Important COVID-19 Health Protocols-Fall 2023

August 24, 2023

All Employees and Students,

As the month of September approaches, we extend a warm welcome to our incoming students and express our sincere gratitude to each member of our community for their continued dedication to the safety and well-being of our campus community. With the advent of the 2023-2024 academic year, we would like to bring to your attention several COVID-19 directives that warrant your consideration.

Vaccination Strategy

Throughout the course of the pandemic, Bay Path University has diligently adhered to the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in conjunction with the recommendations put forth by the State of Massachusetts's Department of Public Health. As this evolving guidance reflects, we are in a different place today than we were when the pandemic began and when vaccination requirements were implemented. The benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination are well established with respect to protection against severe illness, which is why the COVID-19 Task Force highly recommends that community members receive the bivalent booster even though it is not required for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Masking  

Bay Path University will continue to be a mask-supportive and mask-friendly community. Individuals, including those at high risk, should feel free and comfortable to wear a mask whenever and wherever they wish.  

Complimentary Rapid Tests

The availability of free rapid tests persists as a cornerstone of our proactive approach to health management. Both students and employees are invited to avail themselves of this resource if concerns arise regarding potential exposure while on campus. Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to take a rapid antigen test as soon as possible. Results are available within 15 minutes. Test kits are available at four locations on campus:

• Health Services / First floor Theinert Hall: Monday-Friday,
  10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Dean of Students Office, Breck’s Student Life Office, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Hatch Library Monday-Friday, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m -9:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• The Ryan Health Science Center,  9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Monitor your Health

1. All students and employees, regardless of vaccination status, are encouraged to seek medical care if they are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19.
2. All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are encouraged to wear a high-quality mask when around others and in indoor spaces if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, even mild symptoms.

Isolation

If you tested positive for COVID-19, do not come to campus.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should manage their isolation and discharge independently by following the CDC guidelines on isolation.

Guidelines

• Isolation length is dependent on your test date and symptoms. You are required to be isolated for at least five (5) days from the onset of your symptoms or your positive test date (even if you do not have symptoms). 
• If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolved after five (5) days, you can leave your room/home and end your isolation. 
• You may return to class or work but must continue to wear a mask around others for five (5) additional days.
• You may remove your mask on day 11. 

However,

• If you continue to have significant or worsening symptoms after five (5) days, you must continue to isolate until your symptoms are improving and you are fever-free for 24 hours.
• After you have ended isolation and your COVID-19 symptoms have returned or worsened, restart your isolation at day 0. If you have questions regarding your isolation timeline, please contact Health Services at healthservices@baypath.edu.

Residential Students
Students living in University housing are required to isolate themselves in their rooms. Students may leave isolation for a limited time wearing a well-fitted mask to attend medical appointments, use bathroom facilities, pick up food, or dispose of trash. For information on grab-n-go food options or additional food information, please contact Aramark using this form.  If you have any questions, contact residencelife@baypath.edu.

Students in isolation should not have guests, linger in common spaces (laundry room, hallway, etc.), or attend class. It is strongly recommended that students isolate themselves at the home of a family member or friend. Everyone should wear a mask at all times when in the same room with a student in isolation.

Final Call to Action

We encourage every member of our community to remember that our own personal choices often impact people around us, including those who may be more vulnerable than ourselves. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are feeling unwell, please follow CDC guidelines to care for yourself and those around you.

The Covid-19 Task Force wishes you a safe and healthy 2023-2024 school year.