Providence College Extends Remote Learning Through October 3

Providence College Extends Remote Learning Through October 3

Providence College announced Friday that it is extending remote learning through October 3. 

Despite the positivity rate of coronavirus cases on campus declining since an outbreak was reported on September 16, PC announced the continuation of a distance-learning directive. 

As of Friday, PC reported over 200 COVID-19 cases associated with the college. 

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PC Statement

"We have been working with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) on a daily basis to contain the COVID-19 coronavirus and prevent further outbreak. As our dashboard shows, the positivity rate has been declining since the outbreak at PC was reported on Sept. 16. Like other colleges that have experienced significant outbreaks, our immediate goal is to manage the current crisis in partnership with public health authorities.  

A number of people have suggested that we switch to remote learning for the rest of the semester. We are reassessing this option constantly, always in consultation with the Rhode Island Department of Health, and with the public health perspective foremost in our thinking. While testing data show that conditions are improving as PC works to manage the current outbreak, they also show that some degree of spread continues. In the interest of community safety and further mitigation, we are extending our period of remote learning for one additional week, through Saturday, Oct. 3. and the stay-at-home directive for students that began last Friday will remain in effect.

The PC outbreak has been a strong contributing factor to Rhode Island being placed once again on the restricted travel lists of several states. We also are aware that the 02908 zip code has had one of the highest incidences of COVID-19 positivity in the city of Providence. In addition to being a temporary home for PC students who live off-campus, this neighborhood is also the permanent home of many working families who depend on their health to earn a living. We apologize sincerely for our part in exacerbating COVID-19 positivity rates in the State, and for putting the health of residents at risk.

The administration at the College will continue to work with partners, including the Providence Police (in details paid for by the College) and area landlords, to investigate and respond aggressively to reports of any off-campus parties or gatherings. Activities on campus will continue to be significantly restricted.

We continue to remind students and their parents of the College’s zero tolerance policy, and that failure to comply with all mandates issued by the College and public health authorities ultimately may result in permanent separation from the College."