City and college leaders are stressing the importance of maintaining proper social distancing, avoiding gatherings and remaining focused on the safety of the campus and wider Oswego communities this Halloween weekend. The State Department of Health has also published guidance for Halloween, including some simple "Do's" and "Don'ts" to help keep you, your family and community safe. Any activities should be socially distanced and outdoors.
With the upcoming Halloween weekend just days away, city and college leaders are urging students and city residents to continue to be vigilant in their efforts to be safe and help curb the spread of COVID-19 in the greater Oswego community.
SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley said, “I am calling on all of you, our students, to continue to be mindful of and committed to your health and safety and the well-being of those in the wider community. I am so proud of you. You have done the right thing over the past several weeks, wearing masks, following social distancing guidelines and refraining from gathering in large groups. And all your hard work and sacrifice has worked! The incidence of coronavirus on campus is way down. So stay smart; keep doing the right thing. Don’t let this Halloween trick you into becoming ill or spreading COVID-19. With just about four weeks to go, let's stay well and finish strong! ”
City of Oswego Mayor William J. Barlow added, “As a community, we must not let our guard down. As the historically active Halloween weekend approaches, it is critical that, now more than ever, we remain vigilant and keep battling back against this virus. Now is not the time to hold large gatherings and forget to socially distance. During Halloween, and even the upcoming holiday season, we must remember to social distance, wear masks and take this virus seriously.”
SA President Lizeth Ortega-Ramirez and SA Vice President Asheem Calixte shared, “We ask our fellow students to remember that large gatherings put yourself and others at risk, and they are also against the law. The upcoming Halloween festivities might tempt you to gather with your peers to celebrate; however, we ask you to maintain proper social distance, avoid gatherings, and stay focused on your safety, the safety of those around you, and the safety of the Oswego community. Please find safe alternatives this Halloween weekend, and remember that we still need everyone’s commitment to be able to get through the end of the semester.”
This joint statement was coordinated under the auspices of the Campus-City Relations Committee (CCRC). The purpose of the CCRC is to maintain and strengthen positive relations between the college and the city, with its efforts always grounded in the mission: One City. One Campus. One Community. Its members meet regularly to initiate dialogue among residents, students, landlords, business owners, local law enforcement, college administrators and the Mayor’s office.