As we prepare for the winter break, there are a few important steps you need to take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 when you travel, whether you’re a residential student or a commuter student.
In alignment with New York State recommendations for those who are traveling, we are highly recommending that all residential students complete a COVID-19 test as part of our last week of campus community testing on November 9 and 10. Commuter students will continue to be randomly selected to participate as part of our last week of campus community testing. We will offer testing on all campuses on both dates and we will increase the number of time slots available for on-campus testing to accommodate this recommendation. All residential students will receive an email from Pace that will include the information to sign up for a test.
Whether you live in New York, the tri-state area, across the country, or around the world, a test before you travel will help protect the health of your families, friends, and community members. Low-cost or free testing is increasingly available at pharmacies and walk-in clinics if you are a commuter student or residential student who doesn’t participate in the campus testing opportunity.
Because a COVID-19 test only measures a point in time, after your test you should continue to reduce your exposure to others, carefully adhere to the face covering requirements, maintain physical distance, hand-wash regularly, and engage in other behaviors that will help ensure you remain negative. Every day during the break, we recommend that you continue completing the daily health self-assessment via the PaceSafe app to help you monitor your symptoms or potential exposure.
To help prepare you for the winter break, we’ve compiled the following FAQ which will also be posted on our Return to Campus website.
Where can I get a COVID-19 test on my own if I’m not tested on campus?
I’m a residential student and I would like to be tested next week. How do I do that?
You will receive an email from Pace later today with an option to register for a COVID-19 test and the testing locations for our community testing.
Why should I get a test before I return home or travel for winter break?
Because you can be positive for COVID-19 even if you’re asymptomatic. Knowing your status is important to preserving your own health and safety and that of your family, friends, and community.
If I test positive, what happens next?
Students who test positive during this voluntary testing process will be required to isolate for 10 days and until they are symptom free. Their roommates and other significant contacts will need to quarantine for 14 days. University Health Care (UHC) and staff from Residential Life and Housing will be in touch with students who test positive to discuss these processes and to provide relevant support and services.
What if I test positive and I planned to go home before 10 days have passed?
We highly recommend that, in the interest of protecting your family and friends, you remain in residence or in your off-campus housing to complete your isolation period. If you and your family decide you will complete your 10-day isolation at home, here are a few reminders to help you be as safe as possible:
- Notify the local Department of Health where you plan to complete your isolation, so that they can transfer your case to the local department of health at your destination.
- Wear a face covering and face shield during any travel.
- Always maintain the recommended six feet of distance from others during your travels.
- Disinfect your hands frequently, wipe down surfaces you have touched with sanitizing wipes, and wear gloves if you must use any public spaces.
- At home, complete your isolation in a room with a private bathroom (if possible).
- Arrange to have meals in your room during the remainder of your isolation period.
Should I get tested over winter break?
If you are able to do so, we recommend that you do. We understand some geographic areas require you to have symptoms to be tested and other areas have more accessible testing practices. If you do get a test over the winter break, we encourage you to upload your results to UHC’s confidential patient portal. Your local department of health will help provide you with advice and next steps should you test positive over winter break.
Will I have to get tested in order to return to campus housing for the Spring semester?
Yes. We will require all residential students to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result before moving into the residence halls. More information will be provided as we get closer to the Spring semester. Move-in and return for residential students will begin Tuesday, January 19. In an effort to maintain physical distance during the return to residence halls, we will require you to sign-up for a time. This information will be released before you leave for winter break.
How do the recent changes in New York State requirements on testing and quarantine affect me as a residential or commuter student?
On October 31, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a significant change to New York State’s travel advisory policy. The new policy does not affect travelers from any states bordering New York. Those travelers will continue to be allowed to enter the state without a quarantine.
Under the new policy, which is effective as of November 4, travelers from non-bordering states arriving in New York will not be required to quarantine for 14 days if they meet three criteria. They must:
- Arrive in New York with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before arrival in the state;
- Quarantine for three days upon arrival in New York; and
- On the fourth day in New York, get re-tested for COVID-19. If the test is negative, the traveler can cease quarantine. If it is positive, they must isolate for a period of time according to the Department of Health instructions.
I’m a residential student. What does this mean for my spring return?
When you return for the Spring semester, you will need to submit your negative COVID-19 PCR test results before you will be approved to return to campus. If you are from an area that does not border New York, you will be required to obtain a negative test result no more than three days before arriving in New York, quarantine for three days on arrival in New York, and then obtain a COVID-19 PCR test on the fourth day. If your test is negative, you will be approved to return to campus. If your test is positive, you will need to isolate for the time period advised by the Department of Health. We will release more information in the coming weeks regarding quarantine information and testing protocols for Spring 2021.
I’m a commuter student. What does this mean for my spring return?
When you return for the Spring semester, you will need to submit your negative COVID-19 PCR test result before you will be approved to return to campus for classes and other activities. If you are from an area that does not border New York, you will be required to obtain a negative test result no more than three days before arriving in New York, quarantine for three days on arrival in New York, and obtain a COVID-19 PCR test on the fourth day. If your test is negative, you will be approved to return to campus. If your test is positive, you will need to isolate for the time period advised by the Department of Health.
How do I provide my test results to the University?
All COVID-19 PCR test results must be uploaded using UHC’s confidential patient portal. When uploading your results, be sure to include your full name and date of birth. Test results submitted by email will NOT be accepted.
Please keep checking for updates from New York State regarding the guidelines and requirements related to travel. As we know from the summer and fall semesters, policies can change quickly and we all must adjust our plans as necessary.
I am certain that each of you will finish this semester strong as you’ve shown great strength and persistence this semester. My hope for you, your friends, and your family is to stay healthy and enjoy the time you have during the break.
