Public Health & Safety
We’re in this together.
We’ve heard this statement over and over again since the pandemic hit. That’s because it’s true.
In order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, we all need to be responsible for ourselves and our surroundings. That means we protect each other by wearing face coverings, keeping our work areas clean, and staying six feet apart. And, of course that means washing our hands often.
Faculty and staff might be asked to do things like never before, including wiping down doorknobs or emptying garbage cans. Or maybe to wait awhile for facilities to fix non-emergency issues. Patience and understanding will go a long way.
The Purchase College ethos has always embraced a sense of shared community; we pitch in when there’s a need. As we return to campus, let’s put that ethos into action again as we take steps to keep our community healthy.
Face Coverings
Everyone on campus is required to wear a face covering per the state mandate. This includes when outdoors on campus when you’re unable to maintain a social distance of more than six feet.
Every staff member will receive two washable cloth face coverings.
The More Store and Book Store will sell PPE as well.
Wearing a face mask is not required when alone in your assigned residence hall bedroom or campus office or when eating or drinking.
Screening and Testing
All students, faculty, and staff are required to conduct daily health screenings to identify symptoms, including temperature checks.
Upon evaluation by your health care provider, it will be determined if testing is appropriate if you are experiencing symptoms or have had an exposure.
Per the current guidance, the college does not plan to test students or or employees before and/or during the semester unless symptoms are present.
Contact Tracing
Contact tracing is the responsibility of the Westchester County Department of Health. The college will have four staff trained and dedicated to contact tracing in close coordination with state and local health departments.
Mental Health
The need for self-care cannot be underestimated or ignored in the face of the challenges of navigating life in a pandemic. Seek help when you need it. Pace yourself and practice mindfulness as you balance COVID circumstances with your performance goals. Be flexible and open to the possibility you may need to slow down or reach out for support.
Cleaning
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19. New procedures in place are in accordance with New York State Department of Health regulations, CDC recommendations, and guidance available from safety and industry associations.
Routine cleaning such as vacuuming, removing trash, or sweeping may be performed less frequently to allow for increased cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces including door knobs, light switches, handrails, and public restrooms.
Shared Cleaning Responsibility
Everyone on campus should use provided disinfectant wipes or spray frequently to disinfect high-touch surfaces in their own work space or shared spaces. This includes instructors and students in classrooms.
Return to Full Remote Operations
The college will monitor for early warning signs of an outbreak that include increasing rates of positive infections and hospitalizations and communicate these data to local health department officials.
In the event that pandemic conditions worsen to the point that all students must return to remote learning at some point during the semester, but prior to Thanksgiving, an adequate transition period will allow for students to return home and for faculty to adjust mode of delivery, the balance of course lesson plans, and course requirements. After Thanksgiving, all instruction will be 100% remote regardless.
The closure of campus residence halls falls under the purview of the President and the President’s Cabinet. Upon notification of a closure, the Office of Community Engagement will work with both the Campus Emergency Response Team and Crisis Communications team to provide guidance to students affected by the disruption.
Students will be provided a minimum of 48 hours to vacate the campus. In some cases students will be allowed to store personal items on campus.