Governor Orders Business Closures in Massachusetts
March 23, 2020
Dear Students,
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered that all non-essential businesses in Massachusetts must close (YouTube), effective tomorrow (Tues. March 24) at noon, in an effort to mitigate the COVID-19 virus. Grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities and gas stations, will remain open, but most other businesses will be expected to close. While this is not a "shelter in place" order, the intent is to limit peoples' movements and contacts as much as possible. The Brandeis campus remains open for students who are approved to remain on campus or who have move-out dates in the next few days; however, please be prepared for more changes to services. For the time being, food services will continue to operate on the more limited schedule announced last week, and all student support departments are either moving to online delivery of services or already have moved. Students living off-campus in Waltham or elsewhere in the Boston area should be aware that the governor has also asked that public transportation only be used for essential needs. Please note this order does not prevent students from leaving campus to move back to their homes.
Students who are staying on campus will receive information soon from the Department of Community Living about new room assignments. Reassignments may begin within 24 hours, so students still living on campus should prepare now for moving to a new room. These assignments are being made based on recommended guidelines for maintaining health in communal living.
Students, both on and off-campus, are reminded to practice social distancing — including staying at least 6 feet apart from other individuals — and of the new restrictions on gatherings announced last week:
- No gatherings of more than 5 people
- Students may not host or attend parties
- Overnight guests are not allowed
- Use of drugs or alcohol is prohibited, even for those over 21.
- Students who violate these policies will be subject to conduct proceedings and discipline, including removal from campus
And please, remember to use good hygiene, including washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue, and most importantly, staying home or in your residence hall room if you are sick.
Sincerely,
Ron Liebowitz, President
Lisa M. Lynch, Provost
Stew Uretsky, Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration