Lindenwood’s COVID-19 cases have significantly risen over the past week, prompting the university to send a warning to students.

A rave alert was sent out to students at 4:16 p.m. on Monday notifying the students of the “drastic increase” in cases on campus and in St. Charles this past week. 

“Faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear a mask at all times while on campus, whether inside or outside of buildings,” the email read. “Maintain physical distancing of 6ft. or greater, and wash hands frequently.”

As of Nov. 10, Lindenwood has 41 active cases, 71 students quarantining, and 20 employees quarantining. St. Charles County reported 292 positive cases on Monday. 

Julee Mitsler, director of communications for Lindenwood, said in an email that students have the ability to control the spread of the virus and have been acting responsibly for the most part. 

“However, the increase in cases amongst the student population is concerning and demonstrates that not all students are taking the precautions seriously,” Mitsler said.

Like many other college campuses across the nation, Lindenwood is ending in-person classes before Thanksgiving break. Students will finish the rest of the semester remotely. This has raised the concern of students potentially spreading it to family during the holidays. 

Mitsler said it’s up to students to make the decision that’s right for them and their families when it comes to traveling home. If students wish to be tested in advance of holiday travel, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services and the Missouri National Guard are offering free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the Family Arena in St. Charles

“In addition, our teams are prepared should students test positive and decide they need to stay on campus throughout the holiday while recovering,” Mitsler said.

Though COVID-19 cases are steadily increasing, Lindenwood does not foresee the potential of enforcing a campus-wide quarantine. 

“Lindenwood’s PPT and CERT team are continually evaluating a variety of plans that can be implemented as needed,” Mitsler said. “At this point, we do not foresee a possibility of issuing a full campus-wide quarantine and restricting students from being able to travel home for the holidays.”

Mitsler said the university is proud that students have been “intentional in wearing their masks, remaining physically distant, and washing their hands.”

“We know that COVID burnout is a real thing – we’re all feeling it – but we cannot let our diligence in following protocols slip off,” Mitsler said. “We’ve got to continue being excellent members of the campus community and taking care of one another.”

The email mentioned those who need COVID-19 testing resources can take advantage of the free testing at the Family Arena in St. Charles from Nov. 12-14. Click here to register for testing.