I am again pleased to report that out of the 439 Campus administered tests, we had no positive results. However, we received the report of a positive case from a test administered off-campus. The student was placed in isolation and five students are under mandatory quarantine due to contact.

The coronavirus pandemic is worsening across the country. Thirty-three states saw their caseloads increase this week. As we approach mid-semester, it is essential that we continue to follow all the COVID-19 protocols: wear facemasks, practice social distancing and good hygiene, avoiding large gatherings, and make smart choices/decisions on and off campus. If we all do our part, I believe we can make it to the Thanksgiving break. We will then transition to remote classes as a prudent and pre-emptive health and safety measure in light of current and anticipated future conditions. Please refer to the notification emailed last week and posted on our COVID-19 webpage for further information.

Here are summaries of the COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent of COVID Positive Tests (7-day rolling average)

NY State: 1.2%
Regional (New York City): 1.0%
County (Bronx): 1.1%

Note: All stats remain below the NYS Department of Health guidance for educational institutions to open (<5%). We are aware of the recently identified NYC hot spots and continue to carefully monitor metrics for these regions.

SUNY-Wide Metrics (Rolling 7 Days)

Total Tests: 35,689
Total Positive Tests: 150
Percent of Positive Tests: 0.43%

The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker (Rolling 7 Day):

Total On-Campus Tests Administered: 439
Total On-Campus Administered COVID Positive Tests: 0
Total Off-Campus Administered Positive Tests: 1
Percent of COVID Positive Tests (On and Off Campus): 0.23%

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100).

Since the start of the academic year, 17 students have been referred to the Student Affairs Judicial Process to face possible sanctions for violating the College’s COVID health and safety protocols.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

October 5, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

Dear Campus Community,

Last week was a significant moment for Maritime College as we substantially increased our testing capability with pooled surveillance testing. I am very pleased to report that none of the 438 pooled tests or 2 PCR tests collected by Health Services returned positive. Over the past 14 days, one positive test was confirmed from over 527 tests (0.19% positive rate) conducted.

At this time, it is critical that we do not become complacent, but continue following all the COVID-19 protocols. In a recent Johns Hopkins University study on mask wearing, researchers concluded that wearing a mask not only protects other people, but also the person wearing the mask. While the success we have achieved thus far is a testament of your vigilance and compliance with the established COVID safety protocols, we must all remain diligient; wear face masks, practice social distancing and good hygiene, avoiding large gatherings, and make smart choices/decisions on and off campus.

Here are summaries of the COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent of COVID Positive Tests (7-day rolling average):

NY State: 1.3%
Regional (New York City): 1.4%
County (Bronx): 1.0%

SUNY-Wide Metrics (Sep 20 – Oct 3)

Total Tests: 57,676
Total Positive Tests: 270
Percent of Positive Tests: 0.47%

The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker (14 days Sep 20 – Oct 3):

Total Campus Tests Administered: 527
Total Campus COVID Positive Tests: 1
Percent of COVID Positive Tests: 0.19%

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100).

With the ramp-up from 50 tests to over 400 tests in a single week, we understand there were some challenges with scheduling. We have made adjustments and hope this will improve the flow and reduce wait times. Thank you for your patience and suggestions on how to improve the testing process.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

September 28, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

We are starting our fourth week of on-campus instruction. While we have maintained a strong track record thus far (see metrics below), we must continue to be VIGILANT and adhere to our strict protocols. EVERYONE needs to wear a mask whenever they are outside their dorm room or office, practice social distancing whenever possible, and not attend any social gatherings where social distancing and wearing of face-coverings is not taking place. Reckless and irresponsible behavior of just one person puts us all at risk. We all need to be part of a collective effort to keep the campus SAFE. Let’s all make SMART decisions and keep the virus off our campus.

Here are summaries of COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent of COVID Positive Tests (7-day rolling average):

NY State: 1.0%
Regional (New York City): 1.0%
County (Bronx): 1.0%

Note: All stats remain below NYS Department of Health guidance for educational institutions to open (<5%).

SUNY-Wide Metrics (Sept 13-26)

Total Tests: 48,436
Total Positive Tests: 222
Percent of Positive Tests: 0.5%

The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker (14 days Sept 13 - 26):

Total Campus Tests Administered: 157
Total Campus COVID Positive Tests: 1
Percent of COVID Positive Tests: 0.6%

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100).

As announced last week, pooled surveillance testing will begin this week. Participation in surveillance testing is mandatory for all students and UUP and CSEA employees. Students who decline to participate will not be allowed access to any community area (classrooms, labs, Mess Deck) or permitted to attend any on-campus classes or activities. Employees who decline will be referred to the Office of Human Resource Services.

Since the start of the academic year, nine students have been referred to the Student Affairs Judicial Process to face possible sanctions for violating the College’s COVID health and safety protocols.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

september 21, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

In an effort to keep you informed about the current COVID-19 status on and around our campus, here are summaries of COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent of COVID Positive Tests (7-day rolling average)

NY State: 0.9%
Regional (New York City): 1.0%
County (Bronx): 0.7%

Note: All stats remain below NYS Department of Health guidance for educational institutions to open (<5%).

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker (14 days Sept 6 - 19):

Total Campus Tests Administered: 126
Total Positives for Campus: 1
Percent of COVID Positive Tests: 0.7%

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100). The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

While our numbers are favorable, this is no time to become complacent. We must continue to adhere to our strict protocols. EVERYONE needs to wear a mask whenever they are outside their dorm room or office, practice social distancing whenever possible, and avoid large gatherings where social distancing and wearing of face-coverings is not taking place. We all need to be part of a collective effort to keep the campus SAFE. Let’s all make SMART decisions.

Since the start of the academic year, seven students have been referred to the Student Affairs Judicial Process to face possible sanctions for violating the College’s COVID health and safety protocols.

To report any violations of the College’s COVID health and safety protocols, or if you have concerns/suggestions regarding COVID-19, please email covidsafety@sunymaritime.edu or call the hotline (718-409-5985). To date, we have received many concerns and useful suggestions. We appreciate your feedback.

As a reminder, participation in surveillance testing is mandatory. Students who decline to participate will not be allowed access to any community area (classrooms, labs, Mess Deck) or permitted to attend any on-campus classes or activities.

Also, we recently updated our Restart Plan for on-campus operations to include:

Updated health screening protocols for students, employees, and visitors and processes to be followed if a student or employee tests positive (Appendix A, Section 1)
Updated information regarding internal and external dashboards and metrics (Appendix A, Section 2)
Maritime College COVID safety email and hotline (Appendix A, Section 3)
A new appendix, which includes our COVID-19 testing plan. (Appendix H)

Wear a mask, be safe, and be smart.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President

September 14, 2020

Weekly COVID-19 Update

In an effort to keep you informed about the current COVID-19 status on and around our campus, here are summaries of COVID-19 Dashboards with links that provide additional details:

External Metrics- Percent Positive (7-day rolling average)

NY State: 0.9%
Regional (New York City): 0.8%
County (Bronx): 1.1%

Note: All stats remain below NYS Department of Health guidance for educational institutions to open (<5%).

Internal Campus COVID-19 Case Tracker for period 1 August to 11 September

Total Campus Administered Tests: 263
Total Positives from Campus: 5
Percent Positives: 1.90%

Note: Numbers are below SUNY guidelines for changing to remote instruction (100). The SUNY COVID Case Tracker dashboard offers more information.

Last week four students were referred to the Student Affairs Judicial Process to face possible sanctions for violating the College’s COVID health and safety protocols. EVERYONE needs to wear a mask whenever they are outside their dorm room or office, practice social distancing whenever possible, and avoid large gatherings where social distancing and wearing of face-coverings is not taking place. EVERYONE needs to be part of a collective effort to keep the campus SAFE. Let’s all make SMART decisions.

To report any violations of the College’s COVID health and safety protocols, or if you have concerns/suggestions regarding COVID-19, please email covidsafety@sunymaritime.edu or call the hotline (718-409-5985). To date, we have received many concerns and useful suggestions. We appreciate your feedback.

Wear a mask, be safe, and be smart.

RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President