Dear Adelphi Community,
Travel is known to increase the risk of spreading illness. As you prepare for travel before the Thanksgiving holiday, please adopt a “know before you go” approach.
Testing will be required of all residential students prior to leaving campus. If you are a faculty or staff member, or a student living off campus but plan on personal travel, I encourage you to make appropriate arrangements prior to your trip.
- On-campus testing is currently available through Vault Health at no cost to you.
- Nearby rapid testing is also available at the following local rapid testing sites.
Please remember that the test only reflects one point in time. There can be false-negative results, and, in some cases, the virus may be contracted during travel. A negative test is not a license to end other preventative measures such as mask wearing and physical distancing. I encourage all students to consider retesting following completion of travel.
At least two weeks prior to departure, you are encouraged to:
- Get an influenza vaccination. (Please call 516.877.6000 to schedule an appointment.)
- Review the regulations governing travel to your destination. Some states and countries require the completion of a travelers’ form prior to arrival, along with specific restrictions and testing requirements after arrival.
- Minimize risk of exposure and infection during the weeks leading to departure from campus. Any exposures could disrupt plans to go home. If you become infected or if you are exposed to a person who is confirmed to be infected, you may need to isolate or quarantine before traveling. Travelers who are ill, are infected or have recently been exposed to the virus will not be allowed to board airplanes and trains.
- Reduce the number of people with whom you have close contact prior to the trip. Any close interaction with persons outside your immediate household or residence hall roommates will present an opportunity for infection.
On the day of travel, you are encouraged to:
- Reduce the number of stops on the trip. Take a direct flight if possible, and if driving, pack food/snacks for the trip home.
- Consult with a healthcare professional if sick or exposed. Anyone feeling ill, recently diagnosed with COVID-19 (within 10 days) or exposed to someone with COVID-19 (within 14 days) should self-isolate and contact Health Services at 516.877.6000 or your primary care physician. Students should follow guidance from their healthcare provider regarding when recommended isolation/quarantine periods are complete.
- Take safety precautions during travel, especially if using any public transportation. Wear a face covering at all times and consider also wearing a face shield. Stay at least six feet away from other people; if not possible on public transportation, sit as far away from other passengers as possible. Carry and use hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol) frequently.
- Use a disinfecting/sanitizing wipe to clean any touchable surfaces in the vehicle in which you are traveling. This includes planes, trains and other forms of transportation.
- Recheck for any requirements or restrictions at your travel destination.
- For domestic travel, the least-risky option is private transportation by yourself or family members. If in a car with others outside the household, wear a mask and sit in the backseat if someone else is driving. If weather conditions permit, open the windows.
Upon arrival at your destination:
- The most cautious approach is to quarantine for the first 14 days after arrival. This is especially important if there are vulnerable, higher-risk individuals living at your destination and/or there is high prevalence on the campus or in the local community surrounding the campus prior to travel.
- Quarantining at your destination includes eating meals in a private space or outdoors with individuals at least six feet apart.
- Use separate serveware, utensils, glasses and plates.
- Use a separate bathroom from other individuals. If not possible, disinfect the bathroom after each use.
- Avoid physical contact including hugging, kissing and shaking hands.
- Wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least six feet when in the presence of others.
- Restrict movement within and outside your location.
If quarantine is not possible, you are encouraged to:
- Stay physically distant from other individuals, wear a face covering and avoid close contact, including hugging and shaking hands, for the first 14 days.
- Consider placing HEPA filter units in the destination and opening windows to increase air circulation.
Medical and Mental Health Well-Being While at Home
If you are feeling sad, anxious, hopeless or emotional distress of any kind, I encourage you to reach out for help or guidance. Resources available to you include:
- Your primary care provider
- Private psychologists or mental health clinicians
- Adelphi’s Health Services Center or Student Counseling Center
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline, 800.985.5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories
Please consult your primary care provider at home, especially if you have any preexisting conditions or develop any possible symptoms of COVID-19. And, as a reminder, be sure to get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.
Additional Resources
Consult the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for additional information on travel and on safer ways to celebrate holidays with family and friends:
Have a safe and healthy holiday.
Sincerely,
Nicole Gaudino
Director, Health Services