Edited April 1 at 2:31 p.m.: The most up-to-date information now on Moravian’s coronavirus cases is now two confirmed cases, one presumed positive case, three cases still awaiting results, and seven negative results. This is according to the email sent by the Office of the President at 2:08 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1.

The number of cases in Pennsylvania have increased to 2,218, and the total number of cases in the United States has risen to 93,151 as of 1:37 p.m. on Friday, March 27, the most of all countries in the world. 

The day we have all been dreading finally arrived. 

At 11:32 a.m. on March 25, President Bryon Grigsby officially sent word to students, staff, and faculty of a confirmed case of coronavirus at Moravian College. 

While the student’s name was not disclosed for privacy reasons, the student was identified as a commuter at the school. According to the email, “The student was not on campus at all during the time he could have exposed others to the virus (three days prior to the presentation of symptoms). He has no close contacts inside of the Moravian College community. Most importantly, this student is now under a doctor’s care. He is experiencing moderate symptoms and we wish him a quick and full recovery.”

According to campus policy, everyone the student had contact with inside and outside of the school has already been notified and is being watched for symptoms. 

There are still seven more cases of Moravian students who are currently awaiting results of their COVID-19 tests. During the week of March 9, the first two students went for testing, but their results came back negative. 

Moravian’s case is now one of 1,127 in the state of Pennsylvania, with 82 in the Lehigh Valley. Eleven deaths have occurred statewide. To slow the spread of the virus, Governor Tom Wolf is going to issue a stay-at-home order for Lehigh and Northampton County, effective at 8 p.m. tonight. 

According to The Morning Call, under a stay-at-home order, one can leave their house for the following reasons:

– Tasks essential to maintain health and safety, or the health and safety of their family or household members (including pets), such as obtaining medicine or medical supplies, visiting a healthcare professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home

– Getting necessary services or supplies for themselves, for their family or household members, or as part of volunteer efforts, or to deliver those services or supplies to others to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences

– Engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running (if they maintain social distancing)

– To perform work providing essential products and services at a life-sustaining business

– To care for a family member or pet in another household

– Any travel related to the provision of or access to the above-mentioned individual activities or life-sustaining business activities

– Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons

– Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services

– Travel to return to a place of residence from an outside jurisdiction

– Travel required by law enforcement or court order

– Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the commonwealth

This stay-at-home order was not a surprise for most residents, considering it has slowly been implemented in more counties in the state day by day. Before our area, Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Monroe, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties were already under this rule due to their number of COVID-19 cases. We are now joining them.

Other states have been issuing these orders far earlier, such as California, which put their order in place on March 19.