COVID-19 Policy Update

On March 1, 2024, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated guidelines specific to respiratory viral illnesses including COVID-19, Influenza (flu) and RSV. 

The New York State Department of Health has also adopted these guidelines.

https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html

The updated Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends that people stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall, and they have not had a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication). Note that depending on the length of symptoms, this period could be shorter, the same, or longer than the previous guidance for COVID-19.

Extra precautions should be taken for the next 5 days to include wearing a well-fitting mask, use of hand sanitizer, effective hand washing, covering a cough or sneeze, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, distancing as appropriate and when possible, and taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

Vaccine

• COVID vaccination will no longer be mandatory for attendance.  All SUNY Poly students with an on-campus presence are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Testing

• Rapid antigen COVID test kits are available at no charge at the following locations:
• Students can obtain through the Wellness Center–Campus Center Suite 217 Office, (or outside the Wellness Center entrance when the office is closed), the Student Center Commuter Lounge and at the Health Hut in the Student Center lobby.
• Employees can obtain at the Human Resources Office in Kunsela Hall.

Masks

• The wearing of masks is optional unless notified otherwise. 
• All individuals are expected to be considerate of others’ masking preferences as members of our caring community.
• The Wellness Center recommends masking for those with COVID symptoms or symptoms of other respiratory virus while at the Wellness Center.
• Individuals returning to normal activities post COVID or other respiratory infection are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread such as wearing a well-fitting mask.  Masks are available at the Wellness Center, CC Suite 217.

Please contact the Wellness Center at 315-792-7172 or wellnesscenter@sunypoly.edu with questions.