(5/14) Mount Saint Mary's President Timothy Trainor announced that the institution will be re-opening for in-person classes in fall.

"It is anticipated,’ Trainer said in a video to Mount students, "that some students may take turns attending classes from their dorm rooms or other locations on campus to spread out (maintain social distancing) as needed." He further noted that mealtimes may be staggered, and the number of people per table in the dining hall may be limited."

"We're a big place. We can spread people out," he stated, adding that the Mount tends to have smaller classes (numbers of students per class), which would facilitate the ability of the institution to maintain social distancing.

In preparation, he said the Mount’s custodial team has undergone rigorous training from an outside company regarding how to clean and sanitize for COVID-19, and many on the team were previously employed by long-term care medical facilities or laboratories."

Trainor not only discussed the re-opening plans during the May 6 briefing, but also addressed the economic significance of the Mount, site management, and how students were holding-up with virtual classes after in-person classes were canceled as a result of the viral infestation.

Regarding the economic significance of the Mount, Trainor said that the university is the largest private employer in the northern part of Frederick County "We recognize that, and we recognize that responsibility we have to the people of this part of Frederick county, and to the economy."

He said the institution is more than a university, and is a major part of the economy of northern Frederick County, and is committed to the people working here, but that the Mount may well need Federal help to continue to help ensure the current situation remains sustainable.

One of the actions the Mount committed to early on was not to lay-off or furlough anybody through the end of June. "It is a tough time economically for the university," he stated, "as it is a tough time for the town and all businesses, but we've committed to all employees through the end of June. I hope we can maintain that. Beyond that, I'm not sure."

As to the student body affected by the shut-down and transition to virtual classrooms, Trainor said the university transitioned "very, very quickly" in reaction to the viral epidemic, suspending in-person classes on March 11, and instituting virtual classes within six days of the effective closure.

"Our students have made this transition. It hasn't been as easy as one might think. Some have done great. Some have struggled," he said, noting, "We have students going home to now-crowded households where, unfortunately, due to the economy, in some cases, their parents have been laid off, and the students are now going to work to help provide for the family, while also trying to continue their academics."

Operations at the Seminary were stopped on March 18 and all seminarians were sent home.