Emerson lifted its ban on students visiting other rooms in their assigned residence hall Thursday, just over a week until the academic year comes to a close. 

The restriction was set in place on April 7 and extended on April 14 in response to an unprecedented spike in COVID-19 cases that yielded 57 positive tests reported between March 31 and April 14 and dozens of students relegated to quarantine or isolation housing. So far this week, no positives have been reported.

Erik Muurisepp, assistant vice president for campus life and “COVID Lead,” announced the lift on the room-to-room visitation ban in a Thursday afternoon email, attributing the restoration to the sharp decrease in on-campus positives.  

Most of the other restrictions set in place as part of the stay-at-home order—including only grab-and-go dining options, the closure of the Fitness Center, and a ban on academically required project work like film shoots—were lifted on April 14. 

Room-to-room visitation carries protocols like mandated mask-wearing, adhering to room capacities, and required social distancing. In single and double rooms, only one guest can visit at a time; in suites, a maximum of three guests can visit at a time.