By Anna Woods, Managing Editor
One Manhattan announced updated COVID-19 policies and guidance regarding masks and booster vaccines as of Thursday, March 31 after undergoing revalution.
The college’s indoor mask requirement is being extended for another week until April 9.
“Beginning on Saturday, April 9, and through the end of the spring semester, masks will be recommended and required only when requested in classes or offices,” wrote OneManhattan.
Students who prefer to wear a mask will be encouraged to keep wearing them, and faculty will be able to require masks in the classroom at their own discretion.
“Individuals who prefer to wear a mask are encouraged to continue to do so,” wrote One Manhattan. “Faculty may require students to wear masks in their classrooms by communicating via email or on their Moodle page. Supervisors may also require visitors to wear a mask in their office by displaying appropriate signage. It is expected that everyone will abide by those requests.”
Health Services and college-issued vehicles, such as vans and shuttles, will still require masks. Additionally, they may be required when attending large indoor events.
The email also states the protocols in place for when an individual receives a positive COVID-19 despite the lifting of the mask mandate.
“Masks should also be worn for the full 10 days after a positive test or after an exposure,” wrote One Manhattan.
Students are recommended to wear masks in other indoor areas such as common areas and recreational facilities.
Aside from the new mask guidelines, the email outlined a new vaccine requirement for the 2022-2023 academic year. The new policy includes instructions for vaccine eligibility and obtaining booster doses.
“Manhattan College will require all on-campus students, faculty, administrators and staff to be fully up-to-date on vaccinations for the 2022-23 academic year. This means that each individual has received a full series of COVID-19 vaccines, and a booster shot, when eligible.”
June 15 is the deadline to obtain a booster vaccine for students taking summer classes or those remaining on campus. It is also the deadline for current employees to obtain their vaccines. Aug. 1 is the vaccine deadline for students who are enrolled in classes for the fall 2022 semester.
To accommodate those who have not yet received their booster, the college is hosting a booster clinic on campus on Monday, April 11. The clinic will be held from 1-3 in Smith Auditorium. Registration is required prior to attending the clinic. A link to register can be found in the email sent out by One Manhattan.
On-campus testing requirements will also be changed in the coming weeks with these changes. The changes include retracting surveillance testing specifically for individuals who have been vaccinated.
“Regular COVID-19 testing for individuals who have been vaccinated will conclude on Thursday, April 7. Individuals who have an approved vaccine exemption are required to continue obtaining a COVID-19 test every 7 days,” wrote One Manhattan.
The college community has been provided with updated health data from the email as well. Currently, there are 35 active cases of COVID-19.
The testing schedule for this week is as follows:
Monday, April 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Smith Auditorium
Tuesday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kelly Commons parking lot
Thursday, April 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Smith Auditorium
Regardless of the updated guidance, students must continue to complete the daily symptom tracker while on campus and follow the necessary protocols. The Quadrangle will continue to monitor and report on all updated COVID-19 policies.