Dear Adelphi Community,
On June 15, New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that COVID-19-related restrictions are lifted across many settings in our state now that we have achieved 70 percent of adults vaccinated against the virus. This announcement includes lifting restrictions on our higher education experience.
Today, I am pleased to announce that the on-campus experience at Adelphi University will begin to feel a lot more normal in many ways.
While we continue to take steps that protect the health and well-being of our community, the following restrictions are easing, effective immediately:
- Social distancing is no longer required on campus, at our centers, indoors or outdoors.
- Masks are not required indoors or outdoors for individuals who are two full weeks out from the completion of a Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or World Health Organization (WHO)-authorized COVID-19 vaccine series. Note: Some individuals may continue wearing a mask due to personal preference or medical reasons.
- Unvaccinated individuals are required to continue wearing masks indoors at all times and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained, except while eating or drinking. Please see more detailed mask information on our vaccine FAQs webpage.
- There are no limits on the size of meetings, events and gatherings, except gatherings of 5,000 people or more, per New York state guidelines.
- Visitors to campus (individuals who are not Adelphi community members) are permitted on campus, at our centers and in our facilities—provided they adhere to University policies in place at the time, as is customary.
- Random surveillance testing will not be conducted.
- The Fitness Center in the Center for Recreation and Sports (CRS) will operate without restriction.
- Campuswide dining options will expand with added locations and eased restrictions for the fall semester.
What will stay the same for now?
- We will continue to support local and state department of health efforts to contact trace COVID-19 exposures and positive COVID-19 cases that occur (or are reported) among our Adelphi on-campus community.
- To support contact tracing and continue safeguarding the health and safety of our community members, Adelphi will continue to require daily COVID-19 health screening until further notice.
- Many protection barriers in offices, study spaces and other areas on campus will remain in place to support and promote health and safety.
- The Department of Facilities Management and housekeeping continue robust cleaning and filter replacement schedules, and any Adelphi location impacted by a confirmed positive COVID-19 case will be disinfected per local and state department of health protocols.
- Our Health Services Center continues to be available to our community—providing support, education and treatment as appropriate and necessary.
Additionally, while all New York state restrictions on college athletics are lifted by this latest announcement, the Northeast-10 (NE10) Conference, of which Adelphi is a member, continues to follow current National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) guidelines (such as COVID-19 testing). We look forward to the easing of restrictions and will share an update in the near future.
Important considerations as we look to Fall 2021
Currently, at Adelphi: Our COVID-19 positivity rate is 0.0 percent and over 2,000 students, faculty and staff have uploaded their proof of vaccination. Individuals who voluntarily upload proof of vaccination are part of our Vaccine Incentive Program for faculty, staff and students. You can continue to follow our progress on the COVID-19 Dashboard.
Evolving guidance: It is important to note that New York state’s lifting of COVID-19 restrictions is based on rising vaccination rates and decreasing infection rates. Adelphi’s decisions are based on official public health guidance and direction from New York state. Should the public health situation or official orders change, restrictions could be reinstated.
Vaccine requirements: Our University leadership is monitoring the federal government’s steps toward approving the COVID-19 vaccine beyond its current emergency use authorization. Adelphi’s leadership will review the possibility of mandating the vaccine when and if it becomes fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and will continue to abide by the orders of our state and federal government. We strongly recommend that all individuals who can get vaccinated should do so. To schedule an on-campus vaccine, please call Adelphi Health Services at 516.877.6002.
Protecting our community: Regardless of your vaccination status, all Adelphi community members should continue with vigilant hand hygiene and stay home when feeling unwell. These basic steps were successful at keeping our faculty, staff and students safe and community infection rates low throughout the pandemic.
Questions and concerns: If you require special accommodations or have questions about our return to more normal operations on campus and in our centers, please email healthandwellness@adelphi.edu. We will assist in connecting you with the support and answers you need.
Sincerely,
Gene Palma
Vice President of University Wellness, Safety and Administration