Healthy Living on Campus During the Pandemic

St. Augustine Hall during sunset
August 18, 2020

St. John’s University looks forward to welcoming new and returning students as they arrive on campus for the start of the Fall 2020 semester.

The extraordinary challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic required the University to create a reopening plan designed to ensure the health and safety of the entire St. John’s community, while providing the highest levels of teaching, learning, and support services.

In keeping with the University’s Vincentian mission of serving those in need, students, faculty, administrators, and staff are encouraged to be mindful that the actions of every individual are fundamental to keeping our entire community safe and healthy.

“St. John’s University celebrates our 150th anniversary as a strong and resilient community of educators and learners,” said Kathryn T. Hutchinson, Ph.D., Vice President, Division of Student Affairs. “As members of the St. John’s family, individually and collectively, we need to come together to take care of one another by following best practices and public health guidelines that have been proven to be effective to protect members of the campus community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community members will also agree to follow the guidelines of the Johnnies Care Compact which is designed to promote the health and well-being of all.”

The Compact is a statement of mutual commitment to community health and behavioral standards that every student, faculty member, administrator, and staff member will follow.

As students and the other members of the St. John’s community prepare to protect themselves and others upon the return to campus, it is important to remember that the coronavirus is spread from person to person, especially among those who are in close contact with each other, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also thought to be spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person—including someone with no symptoms—coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can be inhaled into the lungs of nearby people.

With that in mind, here are some top actions students and others in the community can take to stay healthy and safe during their stay on campus. 

Wear a mask.

According to The Mayo Clinic, wearing a cloth face mask or covering helps slow the spread of the virus. When you wear a face mask, you are protecting others because a cloth mask traps droplets that may be released when you talk, cough, or sneeze. You, in turn, are protected by others who are also wearing masks.

In accordance with the Johnnie Care Compact, a face covering that properly covers your nose and mouth should be worn while walking around campus, as well as inside University buildings, including classrooms, common areas, and any location where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Practice social distancing.

In accordance with public health guidelines, the St. John’s Return to Campus Task Force recommends that the entire University community adhere to social distancing protocols when not within a “family unit” such as a residence hall room/suite/apartment.

Returning students will immediately notice a transformation of the physical look of the campus. Some shared spaces, for example, including most residence hall lounges, will be closed for the Fall 2020 semester. Other spaces will be reconfigured to accommodate social distancing, with fewer chairs, floor markings, one-way traffic markers, and other signs to help us recognize and comply with best practices. Plexiglass shields are in place, as well.

Wash your hands frequently.

Keeping your hands clean is especially important in preventing the spread of germs and the coronavirus. The CDC recommends that you wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Need a timer for the 20-second timeline? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end two times.

Key times to wash your hands include: before, during, and after preparing food; after you have been out in public; before touching your eyes, nose, and mouth because that is how germs enter our bodies.

 If soap and running water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent of ethyl alcohol. St. John’s has installed additional hand sanitizers throughout campus.

Monitor your health daily.

Every member of the University community should take the “COVID-19 Symptom Screening” questionnaire every morning before entering public spaces on campus.

The questionnaire is located within the St. John’s app or online (under “Resources”) to check for and accurately monitor your health. Remain safely at home or inside a residence hall room if you experience symptoms of illness.

Get outside for some fresh air and exercise.

Exercise is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exercise can boost the immune system that may protect you from infections, including the virus. Exercise is also a proven mood booster that can help you reduce stress levels and build emotional resilience, and it improves sleep.

Fitness Trail with campus map and markers of the trail

Presently,  the University’s Fitness Center and the Taffner Field House remain closed, there are other ways for you to get some exercise. St. John’s maintains two fitness trails for walkers and runners on its Queens, NY, campus: a one-mile path and a 1.5-mile path.  

The start of both paths can be found outside the D’Angelo Center near the Spirit Rock. There are small markers on light poles along the way to keep you on your respective path.

In addition, St. John’s offers a variety of virtual fitness and recreational activities for students and the rest of the St. John’s community, including Zumba and body-sculpting classes.

Be sure to get enough sleep, and take time to choose foods that will not burden you with extra calories and sugar.

Pay attention to your mental health.

If you are a student in crisis because of the COVID-19 pandemic, St. John’s offers a wide range of virtual resources to enhance your wellness. You also have access to the Center for Counseling and Consultation by calling 718-990-6352. In addition, you can register for Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). Log in with your St. John’s email for guided therapy for stress, anxiety, depression, and other concerns.