COVID-19 *NEW REVISED* Isolation & Quarantine Guidance (May 31, 2022)

 

COVID-19 Protocols – Updated January 12, 2022

The College will be returning to in-person classes and clinics following the schedule below:

Massage Therapy Technique Classes – Return to in-person the week of January 17th (note the College is closed on Monday January 17th).

Massage Therapy Clinic – Return to in-person clinic the week of January 17th (note the College is closed on Monday January 17th).  Massage therapy interns will treat only students, faculty, and staff for the first two weeks.  NO outside clinic patients until the week of January 31st.

Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine Technique Classes – Return to in-person the week of January 17th (note the College is closed on Monday January 17th).

Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine Clinic (including Grand Rounds and Assistantship) – The College has received approval from ACAHM to hold GSOM clinics online following their guidance for the number of hours that can be done online.  All GSOM clinics, assistantship, and Grand Rounds will be conducted online starting the week of January 17th (note the College is closed on Monday January 17th) for a period of two weeks.  Starting on Monday January 31st, all GSOM clinics, assistantship, and Grand Rounds will return to in-person.  The Herbal Clinic will be doing teleconferencing appointments with the patients during the Herbal Clinic hours.

The College will be following both the CDC and NYS Department of Health guidelines for quarantine.  To summarize, those that test positive (regardless of vaccination status) will need to quarantine for a minimum period of five (5) days.  If the person is either asymptomatic or their symptoms are improving (i.e. no fever for at least 24 hours), they may leave quarantine, but must wear a mask at all times.  Guidance can be found on both the CDC and NYS Department of Health websites.

The protocols will be updated as necessary.

Spring 2022 COVID-19 Protocols – New York College of Health Professions – Syosset

Students, Faculty, Staff

For the spring 2022 trimester, all students, faculty, and staff must submit either proof of vaccination OR proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test with the date of the test being on or after January 12, 2022. Students will submit either their vaccination proof or negative test result to registrar@nycollege.edu.  Faculty and staff will submit either their vaccination proof or negative test result to HR@nycollege.edu.  Note that if you have submitted your vaccination information to HR or to Registrar, you only need to submit it again if you have received a booster dose of the vaccination.  All proof must be submitted no later than Sunday January 23rd.  The front desk staff will be checking the submission status of all students, faculty, and staff during the first week of in-person classes.  Those that do not submit the required negative test result by Sunday January 23rd will NOT be permitted in the building.  Note – if someone recently had COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status), they will still test positive even after the mandatory 10 day quarantine.  They must submit your discharge letter from the Department of Health, which shows their release date from quarantine.

Students, faculty, and staff will submit the College’s COVID-19 Questionnaire prior to arrival each day they are at the College.  The link will be emailed each day to all students, faculty, and staff, and can be found on the College’s website.  Submissions will be checked by the front desk staff at the main entrance.  All students, faculty, and staff must enter the building by using the main entrance.  They are NOT to use the clinic entrance, as that entrance is for patients only.

Students, faculty, and staff must wear a mask (minimum of a surgical mask, however an N95 is recommended) at all times while in the building, and they will need to maintain three (3) feet of social distance at all times, with the exception being when they are practicing during class or treating a clinic patient.  Cloth masks are no longer allowed to be worn in the building.  Masks will be provided at the front entrance for all students, faculty, and staff.

All students, faculty, and staff who are not feeling well are encouraged to stay home and get tested.  If anyone tests positive for COVID-19, they must contact studentservices@nycollege.edu and their program Dean (Dr. Steven Haffner for MT shaffner@nycollege.edu or Dr. Helen Zhang for GSOM hzhang@nycollege.edu).  Student Services and the program Dean will reach out to others who may have been in contact with the person who tested positive.

Clinic Patients

For the spring 2022 trimester, all clinic patients must complete the COVID-19 Pre-screening Questionnaire prior to arrival for their scheduled treatment appointment since they are coming from outside.  Walk-ins will not be seen.  All clinic patients must have their temperature checked upon arrival.  If a clinic patient responds “Yes” to ANY question on the questionnaire, they must be contacted by the front desk staff PRIOR to arrival to confirm their responses to the questionnaire.  The front desk staff will monitor the submission form at all times.  All clinic patients MUST wear a surgical mask at all times while in the building.

It is required that if a clinic patient does contract COVID-19, they must contact the clinic front desk to notify of their positive result so those individuals who came in close contact with the patient can be notified and tested.  Should a clinic patient test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours after leaving the clinic, they must contact the front desk.  Supervisors, staff, and students who were in contact with the patient will need to quarantine until they take a PCR test.

Spring 2022 COVID-19 Protocols – New York College of Health Professions – Bellevue Hospital

All Students, Faculty, Staff, and Clinic Patients

Bellevue Hospital requires the completion of their COVID-19 Questionnaire prior to arrival.  You will need to go to the link https://covid19.nychealthandhospitals.org/selfscreening.  You will select Visitor and complete the questionnaire.  When you arrive at Bellevue, security will be checking your temperature and they will be checking to make sure you have a “Green Screen”.  Those that are not vaccinated will need to show a negative PCR test from within the previous 72 hours each time that they are going for class/clinic at Bellevue, as per Bellevue Hospital requirements.  For example, if you have in person class on Tuesday and Saturday, you will need to have a test done twice per week as per the hospital’s requirements.  All faculty and staff who work at Bellevue must be vaccinated as per NYS and NYC regulations.

Students, Faculty, and Staff

For the spring 2022 trimester, all students, faculty, and staff must submit either proof of vaccination OR proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test with the date of the test being on or after January 12, 2022.  Students will submit either their vaccination proof or negative test result to registrar@nycollege.edu.  Faculty and staff will submit either their vaccination proof or negative test result to HR@nycollege.edu.  Note that if you have submitted your vaccination information to HR or to Registrar, you only need to submit it again if you have received a booster dose of the vaccination.  All proof must be submitted no later than Sunday January 23rd.  The front desk staff will be checking the submission status of all students, faculty, and staff during the first week of in-person classes.  Those that do not submit the required negative test result by Sunday January 23rd will NOT be permitted in the building.  Note – if someone recently had COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status), they will still test positive even after the mandatory 10 day quarantine.  They must submit your discharge letter from the Department of Health, which shows their release date from quarantine.

Students, faculty, and staff will submit the College’s COVID-19 Questionnaire prior to arrival each day they are at the College.  The link will be emailed each day to all students, faculty, and staff, and can be found on the College’s website.  Submissions will be checked by the front desk staff at the main entrance.  All students, faculty, and staff must enter the building by using the main entrance.  They are NOT to use the clinic entrance, as that entrance is for patients only.

Students, faculty, and staff must wear a mask (minimum of a surgical mask, however an N95 is recommended) at all times while in the building, and they will need to maintain three (3) feet of social distance at all times, with the exception being when they are practicing during class or treating a clinic patient.  Cloth masks are no longer allowed to be worn in the building.  Masks will be provided at the front entrance for all students, faculty, and staff.

All students, faculty, and staff who are not feeling well are encouraged to stay home and get tested.  If anyone tests positive for COVID-19, they must contact studentservices@nycollege.edu and their program Dean (Dr. Steven Haffner for MT shaffner@nycollege.edu or Dr. Helen Zhang for GSOM hzhang@nycollege.edu).  Student Services and the program Dean will reach out to others who may have been in contact with the person who tested positive.

Clinic Patients

For the spring 2022 trimester, all clinic patients must complete the COVID-19 Pre-screening Questionnaire prior to arrival for their scheduled treatment appointment since they are coming from outside.  Walk-ins will not be seen.  All clinic patients must have their temperature checked upon arrival.  If a clinic patient responds “Yes” to ANY question on the questionnaire, they must be contacted by the front desk staff PRIOR to arrival to confirm their responses to the questionnaire.  The front desk staff will monitor the submission form at all times.  All clinic patients MUST wear a surgical mask at all times while in the building.

It is required that if a clinic patient does contract COVID-19, they must contact the clinic front desk to notify of their positive result so those individuals who came in close contact with the patient can be notified and tested.  Should a clinic patient test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours after leaving the clinic, they must contact the front desk.  Supervisors, staff, and students who were in contact with the patient will need to quarantine until they take a PCR test.

Update November 6, 2020

New York State has updated its COVID travel restrictions. That will take into effect starting 11/4/2020. If you need a place to get free testing for COVID you can call 1-888-364-3065. 

The quarantine criteria for travel is:

 “All travelers entering New York from a state that is not a contiguous state, or from a CDC Level 2 or 3 Travel Health Notice country, shall quarantine for a period of 14 days, consistent with Department of Health regulations for quarantine, unless:” 

1. For travelers who traveled outside of New York for more than 24 hours, such travelers must obtain testing within 72 hours prior to arrival in New York, AND 
2. Such travelers must, upon arrival in New York, quarantine according to Department of Health guidelines, for a minimum of three days, measured from time of arrival, and on day 4 may seek a diagnostic test to exit quarantine.

For travelers that meet the criteria above, the traveler may exit quarantine upon receipt of the second negative test result. 

Contiguous states are Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. Travelers from these states are not subject to this guidance. 

Travelers who leave New York State for less than 24 hours do not need to obtain a diagnostic test before departing and do not need to quarantine upon return. However, such travelers must fill out the traveler form upon entry and must obtain a diagnostic test on the fourth day after arrival in New York.  

The administration here at New York College takes the safety and health of the students very seriously. We ask that if you or anyone here at the school does not feel well to let student services and your dean know. If a student feels that they are not feeling well they should let their instructors know, follow up with their primary care physician and quarantine.  They should also notify their Dean and Student Services. Once I receive an email I will ask a couple questions such as; 

1. When was the last time you were physically at the school?
2. Did you come in contact with anyone at the school and if so who did you come in contact with? 
3. When did you start showing signs of symptomes? 
4. When and how do you think you might have come in contact with someone that might have been sick?  

Update October 16, 2020

This update serves as an update for all students, faculty, and staff with regard to the college’s policies and procedures for the protocols for COVID-19.  These updates do not replace the processes that we have put in place since the college released its information as it became available.  This information is in addition to what the college is already doing.

1. The college is requiring all student, faculty, and staff to contact Student Services if they either have a confirmed case of COVID-19 from a test administered by a healthcare facility (which includes but it limited to doctor’s offices, hospitals, walk-in clinics, and testing sites that New York State has set up).  If you have come in contact within six feet of someone who has a confirmed case, you must contact Student Services if you are a student, or if you are an employee, you must contact your immediate supervisor.  It is required that you submit the test results which includes the test date for tracking purposes.
2. If you have reported to Student Services and your direct supervisor that you either have COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who is confirmed to be COVID positive, you must quarantine and remain off campus for a minimum of 14 days. 
3. After following the New York State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control guidance of self-quarantine for 14 days, students, faculty and staff must receive a negative test result prior to their return to campus without exception.  Proof of the test must include the date the test was administered, as well as the location.  Students will submit their test results to the office Student Services; employees will submit their test results to their direct supervisor.
4. The college has been submitting daily survey questions regarding the number of students that have tested positive to the New York State Department of Health.  According to their regulations, the college will need to stop all in-person activities when there are either 100 positive cases, or 5% of the population (students, faculty, and staff) have tested positive.  Right now, there are two confirmed cases within the college community and both cases have resulted in those affected staying under self-quarantine and off campus.  In both cases, the two members of the college community that have tested positive have not been in contact with other members of the college community for at least 24 hours prior to exhibiting any symptoms.

Please know that the administration is doing everything to remain in compliance with CDC and Health Department guidelines.  The college would not put any member of the community at risk for contracting COVID-19.  As a reminder, if you don’t feel well, stay home and notify Student Services.  You should also contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.  

Together, we can all do our part by staying vigilant and adhering to the guidelines set forth by the health care professionals.

For the Fall 2020 term:
o All Massage classes that are “LECT”, “PALT” and “PART” will be held remotely (online). Classes that are of type “TECH” and “CLIN” will be in person (in School).
o All GSOM classes that are “LECT” and “PART” will be held remotely (online). Classes that are of type “CLIN” will be in person (in School). The GSOM program will also have hybrid classes for all “TECH” classes and will be notified in advance what days the “In person” (in School) part of the class will be.Security Updates: (For all student, staff, and faculty)
o If you do not feel well do not come into school
o Cloth mask or face covering must be worn at all times
o Regularly wash your hands with soap for about 20 seconds or more
o Use hand sanitizer if not able to wash your hands
o Try not to touch unnecessary surfaces
o Please enter the school through the Main entrance in the back where the big parking lot is. **Upon entering the school all students, staff and faculty will have their temperature checked. If you have a temperature of less than 100.4 ºF, you will be cleared to enter. If the thermometer reading is higher, we will ask you to wait in the café for 2 min to then recheck your temperature. If your temperature does not show any signs of lowering, we will ask you to leave. **Once you enter the hallway of the school entrance, please wait at indicated markings on the floor. If there is a line inside the hallway and all the markings are being occupied by someone please wait outside until a spot is available.
o Social distance must be maintained throughout the school.

Additional Safety Information:
o Do not block the hallways if you are talking with people, move to an open area where people can walk around you safely.
o Seats have been moved in each classroom for social distance, please do not move them.
o No congregating in large groups
o Use the supplies as needed, do not over use or take any supplies home.
o In technique classrooms, all tables must be disinfected after each use. Cleaner will be provided.
o In lecture classrooms, the desks will be disinfected each night. In lieu of the daily disinfecting by the college we will provide antibacterial hand wipes in each classroom for students to wipe down their own chairs before and after class.
o When done with hand wipes, gloves, mask, napkins, tissues, etc. Please dispose of them away in the proper waste receptacle.
o All administrative office visits must be done at the door way of the office, do not enter into the offices.
o MT & GSOM Clinics will provide their additional guidelines
o If you are not feeling well please let the administration know or email studentservices@nycollege.edu (Updated 8/20/20)

COVID-19 Protocols – Updated August 2, 2021

New York College of Health Professions has made tremendous progress with mitigating cases of COVID-19 during the last 20 months of the pandemic.  The diligence of the students, faculty, staff, and clinic patients has helped to keep the COVID cases at the College at an absolute minimum.  There have been no  cases of COVID spread from people within the College community. 

As the fall 2021 trimester is approaching, New York College of Health Professions continues to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously.  It is necessary from time to time to review its protocols and guidelines to ensure that those at the College are as safe as possible.  Due to the recent guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and the United States Department of Education, the College is adjusting its protocols starting with the Fall 2021 trimester.

Prior to the start of the fall trimester, unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff must get tested for COVID-19 so that the College has a baseline of cases for cases at the College.  Those individuals that are vaccinated must submit proof of vaccination to the appropriate department.  If you are an employee of the College (faculty, staff, or administration), you can submit your proof to the HR department.  If you are a student at the College, you can submit your proof to the Registrar.  At this time, the College is NOT mandating vaccinations.

For individuals who are not vaccinated, proof of recent negative test results (no more than 5 days before start of classes) should be submitted. Access to testing sites can be found by going to https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.

Follow up test is recommended:

1. If you show signs and symptoms of COVID-19 e.g. fever, coughing, difficulty breathing
2. If someone in your family or circle of friends tested positive for COVID-19

The College is actively looking at other options to accommodate the needs of our staff and students to comply with the COVID-19 testing  requirement, including random tests.

The College has consulted with the CDC website found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/colleges-universities/considerations.html to set protocols for safety at the school.  The following protocols are required while you are at the College.

1. All students, faculty, staff, and clinic patients must wear a mask at all times while at the College, regardless if they are inside the building or outside.  This is to ensure that those that are not vaccinated are afforded the best protection from getting the virus while in the building.
2. All students, faculty, staff, and clinic patients MUST complete the Daily COVID Pre-screening Questionnaire prior to arrival at the building.  The questionnaire will be emailed daily to your College email address, and the link for it is found on the main page of the College’s website (www.nycollege.edu).  Those that do not complete the form will not be granted entry.  Note that the front desk staff at both the main entrance and the clinic entrance have access to the questionnaire results and will be stopping those that answer yes to ANY question.
3. Those individuals who attend class or clinic at Bellevue Hospital will need to follow the hospital’s protocols for entry, which include completing the hospital’s COVID-19 questionnaire and having their temperature checked prior to entry.  While at the hospital, social distancing is strictly enforced, and all students, faculty, staff, and clinic patients must follow  the hospital’s protocols.
4. If you are not feeling well and are scheduled to be in person on campus, you are encouraged to stay home.  If you are missing class due to a mandatory quarantine as a result of a positive test, your absences will be excused.
5. If you do test positive for COVID-19, you must report the positive test result immediately to studentservices@nycollege.edu.  You must include in the email the date and time you were last in person and when the positive test was taken.  You must quarantine for 10 days.  Note that any absences due to a positive COVID test are excused absences.
6. All individuals are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.  Hand sanitizing stations are located through the facilities.
7. Social distancing must be followed.  Areas of congregation are not accessible.
8. The facilities are disinfected daily.  High areas of contact are frequently disinfected.
9. All students, faculty, staff and clinic patients will have their temperature checked upon entry.  Anyone with a high fever will be turned away, and their appointment will be rescheduled.

The College wants to thank everyone for the anticipated cooperation with the protocols that have been put in the place to ensure safety and health.  Should you have any questions, please contact Student Services, or your program Dean.

Please note that all information can be found on https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html as it pertains to COVID-19.

Due to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order that was released on May 1, 2020, all classes will be taught online using Google Meet and Google Classroom for the summer trimester.  The Executive Order required all K-12 schools and colleges to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, which lasts until June 30, 2020.  The clinics will remain closed until at least June 30th.  

All administrative offices are working remotely at this time, and will continue to do so until the restrictions in place through New York Pause are lifted.

ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA SCHOOL EMAIL IMMEDIATELY SHOULD THERE BE ANY FURTHER UPDATES TO IN-PERSON CLASS & CLINIC SUSPENSIONS.

New York College of Health Professions is committed to the safety of all students, faculty, and staff.  With courses for the summer trimester being held remotely, the College does have a plan to resume in person instruction when cleared to do so by the New York State Health Department .

When the college reopens for in person operations, specific guidelines and practices must be adhered to.  The information provided below outlines the strategic plan to resume in person classes and clinics.

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Before New York College of Health Professions can resume in person activities, there are specific guidelines and practices that need to be put in place.  The information provided below outlines the strategic plan to resume in person classes and clinics.

1. All students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors will be required to have their temperature taken upon entering the facilities. 
2. Everyone is encouraged to wash their hands as frequently as possible to stop the spread of germs.  Hand washing should last at least 20 seconds.  Hand sanitizer should be used with at least 60% alcohol.  They should avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. It is imperative to maintain social distancing.  It is recommended that six feet of distance between is maintained, as some people are sick and show no symptoms.  People who are at a higher risk of getting sick should avoid being within six feet of someone else.
4. It is required that everyone should wear a face covering.  Wearing a face covering and maintaining social distancing greatly reduces the risk of contracting the virus.
5. When someone has to sneeze or cough, they should cover their mouth or nose.  Everyone should wash their hands after coughing or sneezing.
6. The following will be disinfected daily to minimize the spread of the virus:  lecture classrooms, offices, the library, and reception areas.  The following areas will be disinfected at least twice per day:  café, rest rooms, and student lounges.  The following areas will be disinfected after each class or treatment:  classrooms with treatment tables, clinic treatment rooms, and physical arts rooms.

It is recommended that each person monitors their own health.  If you are sick, stay home.  When the College is ready to re-open, the college will be closely monitoring all faculty, students, and staff to ensure their safety.