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Tompkins County officials have reviewed and support Cornell University's and Ithaca College’s phased return to campus plan for the fall 2020 semester. Officials from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) are in ongoing communication with University officials and have been participating in planning efforts.

Frank Kruppa, Tompkins County Public Health Director and EOC Operations Chief stated, "Cornell has shown a careful approach to putting protocols in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. Their plans reflect their commitment to their campus community and Tompkins County residents." Kruppa continued, "The plan is thorough, including a robust testing program, a coordinated approach to isolation, quarantine, and contact tracing, and significant modifications to campus life. Ithaca College is making careful considerations in planning to reopen their campus, including moving in students over a four-week period ending on Oct 5. We have been in active communication with members of their reopening task force and they are committed to the health of their campus community and the wider public in Tompkins County."

TCHD has led contact tracing efforts since January 2020 and will continue coordination with Cornell Health and University officials. Cornell's plan includes regular diagnostic and surveillance testing strategies and monitoring of their communities on and off campus.

The EOC and TCHD have been in active communication with Ithaca College, Cornell University, and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) throughout the COVID-19 crisis. All three higher education institutions have reopening task forces and have been coordinating on the details of their efforts.

Jason Molino, Tompkins County Administrator stated, "Cornell's plan is responsible and vigorous. It's important that both on and off campus communities take guidance seriously to stop any future spread of COVID-19."

Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Chairwoman of the Tompkins County Legislature stated, "Cornell is vital to both Tompkins County and New York State as an educational and research institution and as an employer. Throughout this crisis, the University has continued to be an engaged and responsive partner and has shown a steadfast commitment to public health and economic recovery."

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