October 28: COVID-19 Task Force Community Update

October 28, 2021

To All Employees and Students -

On October 29, 2021, Bay Path University’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols will transition from “Fall Opening” to “Ongoing” COVID-19 operations. This change to our campus operating level is based on the low or declining number of cases on campus and in the region, combined with the University community’s commitment to maintaining high vaccination rates among our employees and students while adhering to required health and safety protocols.

The updated protocols will continue to require students and employees to access buildings via their ID card. Additionally, students who live on campus must continue all precautions, including participating in COVID-19 testing.

These changes will impact the following areas:

• Visitors on campus
• Visitors in the residence halls

Mask Policy Reminder

In accordance with current CDC and local Board of Health guidelines, no masks are required outdoors (regardless of vaccination status) but are encouraged when physical distancing is not possible. Face masks are required indoors except when:

• Working alone in a private office
• Working in a shared space more than six feet from a colleague
• Working in a cubicle with a barrier between people and when not providing services to anyone
• Involved in active eating or drinking

Please be aware that Bay Path University’s outdoor grounds are currently open to the public.

Visitor Definition

A visitor is any individual who does not have a current and active university identification card or is employed by Aramark or the Bookstore. Visitors must remain away from campus if they feel sick, have tested positive, or believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19. All visitors are required to adhere to the University’s mask policy and all other COVID-19 policies.

Visitors on Campus

All visitors who are 12 and older and who attend campus indoor events, single-day conferences, group meetings of six (6) or more or are invited as guest lecturers, need to present proof of full vaccination or present evidence of a negative COVID test. Test results must be within 72 hours of a visitor’s arrival on campus. Please see the Meeting, Events and Gatherings Protocol for more information on the proof of vaccination and negative test result.

Short-term Visitors/Vendors

Short-term visitors (less than a day), vendors, contractors, and consultants are permitted on campus. All such individuals must follow campus COVID-19 health and safety requirements. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is not required for brief campus visits, such as for an admissions tour or for a one-time meeting of less than six (6). Short-term visitors must have an appointment scheduled with a campus-based employee and proper contact tracing protocols must be maintained.

This category includes:

• Deliveries
• Contractors and vendors who stay for less than one day
• Contractors who work in a discrete and separate site, e.g., outdoors, mechanical rooms
• Admission visitors / athletic recruits

If a visitor will be coming to campus consistently (three or more times per week), the University reserves the right to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test at the University's discretion. A visitor who tests positive within 48 hours of being on campus must notify their sponsoring department, and Deb Baker, Bay Path University health services director, so that appropriate contact tracing measures can be executed.

Visitors/Guests in Residential Halls

Vaccinated guests will be allowed in the residence halls. Guests are defined as anyone who is not a Bay Path University residential student.

PLEASE NOTE: Guests who are not vaccinated will not be permitted in the residence halls.

Resident students will be required to submit a ‘request a guest’ form 48 hours in advance of their guest’s arrival. The ‘request a guest’ form will be reviewed by the residential life professional staff. You will receive an email to your BPU email address with the result. All approved guests must check-in and out with either Campus Public Safety or desk attendants upon arrival or departure from campus.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Approved guests must be over the age of 14 years old (per campus guest policy)
• Approved guests must be able to provide a valid photo ID, proof of vaccination, and telephone number at their time of arrival

Any residential student who brings a guest to campus without following this policy will not be permitted to have their guest enter the residence halls. Failure to comply with the policy will result in the host resident being referred to the Student Conduct system within the Dean of Students office.

The COVID-19 Task Force will continue to update you as we navigate the full reopening of the campus throughout the pandemic. Thank you for your continued compliance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The Covid-19 Task Force