iradiophilly | News - Temple Pauses In-Person Classes After COVID Cases; Philly Warns Students: Don't Gather; PCL Canceled

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Temple Pauses In-Person Classes After COVID Cases; Philly Warns Students: Don't Gather; PCL Canceled

by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
started: 08/30/20 11:02 pm | updated: 08/30/20 11:02 pm

Temple University announced on Sunday, 8/30, that it will 'pause' in-person classes for two weeks after identifying 103 active coronavirus COVID-19 cases on campus. The school says that most of those cases are asymptomatic and a few have mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. They say that new cases seem to be attributed to small social gatherings off campus. The Philadelphia Department of Health has just issued revised guidance to students on gatherings (see below). The in-person classes will move online from Monday, Aug. 31 through Friday, Sept. 11. Classes designated as essential can continue in-person. Students taking those classes will be contacted individually. If you have any information call 215-204-4400, starting Monday, Aug. 31 at 8:30 a.m.

MORE INFO: In-person Classes Suspended Two Weeks

The Philadelphia Department of Health has updated its recommendation regarding social gatherings for college students who have returned to area schools. The legal limit for social gatherings in the city is 25 for indoor and 50 for outdoor. However, city health officials are finding the transmission of coronavirus COVID-19 coming from much smaller groups. Their new recommendation to help prevent the spread among college students is for students to avoid all social gatherings, get-togethers, or parties of any size with anyone outside of their household. They are saying that big parties aren't the only danger, but whenever you hang out with other people and especially if you don't social distance and wear a mask. Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said in a news release. "It does not require large social gatherings for this virus to spread. Any time two or more people are near each other without wearing masks, there is a risk." College students probably don't want to hear that they shouldn't hang out with each other, but the only way to prevent the virus from spreading is to stay away from each other.

SEE: Guidelines for Colleges and Universities

Around 100 people rallied outside the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's building on 17th Street in Center City on Friday, 8/28, calling for the restitution of the Philadelphia Catholic League Fall Sports season. Last Monday, 8/24, the PCL announced that it was postponing fall sports due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. That includes football, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls cross country, girls tennis, girls volleyball, girls field hockey, and boys golf. The PIAA recently voted, despite the recommendation of Governor Wolf, to allow fall sports. The final decision was left to individual local school districts and leagues. The PCL explains, "In the case of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the local entity consists of all 17 high schools in the five-county region as a unified body. In reality, we are a system of secondary schools and the Department of Education in Harrisburg views us a school district spanning multiple counties." The high schools are returning under a hybrid model where half the students will be attending in-person on alternate days. Schools can still hold voluntary practices starting Sept. 8. The PCL is working with the PIAA on solutions for the postponed season. The Philadelphia Public League also postponed their season. La Salle and St. Joe's play in the Catholic League, but aren't Archdiocesan schools. They could play independently, but haven't announced plans.

The Archdiocese responded to those disappointed by the decision, â€œWe understand and share parent disappointment regarding the decision, but it was made in the best interest and safety of our student-athletes and all those with whom they come into contact. Like every difficult decision made in recent months as a result of the coronavirus there are string opinions on both sides. We respect those opinions, but the decision stands and will not be reversed.â€

SEE: Catholic League Cancels Fall Season