Salem State 'Strongly Discourages' Spring Break Trips

SALEM, MA —When Salem State University students left for spring break last spring they never came back to campus through the rest of the academic year.

While they are expected back this year — exactly one year after the onset of the coronavirus health crisis — they are urged to take precautions and exercise discipline so that this year's spring semester ends on a much brighter and safer note than last year did.

Salem State sent a letter to students on Monday telling them they should get tested for the coronavirus before leaving campus on Friday, they will need to be "cleared" before their next in-person class or activity and that non-essential travel is "strongly discouraged."

Students are encouraged to schedule a test using the school's "Coverified" app at least 72 hours before leaving campus to be around family or friends who are not in their school "pod." Students are also asked to follow mask and social distancing protocols and avoid large gatherings while away from campus.

Those who stay on campus during spring break will be expected to continue the school's weekly testing program. Those who leave campus will have to be "cleared" to return with a negative test at least 48 hours before the next in-person class or activity.

Students who do travel out of state must follow all state quarantine guidelines if traveling to any state not cleared in Massachusetts — Florida is not considered a safe travel state — and will need to quarantine until receiving a negative test result.

Those in "non-compliance" will be able to take a grab-and-go food bag while on campus but will not be able to eat in the dining hall or attend an in-person class.

Students with coronavirus symptoms, known exposures or a positive diagnosis should contact health services immediately at 978-542-6413 and should not return to campus.

Weekly testing will resume after spring break.

"Thank you for your attention and enjoy your spring break," the letter, co-signed by Associate Dean of Students for Wellness Elisa Castillo and Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Risk Management Gene Labonte said. "We are still in this together."

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)