Members of the University Community,
As you know, over the past several weeks, cases of Covid-19 are finally beginning to decline here in the State of New Jersey as a result of progress being made to vaccinate residents of the State. As a result of this progress and a decline in Covid-19 hospitalizations and daily case counts, the Governor has approved changes in indoor and outdoor gathering limits and other such restrictions in an effort to continue to open the State for business.
Because there have been so many changes lately and because many areas of the campus have questioned what the changes are and how they affect us on campus, we thought it would be helpful to provide the campus with a summary of these changes to help you understand them and how you might begin to plan for a return to activities this summer and fall.
- Effective May 7th, buffets and self-service foods at events are permitted. Gourmet Dining may still have limitations so please work with the staff in Gourmet Dining to plan your event.
- Effective May 19th, the capacity limit on outdoor gatherings will be lifted but masking and social distancing requirements as required by the Sate at that time must be followed.
- Effective May 19th, indoor gatherings will be permitted up to 50 people. Mask and social distance rules as prescribed by the State will be in effect.
- Effective May 19th, a catered indoor function for 250 people or less will be permitted as long as masking and social distance rules in effect at that time are followed. Performances will also be permitted under this rule as well.
- Effective May 19, the indoor capacity for facilities with fixed seating of 1,000 or more (the OceanFirst Bank Center would qualify) will increase to 30% of its capacity as long as masking and social distance rules are in effect at the time are followed.
I trust that this information will be helpful in your planning going forward. Please make certain you work with the Central Scheduling Office to reserve appropriate facilities for your event(s) keeping in mind the need to social distance in compliance of CDC and NJ Department of Health Regulations. The Crisis Management Team will review large scale events to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and enforced.
Finally, while the CDC has issued updated guidance on mask wearing and social distancing for fully vaccinated people, all current protocols requiring mask wearing and maintaining social distance are in effect on campus until such time as the NJ Department of Health provides the University with updated guidance.
Please contact my office at x3417 or mnagy@monmouth.edu with any questions or concerns you may have.
Mary Anne Nagy
Vice President for Student Life and Leadership Engagement