[Important Information for Students] Now Is Not The Time- Reminder

[UPD Chief]

Students,

I am writing to share my concerns with you about St. Patrick's Day and
beyond, as our cases continue.

The spread of COVID doesn't lie.  It is here and spreading from contact.
Cases this semester -- even with growing vaccinations and warmer weather --
have been steady.  They are *preventable *and require
personal responsibility...wearing masks. Getting these numbers down is
something important to the whole campus community.

With St. Patrick's Day and the warmer days approaching, these concerns only
go up. Gatherings and maskless contact with others you don't live with will
continue to increase our numbers.  The result can be a campus shut down
including all activities, sports, and group participation.  These in
addition to all the students who will spend time in isolation or
quarantine.

There is a better way. Here are a few:

   - *Wear your mask whenever you are outside your home or near people you
   don't reside with. *This is our number one best defense to stop our
   spread.  All the time, everywhere you go.  If you follow nothing else,
   follow this.
   - *Spend time with those already in your household* or dorm area. This
   is not the time to roam around and visit. There will be a time and place
   for that.
   - *Do not host or attend large gatherings.* Please call out people who
   do and do not invite guests to your household. A Silent Witness anonymous
   reporting form to University Police is online *here
   <https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/health-safety/university-police/silent-witness.html>
*for
   those who won't comply.

New York State allows gatherings of 10 people or less inside or outside
private residences provided social distancing and mask-wearing rules are
followed. Beginning Monday, March 22nd, gatherings of 25 people or less
OUTSIDE or 10 people inside are permitted at private residences provided
social distancing and mask-wearing rules are followed.  The rules will
continue to loosen if we do our part.  Please do yours.

If you don't follow this, the state provides for fines of up to $2,000 for
charged violations.

SUNY, too, has severe mandatory consequences for violating safety policies.
Hosts and attendees of prohibited gatherings or other situations that
endanger the community are subject to discipline including suspension or
dismissal, loss of tuition and scholarships, loss of eligibility to play
collegiate sports, and more.

*Targeted Enforcement:*

University Police, Plattsburgh City Police, and the Clinton County
Sheriff's Department will be enforcing compliance and referring violators
through the holiday week and beyond.

I ask you to think about the cost -- to your friends, your family, your
future. There will be other days, other holidays, and other times to gather
differently. Now is not the time.

Patrick Rascoe
Chief, University Police
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