Rick Gatteau, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students; Marisa Bisiani, Assistant Vice President, Student Health, Wellness, and Prevention Service; and Dallas Bauman, Assistant Vice President, Campus Residences, have issued a message to resident students concerning COVID-19 testing requirements. The message reads as follows:
As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our residential community, we are requiring all new and returning resident students to:
- Complete a COVID-19 PCR test within 14 days of their scheduled arrival
- Produce a negative test lab result
- Bring and submit that negative test result the day you move in
The test result, either on letterhead or an electronic copy from a medical provider/testing center, must state your name, the date of the test (within 14 days of your move-in), and that your COVID-19 PCR test is NEGATIVE.
Once you complete your COVID-19 PCR test, please remain at home and self-quarantine to the greatest extent possible before your move-in day. Please also follow facial covering and physical distancing requirements for your health and the health of others.
Please read all of the Frequently Asked Questions below for the details and expectations you need to know.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What if I come to campus to check-in and have not gotten a COVID-19 PCR test or don’t have proof of my negative test result?
YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO MOVE INTO CAMPUS HOUSING UNLESS YOU PRODUCE A COVID-19 PCR NEGATIVE TEST RESULT AND PROVIDE THAT TEST RESULT AT CHECK-IN. You must provide a test result, either on letterhead or an electronic copy from a medical provider/testing center that states your name, the date of the test (within 14 days of your move-in), and that your COVID-19 PCR test is NEGATIVE. Make sure that your medical provider gives you the COVID-19 PCR test — not an antibody test. If you arrive without a COVID-19 PCR negative test result, you will be directed to the nearest testing center. You will need to return home or stay in a hotel until you receive your negative test result.
What is a COVID-19 PCR test?
A COVID-19 PCR test indicates if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In most cases, a nasal or throat swab is taken by a healthcare provider and tested by a laboratory. Be sure that you obtain a COVID-19 PCR test, not an antibody test. A COVID-19 PCR test checks to see if you currently have the virus, while an antibody test tells you if you previously had the virus.
What test should I be asking for?
When you make your appointment and are on site to get your COVID-19 PCR test, be sure and specifically say: “I NEED A COVID-19 PCR TEST.” Please then get verbal confirmation that they are administering a COVID-19 PCR test. If you mistakenly take the antibody test, you will need to go back and take the COVID-19 PCR test.
What if I have already tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered? Do I need another test?
If you previously tested positive for COVID-19 and have recovered, do not take a COVID-19 PCR test. In place of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, you must bring medical clearance in writing from your medical practitioner. The clearance must indicate that at least 10 days have passed since the onset of your symptoms or your positive COVID-19 test (if asymptomatic), indicating that your infection is resolved and you are free of any symptoms.
When should I get a COVID-19 PCR test?
NEW FIRST YEAR & NEW TRANSFER STUDENTS:
- If you are a new first year or new transfer student, you will be assigned to move into your fall housing assignment on August 19 or 20. Your assigned move-in date and time will be communicated to you via email from Campus Residences by August 10.
- If your move in date is August 19-20, the earliest date to take your test is THURSDAY, AUGUST 6.
- LABS MAY TAKE UP TO 7-10 DAYS TO PROVIDE YOUR RESULTS, SO WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU GET YOUR COVID-19 PCR TEST AS CLOSE TO, BUT NOT BEFORE, AUGUST 6.
ALL RETURNING UNDERGRADUATES & ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS:
- If you are a returning undergraduate, or a new or returning graduate student, you will be assigned to move into your fall housing assignment on August 21, 22, or 23. Your assigned move-in date and time will be communicated to you via email from Campus Residences by August 10.
- If your move in date is August 21-23, the earliest date to take your test is SUNDAY, AUGUST 9.
- LABS MAY TAKE UP TO 7-14 DAYS TO PROVIDE YOUR RESULTS, SO WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU GET YOUR COVID-19 PCR TEST AS CLOSE TO, BUT NOT BEFORE, AUGUST 9.
EARLY OR LATE ARRIVALS:
- If you have received permission to move into your assigned housing space before August 19 or after August 23, you need to have a COVID-19 PCR test completed and produce a negative test result within 14 days before you can check into your fall housing assignment.
Where can I get a COVID-19 PCR test?
If you would like to access the New York State drive-through testing site (prior to move-in day) that is available in part of the South P lot just off Stony Brook Road, make an appointment in advance by calling (888) 364-3065 or online at coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing. The testing site is currently open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays, 8 am to 3 pm.
To find a testing location near you, do a web search for “COVID-19 Testing Sites” or click on the links below. Follow the instructions on whether you can go for testing with or without an appointment.
New York City testing sites are located HERE.
To search for testing sites across the United States, click HERE.
What if I am traveling from overseas or from a restricted state inside the US?
If you are traveling from overseas or from a restricted state inside the US, you must arrive in New York (or another non-restricted state in the US) at least 14 days before you wish to move into your fall housing assignment.
If you are staying with family or friends, or at a hotel when you arrive in New York (or another non-restricted state) to complete your 14-day self-quarantine, please obtain a COVID-19 PCR test from one of the testing locations noted in the above links.
If you have requested and been given permission to complete your 14-day self-quarantine in a separate residential space on Stony Brook’s West or Southampton campus, we will provide you with a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival or shortly thereafter.
What is the cost for a COVID-19 PCR test?
Most medical insurances cover COVID-19 PCR testing. If you are not certain, contact your insurance carrier and be sure to ask what the cost is. Most local health departments will do these tests at no charge to you, but please contact your local Department of Health for more information.
What should I do once I receive my COVID-19 PCR test and the result is negative?
Once you receive your COVID-19 PCR negative test result — NOT an antibody test — please keep it in a safe place and bring the lab result with you when you check into your housing assignment. The test result, either on letterhead or an electronic copy from a medical provider/testing center, must include your name, the date of the test (within 14 days of your check-in), and note a negative COVID-19 PCR test. If you do not bring a COVID-19 PCR negative test result with you at check-in, you will not be able to check into your fall housing assignment.
What if my COVID-19 PCR test is positive?
If your test result is positive, you need to stay home, get well, and seek any medical care needed for 10-14 days. You do not need to retest or bring a negative COVID-19 PCR result, but in order to move into your housing assignment or attend any in-person classes, YOU MUST bring medical clearance in writing from your practitioner. The clearance must state that at least 10 days have passed since the onset of your symptoms or your positive COVID-19 PCR test (if asymptomatic), and indicate that you are free from infection and you are free of any symptoms.
During this time of COVID-19 illness, do not leave your home because of the risk of infecting others. If your test result is positive, and you require a late arrival to move into campus housing, there will be instructions in your check-in materials from Campus Residences about how to request a late arrival. We will hold your assigned housing accommodation until you have fully recovered.
If you will miss the start of any in-person or online fall classes due to a positive test result, please contact the Student Support Team at student_supportteam@stonybrook.edu, and their office will send an email to your faculty and copy you on the message, letting them know you are out for a health-related issue. We will ask you to then reach out to your faculty to obtain any needed class materials so that you stay on track with your coursework while you are recovering.
Will there be additional COVID-19 PCR testing required during the semester?
Yes. You will need to complete a daily electronic screener which includes noting any symptoms if you don’t feel well. If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or a temperature that is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius, you will be directed to contact Student Health Services for an evaluation and a determination if you need to have a COVID-19 PCR test. In addition to testing that is required as a result of symptoms, we will conduct ongoing testing during the semester to ensure our community remains safe and healthy.
If you have any questions about your COVID-19 PCR test or the testing process, please contact Student Health Services at (631) 632-6740.
For more updates and information about student services, please visit the Coming Back Safe and Strong website.
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