Recently, changes to CDC guidance on mask usage and potential plans for vaccination requirements for college students have been in the news. Please take a look at the information below to learn how these changes will affect Hudson Valley Community College at this time.
Mask Requirements
Last week, the CDC released new guidance advising that mask requirements may be lifted for fully vaccinated individuals, with some exceptions (for example, during travel aboard buses, planes, trains and other public transportation). On Monday, Governor Cuomo announced that New York State will be adopting these recommendations effective Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Hudson Valley is currently awaiting guidance from SUNY on how these changes will affect the college’s mask policy. Please be aware that at this time, masks are still required to be worn by all individuals while on campus, indoors and outdoors, whether they are vaccinated or unvaccinated, until further notice. These policies may be updated in accordance with SUNY guidance; we will communicate any changes with all students and employees when we receive new information.
Please be reminded that the daily health screening and weekly COVID-19 testing are still required for all individuals on campus. Testing is available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day in the Siek Campus Center, and no appointment is required. Please visit the COVID-19 Pooled Surveillance Testing webpage for more information.
Vaccination Requirements
Last week, Governor Cuomo announced a proposal that would require students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to college campuses in the fall. At this time, that proposal is not yet in effect. The proposal will not go into effect until it is approved by the SUNY Board and until COVID-19 vaccines are approved for non-emergency use by the FDA. The college is following the development of this proposal and will share any updates to SUNY or New York State guidance with our students and employees as it becomes available.
Please know that while it is not currently required for students and employees to be vaccinated, vaccination is strongly encouraged to protect the health and safety of our campus community. Those who would like to sign up can schedule an appointment at a state vaccination site by utilizing New York’s “Am I Eligible?” website or by calling the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). Several sites are accepting walk-in appointments as well. If you would like to learn more about COVID-19 vaccination, SUNY’s “Know Your Vax” website offers information from medical experts and community leaders throughout New York State.
Published: Tue, 18 May 2021 12:10:04 +0000 by r.lagatta