While COVID case counts are increasing in Suffolk County and other areas, we continue to follow the protocols that have kept us one of the safest campus environments. We also continuously monitor and assess guidance for all of our safety and well-being. Just a few reminders and updates:
If You Don’t Feel Well or Have Been Exposed to COVID
- One of the most important things you can do is to stay home if you’re not feeling well.
- Find specific CDC guidance on when to quarantine, isolate and avoid travel if you were exposed, are sick or test positive for COVID-19 here. This includes restrictions and recommendations for five and 10 full days after exposure, depending on the situation.
- Find out what you need to know about the Health Information Line and what to do in various COVID scenarios here.
Masking Recommended Indoors on West Campus (Required at the Hospital)
- In keeping with the latest New York State Department of Health (DOH) guidance,* we recommend, but do not require, individuals on West Campus to mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
- Well-fitting masks covering the nose and mouth are still required for all employees throughout all buildings and facilities of Stony Brook Medicine.
*Guidance from DOH May 13, 2022 press release: “With COVID-19 subvariants continuing to spread, and with all but one county in New York State designated as medium or high-risk by the CDC, the State Department of Health today urged all New Yorkers to take common sense precautions to protect against COVID-19. This includes recommending all New Yorkers in high-risk counties, and those throughout the state with increased risk of severe disease due to underlying conditions, to wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.”
Commencement and Convocation Guidance on West Campus
- As outlined above, we recommend, but do not require, candidates, faculty, staff and guests attending indoor convocations on West Campus to wear masks.
- For SBU’s main, outdoor Commencement ceremony, masking is optional and we continue to recommend that participants use their discretion based on their personal situation. This will be our guidance unless CDC and DOH requirements change.
- Find all the details and guidance for Commencement on our dedicated webpage.
Vaccines Encouraged
- COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged for everyone ages five years and older in the United States (with the federal government providing vaccines free of charge to these individuals living in the U.S., regardless of their immigration or health insurance status).
- According to the CDC, vaccination helps us get closer to the goal of achieving population immunity – which makes it harder for COVID-19 to spread from person to person, and helps protect people who cannot receive a vaccine, such as newborns.
- You can visit Vaccines.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.
- You can also check with your doctor or local pharmacy for appointment availability.
COVID Testing Still Required
- We continue to require surveillance testing through the summer for anyone with an on-campus presence.
- Remember, it’s weekly for those not fully vaccinated and monthly for those who are.
- See the schedule for monthly COVID testing, and stay updated on all other information around testing, by checking our Stronger Together Screening/Testing webpage.
Congratulations to those graduating, and happy, healthy end-of-semester wishes for all. Thanks for helping keep us all strong and able to enjoy another rewarding Stony Brook experience.
– The Stronger Together Team
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Visit our Stronger Together website for the latest updates and information.
Contact us at strongertogether@stonybrook.
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