Dear MPH Community,
 
As we plan for Spring Break (March 29 - April 2) and the days and weeks that follow, please take note of the updated schedule information and travel protocols below.
 
OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL
 
 
  • MPH students/families and employees who plan to travel outside of the state at any time (and certainly during Spring Break) are expected to adhere to the following state requirements, the specific details of which are described in this excerpt below:
Travelers who were out-of-state [except for states that are contiguous] for more than 24 hours must quarantine for 10 days upon returning to New York unless they “test-out” of the 10-day quarantine period.
 
To “test-out” of the mandatory 10-day quarantine period:
 
For travelers who were out-of-state for more than 24 hours:

  • Complete the Traveler Health Form
  • Travelers must obtain a test in the state they are visiting within three days of departure from that state, prior to arrival in New York
  • The traveler must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.
  • On day 4 of their quarantine, the traveler must obtain another COVID test.
  • If both the out-of-state test and the New York test come back negative, the traveler may exit quarantine early upon receipt of the second negative diagnostic test.
 
For travelers who were out-of-state for less than 24 hours:

  • The traveler does not need a test prior to their departure from the other state and does not need to quarantine upon arrival in New York.
  • Complete the Traveler Health Form upon entry into New York.
  • Take a COVID-19 diagnostic test 4 days after their arrival in New York.
 
Travelers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and are asymptomatic do not need to quarantine after travel for the first 3 months after full vaccination.
 
Travelers who have previously been diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and have since recovered are not required to retest and quarantine within 3 months after the date of symptom onset from the initial COVID-19 infection or date of first positive diagnostic test, if they were asymptomatic during illness.
SCHOOLWIDE COVID-19 TESTING DAY ON MONDAY, APRIL 5
 
  • Monday, April 5, is a scheduled In-Service Day for all employees. Note to employees: the professional development component will be held via Zoom in the afternoon. Details to follow.
  • Although there will be no classes on April 5, MPH will conduct a schoolwide COVID-19 testing day for its students and employees. (Those who are in post-travel quarantine will stay home as mandated by NYS and not come to campus to be tested.) Registration links will follow.
 
ON-CAMPUS CLASSES ON TUESDAY, APRIL 6
 
  • MPH will resume classes on campus on Tuesday, April 6.
  • Those who are in quarantine following out-of-state travel may participate in classes via simulcast access and until their mandated quarantine period is over.
  • Students and employees who travel out-of-state and need to quarantine, per State requirement (at any time, including the week following Spring Break) should:
 
  •  Continue to complete the Daily Health Assessment (DHA) even while in quarantine.
 
  •  Notify the appropriate Student Advisor or Supervisor as soon as possible, which will provide essential information for classroom and dining services planning.
 
STEADY AS SHE GOES!
 
With cautious optimism, we are monitoring CDC guidance, modified state and county health protocols, falling COVID-19 positivity rates, increasing vaccination rates, the status of emerging variant strains, as well as the experience of and guidance for schools. 
 
MPH has and will continue to make responsible and reasonable modifications to our health and safety protocols, as and when appropriate. At this time and for the foreseeable future, our community will continue to adhere to the health protocols that have thus far served us well: wearing face coverings, practicing physical distance, washing hands frequently, and conducting regular COVID-19 testing for students and employees.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact COVIDNurse@mphschool.org.
 
At this one-year mark since we first transitioned to distance learning in March of 2020, the MPH community has rallied together, demonstrating tremendous focus, resolve and a shared commitment to the health and well-being of all. Because we have attended to our individual responsibilities for our personal choices and behaviors, our students have been able to continue to learn and grow with minimal disruption throughout the global pandemic emergency. Once more, we thank you for your continuing partnership.


Sincerely,
The Pandemic Response Team