SALISBURY, Md. - With holidays coming up and COVID-19 cases on the rise, local universities are taking action to slow the spread of COVID-19 cases. During Salisbury University's weekly press briefing, school leaders announced how they plan to monitor the cases ahead of Thanksgiving break.
Planning ahead of the holiday break is top of mind for Salisbury University leaders.
"Our plan is to return after Thanksgiving break to finish the semester," said Salisbury University President Charles Wight.
The school's decision has many worried about whether or not they should go home for break.
"My family and I are thinking about it because we want to be safe," said a junior at SU, Hannah Farmer.
"My mom does have an underlying issue so I don't get to go home as often as I plan to," added a senior at SU, Rebecca Krasovec.
For this reason, SU says testing will be available for everyone before and after the break.
"You'll get the best available test, and you'll have the result in less than 48 hours," assured Wight.
Students will still be allowed on campus while they await test results during the first week back from break. However, the second week back will depend on the test result.
President Wight adds, however, that staying safe will require more than just getting tested.
"Self isolate yourself for two weeks prior. Staying in your residence hall, room, or apartment as much as possible now, is the best way to responsibly prepare to travel," explained Wight.
SU says its positivity rate remains low. Monthly test results show that the positivity rate stands at 0.81%, while Wicomico county reports 4.15 percent.
School leaders assure that safety for students, faculty, and staff is a priority.
"We want to make sure that you're safe and your family is safe and your friends are safe," said Wight.
For more information on SU's response to the COVID-19 pandemic visit: https://www.salisbury.edu/coronavirus/