COVID-19 Preparations for Fall Semester

We hope you have been enjoying your summer and look forward to seeing everyone on campus in just a couple short weeks. Recently, we shared updates to our COVID-19 guidelines for the fall. This letter provides some additional information.

For students who test positive for COVID-19:

• Report your result to the Student Health Center. You will receive self-care instructions for isolation and will have access to telehealth and in-person student health services through the wellness portal. Currently, CDC and Monroe County Department of Public Health isolation is a minimum of five days, with day 0 as the day of symptom onset or positive test, whichever came first. Isolation may be longer if symptoms persist. Masking is recommended for an additional 5 days.
• RIT is not providing separate isolation and quarantine housing for the fall semester. Students in RIT housing will remain in their residence hall room or apartment except to pick up food, use the restroom, or attend a medical appointment. If you are not comfortable staying in your residence space, you may return home or to an alternative location via private transportation. In this case, it may be helpful to consider your temporary housing options before the start of the fall semester, so you are prepared should you become positive.  
• Tell roommates and close contacts you have COVID-19, so they can take proactive steps to monitor their health.
• While in isolation, or if you are too ill to attend class, please contact your faculty directly to make up for missed work. Your secure message from the Student Health Center can serve as an acknowledgment of your isolation time if required.
• Wear a well-fitted mask at all times except when eating, sleeping or using bathroom facilities (e.g., showering, brushing teeth). N95, KN95 and KF94 masks are among those that provide the greatest protection.
• Clean shared spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens, immediately after use.

Roommates of isolating students:

• Wear a high-quality, well-fitted mask at all times except when eating, sleeping or using bathroom facilities (e.g., showering, brushing teeth). Masks are widely available on campus.
• Test yourself immediately and again in five days
• Test immediately if you become symptomatic.
• Clean shared surfaces regularly.
• RIT is not providing separate isolation and quarantine housing for the fall semester. It may be helpful to consider your temporary housing options with your roommates before the start of the fall semester so you are prepared should any of you become positive. 

For Students: What to Pack for COVID-19 Before coming to Campus
Along with the "What to Bring Checklists" you can find in the printable resource section of the Move-In Guide, we recommend also stocking up on the following wellness items as we shift to a self-monitoring mode for COVID-19 identification and care on campus:

• Antigen/home COVID-19 tests. Work with your local pharmacy to get free home COVID-19 tests through your insurance or through the federal government.
• Well-fitted masks. Bring several masks to campus. We will likely have intermittent infection surges and mask requirements on campus may change. KN95, KF94 and/or N95 provide the most protection.
• Thermometer. Thermometers are a good idea to check your temperature when you are not feeling well.  
• Over the counter symptom relief medications. Home medical supplies including acetaminophen/Tylenol, ibuprofen, sore throat lozenges, and simple food such as instant noodles, tea, and broth are helpful to have on hand for when you are feeling ill.
• Inhaler. If you've used an inhaler in the past, be sure to bring it with you.

To our new incoming students, welcome to campus, and thank you in advance for following our protocols. Those returning, we thank you for all you did over the past year to make our campus a vibrant and safe community amidst a challenging time. Let's do what we can to build on the excitement of a new semester and carry it through the entire academic year. 

We will communicate additional information in the coming weeks as we continue to monitor the pandemic situation. Please follow the RIT Ready website, RIT Safety Plan, and the Frequently Asked Questions for updated information. 

Pandemic Planning Group

A sign language interpreted translation of this message is available.