Dear La Plata Hall Resident,

The health and safety of our community is our fundamental priority. We are committed to on-going work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We have seen a rise in positive cases within La Plata Hall. As part of our protocol, all residents who tested positive are now isolating. Anyone who was identified as a close contact with someone who tested positive was notified and moved to designated quarantine housing. However, the prevalence of positive cases in your residence hall compels us to take further action. Please review the details below carefully.

At the direction of University Health Center staff, we are implementing enhanced health precautions within La Plata Hall. All residents of La Plata Hall must restrict activities, practice enhanced physical distancing, and self-monitor for the next 10 days. This notice goes into effect at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021, and remains in effect through 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 15, 2021. We are taking these actions to mitigate the spread of the virus and because we care for you, our students, and our community.

Given this information, you have the option to remain in La Plata Hall and follow the Enhanced Health Precautions guidelines or go to your permanent residence. This is a personal decision and one you should discuss with your family. Whether you choose to stay in La Plata Hall or go home for the next 10 days, you must restrict and limit your activities to mitigate the spread of the virus. Please discuss this information with your family and let us know your plans by completing this form by 7:00 p.m. today, February 5, 2021.

What does enhanced physical distancing and restricting my activities mean?

• Remain in your residence hall and in your room as much as possible.
• Wear your mask and visit the community bathroom when it is not being used by more than 2 others.
• Do not attend in-person classes and notify your instructors via email about your circumstances.
• You may visit the Ellicott Community Service Desk during this time period should you need to pick up a package or temporarily check out a spare key. Please note that the service desk will temporarily move from La Plata Hall to Hagerstown Hall in the next few days.
• Do not report to work in person and notify your supervisor via email about your circumstances.
• Avoid gathering in the floor lounges and multipurpose rooms.
• Do not visit RecWell facilities, Stamp, Dining Halls (other than your designated entrance at The Diner), or other public places such as restaurants, shops, etc.
• Do not invite any guests or visitors to your residence hall.
• Follow 4 Maryland guidelines - Wear your mask, maintain physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and monitor your symptoms.
• Do not visit other residence halls to see your friends. Instead, connect with them by phone or virtually via Zoom.
• Use the elevator only when there are just one or two other people in the elevator car with you (maximum of three total people) to maintain physical distancing.
• As needed, for your health and well-being, you may go outside to get fresh air around your residence hall - be sure to wear your face covering and maintain physical distancing.
  

For La Plata Hall residents currently in quarantine or isolation on campus or at home. Students who are in quarantine or isolation either on campus or at their permanent residence will remain in their current location until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 15, 2021. Students will not be permitted to return to La Plata Hall until that time.

For La Plata Hall residents who have not yet returned to La Plata Hall for spring semester. We encourage you to delay your return to campus until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 15, 2021 if possible. You are permitted to return to La Plata hall, if necessary, but you will be required to follow all the requirements of the Enhanced Health Precautions outlined in this message.

COVID-19 Testing Requirements
If you plan to remain on campus for the Enhanced Health Precaution period, you must report to the ambulance entrance at the University Health Center tomorrow, Saturday, February 6 to be tested. You do not need an appointment.

If you decide to go home until February 15, and you intend to depart tonight, you are not required to be tested before you depart campus. If you are here on Saturday during the designated testing time, you must be tested.

Meal Information
The Department of Dining Services will provide a served buffet meal at The Diner for La Plata Hall residents in a separate location within The Diner. La Plata Hall residents should enter through The Diner’s side door facing the quad side of LaPlata Hall. Pick up your meals at the designated hours and return to your room to dine. La Plata residents will not be permitted to enter The Diner’s main entrance.

Hours of operation will be Tonight Only - 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Normal Service Hours
Saturday and Sunday
Brunch/Lunch 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Weekdays
Breakfast 7:30 a.m. -8:30 a.m.
Lunch 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m.
Dinner 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Students with food allergies or dietary restrictions should alert ds-ellicottdininghall@umd.edu by email of your specific dietary concern.

What supports are in place to assist me during the next 10 days?

• Stay connected with virtual programs & events
• Check out RecWell for virtual programs you can do in your room.
• The Department of Residential Facilities will continue to clean and disinfect bathrooms and high-touch common areas based on the campus’s guidelines.
• Each residence hall floor in La Plata Hall will be assigned a case manager who will be available to assist and provide support.
• Participate in Counseling Center workshops virtually. The Center's services can be accessed bsy calling (301) 314-7651.

What do I do if I have questions?
Case managers will be assigned to each floor and will hold virtual drop-in case management sessions three times a week. You will be able to access the virtual space to get your questions answered. Zoom links to virtual case management will be emailed to you soon. You can also submit your questions to housingcasemgmt@umd.edu and case managers will respond to your questions as quickly as possible.

What should I do if I experience symptoms?
Continue with your daily symptom monitoring at return.umd.edu. If you experience any symptoms or have reason to believe you have been exposed to a person who has tested positive, please call the UMD HEAL Line at (301) 405-4325 from 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Noon - 6:00 p.m. Saturday or Sunday. If you need medical assistance, you can also call the After-Hours Nurse Line at 1-877-924-7758 from 8:00 p.m.- 8:00 a.m. As a reminder, in an emergency, contact the University of Maryland Police immediately by calling (301) 405-3333.

What if my family members have questions?
If your parents and family members have questions, they can contact the Office of Parent and Family Affairs at (301) 314-8429 or terpfamily@umd.edu. Staff members are available from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Messages received outside of these hours, including over the weekend, are reviewed frequently and will be returned as quickly as possible.

We understand this news may be frustrating or worrisome - especially for all of us who have been steadfastly abiding by our 4 Maryland healthy behaviors. Please know that this decision was made because we prioritize the health and safety of every member of our community. It is our hope and expectation that we will persevere through these temporary measures and resume in-person activities on February 15.

Terps, we are in this together, and we will work together to continue to keep each other and our campus community safe and well.

Sincerely,

Spyridon S. Marinopoulos, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.P.
Director, University Health Center
Chief Medical Officer, University of Maryland

Valronica Scales
Director, Department of Resident Life