HRS winter information and reminders
At the end of a successful autumn semester, we wish everyone happy and healthy holidays and thank you very much for working with us and your colleagues for the safety of our campus. We’d also like to share some tips, guidelines, and reminders with you before the winter break.
Testing in winter
The university continues to offer a limited COVID test plan for those on campus during the holiday season (December 20 – 1.2.2). Testing – and remaining vigilant in observing all of the security measures outlined below – are critical to keeping COVID rates on campus as low as possible. So please help us …
Make Test Plans for Your Return – If you are not on campus, schedule the tests for the first week of your return regardless of your normal test plan. After that, please resume regular tests – weekly for unvaccinated people and monthly (by last name) for healthy, fully vaccinated people. You can find the test plans and locations here.
Booster shots
We continue to recommend people who are fully vaccinated and meet the criteria for a booster. Per CDC guidelines, you are eligible if you received a second dose of Pfizer, Moderna or another approved two-dose vaccine at least six months ago, or a dose of J&J or other single-dose vaccine at least two months ago. You can get your booster at Stony Brook’s R&D Park. This site is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. No appointments are required for this location, but if you’d like to schedule an appointment at this or any other state COVID vaccine location, visit bin-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.
Please also help protect yourself, your family, and all of us from the flu by getting a flu vaccination from your local health care provider or retail pharmacy.
Remember to mask yourself
Please continue to adhere to our masking protocols as they apply for everyone’s safety. In particular, all faculties, staff, students and visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, must wear a face covering (covering their mouth and nose) inside university and hospital buildings. This includes classrooms, corridors, libraries and other common rooms as well as SGE buses and shuttles. Remember that when a colleague enters your personal office space, you must also put on a mask. There is no mask requirement outdoors, but you can consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor areas.
CampusClear
If you are concerned about possible COVID symptoms, CampusClear provides a quick way to review your symptoms and get guidance on what to do next. To learn more, visit the Testing and Screening website on the Stronger Together site, including registration (everything at the bottom of the page).
If you are planning a trip …
Policies, especially for international travel, are subject to change. For the latest requirements for international travel, visit the CDC website. Here you will find country-specific travel information on COVID-19. Also remember that wearing a mask over the nose and mouth is compulsory on airplanes, buses, trains, and other public transportation into, inside, or outside the United States and indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and train stations. And as described above, it is also mandatory indoors in all university facilities.
General safety tips
● Consider the community’s COVID level at your location to assess your risk of infection. You can find this information on Your community health department website.
● Pay attention to Symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been with someone who is sick. If you have COVID symptoms, get tested and stay at home and away from others. If your test is positive or you’ve been exposed to COVID, call the Health Information Line (HIL) at (631) 632-5000. (If you test on a campus, you will be notified of a positive test result.)
● Maintain good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers / cleaners are also effective.
● Follow the breath label by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; Germs are spread this way.
Happy Holidays everyone!
