The Path Forward
Information for Students, Faculty, & Staff
August 15, 2024: COVID Task Force Fall 2024 Update
Bay Path University follows guidelines shared by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
All decisions have been made based on currently available information. The University will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our policies as necessary.
What is the Mask Policy?
At this time face masks are optional on both University campuses, including in the classrooms. High-quality masks worn correctly and regularly will significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission even if others around you are not masked.
Will I need to be vaccinated to attend classes in person?
No. While the University strongly encourages staying up-to-date on the COVID-19 vaccine, Bay Path has made the decision to no longer mandate the COVID-19 vaccinations, effective May 11, 2023.
Are Covid-19 Booster Shots Required?
No, although we strongly encourage all students and staff to remain up-to-date on the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters per CDC and DPH guidelines.
I have not been able to be vaccinated: Will Bay Path provide a means for me to be vaccinated?
Bay Path University does not provide COVID-19 Vaccinations. You may obtain these vaccinations from your primary care provider and they are available at your local pharmacy which can be administered by the Pharmacist.
What do I do if I experience COVID-19 symptoms?
Bay Path recommends that you take a rapid COVID-19 test. Rapid antigen tests are readily available for purchase at local pharmacies.
Faculty, staff, commuter students and other community members should not come to campus when experiencing respiratory symptoms and may wish to seek consultation from a healthcare provider.
Will Bay Path be providing masks?
Bay Path does not provide masks, and all students, faculty, staff, and guests must use their own masks.
What is a booster and why should I get one?
“Booster” refers to an extra dose of a vaccine after the original dose was administered.
Booster vaccines remind the body’s immune system about the virus it needs to defend against. This gives the immune system a “boost”.
Antibodies from vaccines decline over time.
Higher antibody levels from vaccines can make the average person less likely to get sick from the coronavirus.
Booster shots of mRNA coronavirus vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) increase antibodies by about 10 times.
Boosters can provide further protection against the Omicron variant; early data shows that this variant is more transmissible than other variants.
Testing
Testing is optional but highly encouraged. Testing remains important in preventing the spread of infection and is recommended when circumstances warrant, and you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, body aches, chills, loss of taste or smell, and/or cough. Test results can inform your behaviors as you consider joining in-person classes, attending events, or traveling.
Where can students and employees get tested?
Rapid antigen tests are available at your local pharmacy and from your primary care physician or healthcare provider.
Will there be COVID testing?
Bay Path University no longer provides free testing for COVID-19.
What should I do if I test positive for Covid-19?
The CDC’s new guidance, effective March 1st, 2024, now matches the Department of Public Health’s advice for flu and other respiratory illnesses: The 5-day isolation is no longer required under the following guidance. If an employee or student tests positive for COVID -19 and is symptomatic, they must isolate themselves from others until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. You may then resume your normal activities but masking and keeping your distance from others at 6 ft is still required for 5 days. You can also reach out to your primary care provider about obtaining Paxlovid based on your health history and are at a higher risk for disease from COVID-19.
If you test positive and you are asymptomatic, you are not required to be isolated but must wear a mask and keep a 6 ft distance from others for 5 days. If you have any questions, please contact:
Health Services via email at healthservices@baypath.edu or via phone at 413-565-1544 with any further questions. Shannon Kurzeski FNP-C, MS, APRN-BC Director of Health Services, is also available for any questions or concerns you may have at: Phone-413-565-1211 or via email at: skurzeski@baypath.edu
Will there be Close Contact tracing?
CDC no longer requires contact tracing. If you test positive for COVID-19, you are not required to notify others you have been in close contact with, but for the other person’s well-being in addition to your own, you may choose to do so.
What happens if I test positive and can’t attend class or work?
Students should work with their professors to come up with the appropriate alternative plan after speaking with their Health Care Provider. Again refer to the updated guidelines as stated above.
Employees should notify their supervisor of their anticipated return-to work date after reviewing the updated guidelines as stated above. Employees and supervisors should work together following standard HR policy.
Should I take a rapid test?
Anyone experiencing symptoms are encouraged to take a rapid antigen test as soon as possible. Results are available within 15 minutes. Test kits are available at your local pharmacy.
Will there be van shuttle services on campus?
In September 2022, Bay Path University resumed shuttle service with normal operations. Mask-wearing is optional for all riders and drivers. If you test positive for COVID-19, refer to the guidelines as stated above.
Visitors on Campus
Invited visitors and guests are welcome to campus. As campus buildings are accessible via the Bay Path University ID only, you will need to meet visitors at the door to let them into our buildings.
All visitors who attend campus indoor events, single-day conferences, group meetings, or are invited as guest lecturers are required to adhere to the University’s mask policy and all other COVID-19 policies as stated above. Visitors otherwise may choose to mask at their own discretion.
