Given the reduced severity of current COVID-19 variant infections, mildness of the illness, and the vaccination status of our community, isolation policies have changed.

1. Following the updated CDC recommendations, on March 7, 2024 the NYSDOH revised its guidance for when to stay home and when individuals can return to normal activities after respiratory infections including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. This Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot (cdc.gov) infographic from the CDC is helpful in simply illustrating this respiratory guidance.
   • Individuals should stay home and away from others, including people they live with who are not sick, if they have respiratory virus symptoms that are not better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache.
   • Individuals can go back to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following are true:
     • Symptoms are getting better overall, and
     • They no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication.
   • When going back to normal activities, individuals should take added precautions over the next 5 days, including taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and testing when they will be around other people, especially older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Children under age 2 should never wear a mask. Healthcare providers should discuss with their patients about how long a child under 2 should stay home.
   • Keep in mind that people may still be able to spread the virus that made them sick, even if they are feeling better, so it is important to take extra precautions after resuming normal activities. HEALTH ADVISORY: Updated recommendations on when to stay home and when to go back to normal activities after respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – Non-Healthcare Settings
   • If individuals develop a fever or start to feel worse, they should stay home and away from others again. They should use the same criteria for returning to normal activities as when they first had symptoms and take added precautions over the next 5 days.
2. Housing: SUNY Brockport is no longer requiring students to move to separate isolation/quarantine housing. Your options for Isolation include:
   • Your current residence — meaning your on-campus room, suite or apartment, or your offcampus apartment/residence.
   • Your permanent residence (home), or the off-campus home of a family member or friend.
   • Another off-campus location, such as a hotel. If traveling to an off-campus location for isolation, use private transportation.
   • For Residential students, if you have any questions about housing and isolation, please contact Housing@brockport.edu or 585-395-2122. 
3. Reporting an illness if you miss class:
   • You may choose to report your positive COVID-19 home test result to Monroe County Public Health Department.
   • Inform your professors directly: Contact your instructors to keep up with coursework and class commitments.
4. Food:
   • To-Go Options Using the “Meals” portion of Meal Plan—-Students can pick up themselves:
     • “You Pick 3” at The Nest (for students on the “Any” plans, not available to those on the “Unlimited” plan)
     • “Meal Swipe” options at The Square at the Union
   • To-Go Options Using the “Points” portion of Meal Plan—-Students can pick up themselves:
     • The Square
     • Subway
     • The Nest
     • TRAX
     • Raj Madan
     • Brockport’s Fresh Fridge (BFF) located in Drake Memorial Library, Annex in Tuttle, or The Perch in Hartwell Hall
     • Sick Meal from Harrison Dining Hall, Brockway Dining Hall Express, or “You Pick 3” at The Nest—-Students can have a friend pick up: Complete the Sick Meal Request Form
5. When to seek Medical Care:
   • Most respiratory symptoms can be self-managed using non-prescription cough/cold/fever medication.
   • If your symptoms are severe or if you have questions about how to manage your symptoms, call the Hazen Student Health Center for consultation: 585-395-2414. You can also use this number to reach the After Hours Nurse Advice line.
   • Severe symptoms include any of the following:
     • fever >102F
     • shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
     • chest pain
     • severe headache
     • severe sore throat
     • uncontrolled vomiting.
   • If you are ill and tested positive for COVID-19 or flu, you may be eligible for treatment to help prevent severe disease. Please call your healthcare provider or the Hazen Student Health Center to find the treatment that is best for you.
   • EMERGENCY CARE: If you experience these symptoms*, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling: On-campus, call University Police at (585) 395-2222 or Off-campus, dial: 911:
     
     • Trouble breathing
     • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
     • New confusion
     • Inability to wake or stay awake
     • Bluish lips or face
       
       *This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other
       symptoms that are severe or concerning you.

For any non-urgent questions or concerns, please call the Student Health Center at 585-395-2414.