The fitness center, dining facilities, and on-campus meeting spaces will be open for in-person operations beginning Jan. 24, announced college officials in a Sunday morning email. 

The email, sent out by Dean for Campus Life Jim Hoppe, announced the reopening of dining areas, the fitness center, athletic competitions, and other events on campus, signalling a return to normalcy almost a month into the spring semester. 

Due to a spike in coronavirus cases—which the college has been observing since the end of the fall semester—these spaces were shuttered as a part of the attempt to rebuild the “Emerson bubble,” thus promoting the temporary cancellation of in-person student organization meetings, dining, and spectators. 

Starting Monday, seating areas will be open, though the Dining Center will face a reduced capacity level, contrasting the Max Grill, Lion’s Den, and Paramount Cafe’s capacity increases. The Max Grill, Lion’s Den, and Paramount Cafe will, however, see reduced density per table. 

Grab-n-go options will still be available at all dining locations. 

Along with the reopening of dining areas, students will also be allowed to meet in person for organization meetings, events, and will be permitted to attend on-campus sporting events. 

The Bright Lights Film Series will resume in-person events on Jan. 24 as well. 

Hoppe also reminded community members that Kn95 masks are recommended and are available for pickup in the Campus Life Office and the reception desk at 172 Tremont St. He also stated that elevator occupancy levels should be abided by and that all spaces for off-campus and commuter students are open.