Dear ESF Faculty and Staff,
As you know, the situation with COVID continues to change. Please be aware of the following information.
Public Health Guidance
As we approach the start of the fall semester, we are closely monitoring the pandemic situation daily to enhance health and safety on campus for everyone. As of 8/16, the CDC has elevated Onondaga County’s COVID-19 transmission rate to “HIGH.”
COVID Requirements for Employees
1. Sign the SUNY Understanding
As a reminder, employees please follow this link to read and affirm your understanding of the Revised Guidance for State Agencies and Authorities during the COVD-19 Public Health Emergency as soon as possible or no later than three business days after you have returned to in-person work.
2. Submit your vaccination records
Fully vaccinated employees can submit their proof of vaccination to HR through this link to be exempt from weekly COVID testing
3. Periodic Testing
Faculty who are fully vaccinated may opt-out from weekly testing requirements, but may still be periodically required to participate in surveillance testing. Please note that any employee can go and get tested at any available time. For location, dates and times of testing please visit this link.
New COVID Alert System
Effective today, ESF is adopting Syracuse University’s four-tiered COVID alert system and masking framework, which will be adjusted based on ongoing assessments of new infection rates, testing data, and contact tracing. You can find our current status on the homepage of our website and on our COVID-19 Restart page.
ESF reserves the right to set its levels differently from those on the Syracuse University campus based on conditions on the ESF campus. The framework applies to all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors, and is as follows:
GREEN: indicates a low level of transmission risk on campus, and correlates with the following masking policy:
- Masks Required: All unvaccinated students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus indoors at all times, and outdoors when in the presence of others
- Masks Optional: All vaccinated students, faculty, staff and visitors—indoors and outdoors
YELLOW: indicates a moderate level of transmission risk on campus, and correlates with the following masking policy:
- Masks Required: All unvaccinated students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus indoors at all times, and outdoors when in the presence of others
- Masks Recommended: Vaccinated students, faculty, staff and visitors while indoors in the presence of others, and outdoors in large group settings
BLUE: indicates an elevated level of transmission risk on campus, and correlates with the following masking policy:
- Masks Required: All unvaccinated students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus indoors at all times, and outdoors when in the presence of others
- Masks Required: All students, faculty, staff and visitors (vaccinated and unvaccinated) in the following settings:
- During academic instruction (inclusive of classrooms, laboratories and lecture venues)
- During non-academic events, on a case-by-case basis, as determined by a public health risk assessment. These changes will be communicated directly as appropriate.
- Masks Recommended: Vaccinated students, faculty, staff and visitors while indoors in the presence of others, and when outdoors in large group settings
RED: indicates a high level of transmission risk on campus, and correlates with the following masking policy:
- Masks Required: All students, faculty, staff and visitors (vaccinated and unvaccinated) accessing the ESF and Syracuse University campuses, indoors at all times and outdoors in the presence of others. At this alert condition (RED), the following masking exceptions are permitted for students, faculty and staff only:
- Students while in their own residence hall room
- Vaccinated employees while alone in private offices, personal workstations or when working independently outdoors on campus
ESF is supplying commercially available masks. Departments can obtain them from the A&TS Stockroom located in Baker 116 or by making arrangements with Marlene Braun (mabraun@esf.edu or X6869).
Remember, if you do not feel well, stay home.
Contact for COVID questions for employees:
Thank you for your continued diligence and cooperation with the College’s public health response.
Office of Communications and Marketing
