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Updated COVID policies - Nov. 29, 2021

Welcome back to campus. We hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving break.

We want to thank everyone in our community for all of your efforts to keep each other safe. Of course, we had all hoped that by now we could have put the pandemic behind us and fully returned to normal operations. However, while there are certainly many positive indicators that we are moving in that direction, COVID transmission rates continue to be high locally and there is a new variant spreading in parts of the world. For this reason, we have updated our COVID safety policies to include new guidelines for individuals who are exposed to others with COVID.

Any individual who has been in close contact with a COVID-positive person, is required to isolate until cleared with a negative test.  

For vaccinated individuals, testing should occur 5-7 days after exposure. If the test results are negative, the individual can return to campus and must continue to wear a mask at all times and monitor daily for symptoms for a full 14 days. If the individual becomes symptomatic, an immediate COVID test is required and a negative test result is required to return to campus activities. 
For unvaccinated individuals, they must quarantine, test within 3-5 days of exposure and then must monitor daily for symptoms for a full 10 days. At the end of the 10 days, exposed individuals will test again. A negative test result performed on day-10 will be required to return to campus.

We must also continue to wear masks in the classroom, when sitting with others in the library, and in other public areas. You may remove your mask to eat, but food should only be consumed in the cafeteria and not in hallways, classrooms or the library. 

If you are sick, stay home.  Please notify the law school at HR@albanylaw.edu immediately should you have any symptoms related to COVID, or if you are concerned that you have come in contact with a COVID positive individual.  Upon notification, we will let you know whether you need to be tested or to quarantine. 

As you know, exams are being administered in person this semester.  It is especially important that all students observe safety protocols, including staying at home when symptomatic, during the exam period.  If you are unable to take an exam when scheduled because of illness or other COVID-related reasons, please email the Academic Affairs Office.  Dean Mayer will work with you to arrange a time for you to take your missed exam.

Booster vaccines are now widely available and authorized for all adults in New York.  We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to get a booster shot as soon as possible.

We must remain vigilant as we approach the end of the semester. We understand that this is a particularly stressful time for everyone and the additional responsibility of maintaining our COVID protocols can add to that stress. 

Our current COVID policies are below and can be found on our COVID-19 webpage.

Thank you again for working to keep our community safe.

— Public Health and Safety Team
 

 

Current On Campus Policies

  1. Vaccinated Individuals

    1. If Exposed

      1. If a vaccinated individual has been in close contact with a COVID-positive person, they will be required to isolate until cleared with a negative test.  Testing should occur 5-7 days after exposure, If the test results are negative, the individual can return to campus and must continue to wear a mask at all times and monitor daily for symptoms for a full 14 days. If the individual becomes symptomatic, an immediate COVID test is required and a negative test result is required to return to campus activities.

    2. Mask wearing

      1. Following current CDC guidelines all individuals on campus whether vaccinated or unvaccinated are required to wear masks while in indoor public spaces. This policy will be re-evaluated if and when case rates are lower in our area, and as guided by local health officials and/or the Albany County Department of Health. If an individual is alone in their personal office or work space, and can maintain appropriate social distance, they can refrain from usage.

    3. COVID testing

      1. Symptomatic – If a vaccinated individual has any COVID-related symptoms (such as coughing, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, fever, shortness of breath) they will be required to have a COVID test AND have a negative COVID test result before they can return to daily campus activities. Also, fill out the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Reporting Form.

      2. If a vaccinated individual tests COVID positive, they will be required to complete a 10-day isolation and contact tracing will occur to track campus movement.

  2. Unvaccinated Individuals

    1. If Exposed

      1. If an unvaccinated individual has been exposed to a COVID-positive person, they must quarantine, test within 3-5 days of exposure and then must monitor daily for symptoms for a full 10 days. At the end of the 10 days, exposed individuals will test again. A negative test result performed on day-10 will be required to return to campus.

    2. Daily Screener

      1. All individuals will be required to complete the Daily Health Questions.

    3. Mask wearing

      1. Following current CDC guidelines for areas of substantial or high COVID transmission in Albany County, all individuals on campus whether vaccinated or unvaccinated are required to wear masks while indoors. This policy will be re-evaluated if and when case rates are lower in our area, and as guided by local health officials and/or the Albany County Department of Health.

    4. COVID testing

      1. In order to obtain clearance to come to campus, unvaccinated individuals must have a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to the first day on campus; Proof of negative test should be sent to HR@Albanylaw.edu

      2. Surveillance – COVID testing will be mandated for all unvaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated individuals are required to schedule and complete a weekly, COVID test each Monday. Testing can be scheduled using: https://acphscovidtesting.timetap.com/#/ It is the responsibility of the unvaccinated individual to adhere to these testing protocols.

      3. Symptomatic – If an unvaccinated individual has any COVID-related symptoms (such as coughing, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, fever, shortness of breath) they will be required to have a COVID test AND have a negative COVID test result before they can return to daily campus activities. Also, fill out the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Reporting Form.

      4. If an unvaccinated individual tests COVID positive, they will be required to complete a 10-day isolation and contact tracing will occur to track campus movement.

  3. Eating and Drinking

    1. Members of the campus community can remove masks while eating and drinking in public indoor areas except classrooms. It is required that individuals return to mask usage immediately after eating and drinking and it is strongly recommended that appropriate social distancing be practiced.

    2. Members of the campus community should take advantage of outdoor areas for eating and drinking whenever possible especially when gathering with large groups and where social distancing is not possible.  Eating is prohibited in all classrooms. Faculty may allow the consumption of water or other drinks at their discretion.

    3. Unvaccinated members of the campus community must maintain at least 6 feet distance from others while eating or drinking in public indoor areas.

    4. Event guidance with food and drink - all events with food and drink should maximize social distancing and must use the cafeteria or outdoor space.