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COVID Task Force Fall 2024 Update

August 15, 2024

Greetings Bay Path/Cambridge College community!

We are excited to welcome both new and returning students back to campus (Boston, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Puerto Rico and online) for the fall 2024 semester.

As we come together as a community, it is vital that we remain vigilant about COVID-19. According to health professionals, infection rates have been increasing these summer months. Experts strongly advise individuals who haven't received the latest COVID-19 vaccine to do so, as it has proven more effective in reducing severe illness or fatalities.

As we prepare for the fall semester, the COVID-19 Task Force is providing essential guidance and recommendations to maintain personal and collective health for our community.

Masking Remains Optional 

Masking is optional on all campuses. In case of exposure to COVID-19, the CDC advises wearing a mask immediately upon learning about the exposure and continuing to do so for a full 10-day period. Please refer to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidance for additional information

 Masks will continue to be required when:

  • Experiencing symptoms (including but not limited to cough, fever, headache, and flu-like symptoms); 
  • Exposed to COVID-19;
  • Testing positive for COVID-19 and subject to COVID-19 protocols.

Wearing a mask and washing hands regularly remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 or other flu/cold-like pathogens.

Testing

Testing continues to remain important in preventing the spread of infection and is recommended when circumstances warrant. Plenty of people exposed to COVID-19 might not experience any symptoms and should test if they are concerned about exposure and worried about getting others sick. Test results can guide decisions about in-person activities including attending class, participation in events, or traveling.

While the University no longer provides free rapid antigen tests to employees or to students who are asymptomatic, we will continue to support students as effectively as possible.  For students on the Longmeadow campus, our Health Services Department is open weekdays during the academic year. Free COVID tests are no longer available through state or federal government agencies, however, they are available for purchase at your local pharmacy.

Longmeadow Based Resident Students

If you are experiencing symptoms 

Many people previously exposed to COVID-19 might not experience any symptoms or test positive; nevertheless, it is strongly advised that you should test if you are concerned about being exposed to an individual with COVID-19 or if you have unusual symptoms.

Student Health Services is located on the Longmeadow campus and is generally open weekdays.  If you are experiencing symptoms after hours, nights or weekends, you should isolate and wear a mask when around others. For those who seek immediate assistance please call 911 or visit the local urgent care facility located at 21 Dwight Road, Longmeadow, MA, Suite 104. Urgent care is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you test positive for COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that you isolate at the home of a family member or friend. However, if you are a resident student and choose to isolate on campus, please refer to the resident student isolation and food pick up guidelines attached.

Before You Return to a Bay Path or Cambridge College Campus

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other flu/cold-like pathogens, here are some recommendations to consider:

  1. If you begin to experience COVID-19 symptoms, it is advisable to refrain from returning to campus.
  2. If symptomatic, take a rapid/antigen test, and wear a mask around others. 
  3. Upon testing positive, adhere to isolation guidance provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and avoid returning to campus while in isolation.
  4. Consider taking a precautionary test before coming back to campus, even if you are not displaying symptoms.
  5. Ensure that you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and the annual flu shot.
  6. Remember to maintain regular hand hygiene and consider wearing high quality masks, especially in crowded Bay Path community indoor settings to minimize risks.

As always, it is vital that members of the Bay Path/Cambridge College community keep our core values at the forefront.  Nobody should be made to feel uncomfortable for their personal masking decision in a mask-optional setting. Be mindful that there are members of our community who must mask. A person’s COVID-19 status is considered private information, therefore please refrain from engaging in speculative discussion in an effort to reduce harm and the potential spread of misinformation. 

The COVID-19 Task Force is wishing you a productive, safe and healthy fall semester.

Sincerely, The COVID-19 Task Force