Friday, Sept. 17, update:
A weekly total of 45 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been reported, including 39 students and six employees.
Friday, Sept. 10, update:
As the fall academic term begins, Montclair State University reported that 23 students and two employees have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) during the first week of classes.
According to Andrew Mees, Montclair State’s media relations director, the numbers are moderate when compared to the large number of students on campus this semester.
“While we are always concerned about the safety of our campus, it is important to remember that with nearly 19,000 students on campus this fall, this is a relatively modest number of cases,” Mees said.
The university is still requiring all students, employees and visitors to complete the Hawk Check self-assessment before coming to the university to avoid spreading the virus.
Nathalie Cuello shares her opinion on the increase of COVID-19 cases.
Photo courtesy of Nathalie Cuello
Nathalie Cuello, a junior psychology major, said the cases are increasing because students are not following the safety guidelines.
“I think there is a problem coming from the students,” Cuello said. “They are not being careful inside or outside the school and [not] being honest when it comes to answering the questions in the Hawk Check.”
Christie Etienne said students and faculty are trying to slow the spread of COVID-19 on campus.
Photo courtesy of Christie Etienne
On the other hand, Christie Etienne, a junior medical humanities major, said students and faculty have been following the university’s procedures.
“I have seen students wear their masks as the university asks them to,” Etienne said. “[Professors] are very persistent about us wearing masks in class.”
Allison Pontier said she is not concerned about the increase in cases.
Photo courtesy of Allison Pontier
Allison Pontier, a junior psychology major, is not bothered by the rise in numbers.
“Yes, COVID-19 is a big concern but being that practically everyone on campus must be vaccinated, [there’s no need] to worry,” Pontier said.
According to Mees, the cases reported have not presented any severe symptoms. As of Friday, Sept. 10, there were no hospitalizations.
“We did have some cases in which students were vaccinated,” Mees said. “Three of the cases are unvaccinated students.”
