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Fall 2022 Campus Health & Safety Updates
As the new academic year approaches, it is important that members of the Bryant Community be aware of current health and safety protocols.
For Students and Parents
COVID-19 GUIDANCE
Return to Campus
We encourage all students to take a rapid COVID-19 test 24 to 48 hours prior to returning to campus. If your test is positive, please email Bryant’s Covid Case Manager for guidance on next steps. There is no need to provide any information if your test is negative.
It is highly recommended that students pack rapid COVID-19 tests to bring with them to campus. Free tests are available through the U.S Postal Services here as well as through most commercial insurance plans.
Testing:
In alignment with current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendation, the university will not be conducting surveillance testing this semester. The University will also no longer be providing non-symptomatic testing.
Symptomatic rapid PCR COVID testing will still be available in Health Services by appointment.
Students who test positive will be encouraged to isolate at home. If a student cannot isolate at home, students will be provided isolation space at an area hotel will be supported throughout their isolation time.
Symptomatic faculty and staff should contact their primary care provider or urgent care for evaluation and testing. Faculty and staff who test positive should email the Covid Case Manager as well as their supervisor and Human Resources.
Masking Policy:
Masking is not required on campus except when visiting Health Services. Individuals are encouraged to wear masks when not feeling well to help reduce the spread of illness.
Contact Tracing:
The University will not be contact tracing. Any individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be provided guidance by our Covid Case Manager. Per Rhode Island Department of Health regulations, positive cases will still be interviewed to help identify potential clusters or outbreaks. We ask that community members continue to cooperate with this process.
COVID-19 Vaccine:
Employees and students are required to receive a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine. All students should upload their vaccination documents to the Medicat Portal prior to returning to campus if they have not done so already.
MONKEYPOX GUIDANCE
We continue to work with local and state officials to monitor the Monkeypox outbreak to prepare the University community to respond as needed.
If a student has symptoms of the Monkeypox virus they should contact health services immediately. A positive Monkeypox diagnosis currently requires a quarantine of 2-4 weeks depending on the individual case. Students will be encouraged to isolate at home and those unable to do so will be provided isolation space by the University off-campus.
The university will operate in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Monkeypox. Individuals should refer to the RIDOH website and CDC website for current information and frequent updates regarding Monkeypox.
For Faculty and Staff
COVID-19 GUIDANCE
The university will continue to operate in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Covid-19. Individuals should refer to the RIDOH website and CDC website for current information and frequent updates regarding COVID-19.
Masks:
The university continues to observe its mask optional policy for campus. At this time, mask-wearing on campus is an individual choice and will not be required. If individuals feel more comfortable wearing masks on campus, they are welcome to do so. Always be respectful of those who choose to continue to wear masks on campus to protect themselves and others. Note: Masks are required to be worn by individuals in Health Services in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
COVID-19 Symptoms & Positive Covid-19 Test Result:
Individuals who experience COVID-19 symptoms should contact their Primary Care Physician (PCP). If an individual tests positive for COVID-19 they must quarantine for 5 days.
Bryant employees who test positive should contact their manager to inform them that they will be in quarantine. If an employee’s job lends itself to remote work, and the employee is well enough to do so, they may work remotely during the quarantine period. If the employee’s job cannot be performed remotely or the employee is not well enough to work then they should use sick, vacation and/or personal time during quarantine. Employees should follow CDC guidelines for returning to work after a positive test. If an employee is unable to work for more than 5 days, they must notify the Human Resources Department.
Testing & Contact Tracing:
There will be no on-campus testing or contact tracing for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy:
The University will continue to require that all Bryant students, faculty, and staff be vaccinated for COVID-19, except for those with an approved vaccine exemption. Individuals who have already provided proof of their vaccination status will not need to provide further documentation. New faculty and staff should upload copies of their vaccination documentation to the Medicat portal. Click here for instructions on how to upload vaccination documentation.
New employees who wish to complete a vaccination exemption request should contact their Human Resources Division Partner. Individuals will be notified of their exemption approval status within 10 business days of submission.
MONKEYPOX GUIDANCE
The university will operate in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Monkeypox. Individuals should refer to the RIDOH website and CDC website for current information and frequent updates regarding Monkeypox.
If an individual has symptoms of the Monkeypox virus they should contact their PCP immediately. A positive Monkeypox diagnosis currently requires a quarantine of 2-4 weeks depending on the individual case.
We continue to work with local and state officials to monitor the Monkeypox outbreak and to prepare the University community to respond as needed.
FACULTY AND STAFF FLU CLINICS
Once again, the University will offer an opportunity for faculty and staff to receive flu shots on campus in October and November. Further details for registration will be available soon.