New Health Guidance
Based on the current situation and in an abundance of caution, non-cloth masks will be required in classrooms through the summer session. As has been our policy all year, instructors have the option to remove their masks while teaching. Current policies on masking in all other settings continue to be optional except for health care workers, who are required to mask in health care settings; please respect everyone's choices.
Faculty and staff can upload proof of their required booster dosing of the COVID-19 vaccine by going to the Upload Your Vaccination Documentation page and scrolling down to the new "Booster Information" section. Students should use the usual process for uploading their required booster documentation.
At-a-Glance COVID-19 Restrictions
For additional details, refer to the most recent University Updates.
Permitted
- Academic, research, administrative, and social gatherings are allowed with no capacity restrictions.
- Visitors are required to follow the Visitors Policy, and they must have proof of vaccination. Schools or departments are expected to ensure compliance of invited visitors prior to their arrival at a Columbia facility.
- Visitors to undergraduate student group events and gatherings by non-affiliates of the University are permitted; designated responsible student leaders are required to check for proof of vaccine. Currently, such events cannot occur in residential housing.
Continued Restrictions
- Masking is optional outside of classrooms except for health care workers, who are required to mask in health care settings; please respect everyone's choices. Cloth masks are not acceptable, and we strongly recommend wearing masks outdoors when in crowded settings.
- Red passes will be applied to all those who are not compliant with the Gateway Testing requirement.
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Columbia Transportation will follow the New York City MTA protocol and will continue to require masks. This includes all shuttles and the evening service through Via.
Alert Level in New York City: High
Learn how the Department of Health tracks COVID-19 transmission.
Required Protocol for Coming to Campus
These rules—and related policies and guidelines—apply to all affiliates. You must follow all University Public Health Protocols.
COVID-19 Test Results: Week of May 9
All Campuses
Total Testing
1,504
48
3.19%
Random Surveillance Testing May 9-15
1,452
29
2.00%
Testing Data Outside Columbia Test and Trace Program
Columbia affiliates who test positive outside of the Columbia Test and Trace Program should notify the University within 48 hours. You will be provided with further guidance via email, along with next steps and a list of available resources.
Data reflect positive test notifications since May 9 and include positive tests for symptomatic cases through on-campus health services and the contact tracing efforts for these cases.
197
Affiliate schools report results separately:
Campus Data By Cohort
Campus Data By Cohort: Week of May 9
Daily Cases and Hospitalizations in New York City
In the context of Columbia’s COVID-19 vaccination and booster mandates, the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths amongst vaccinated individuals in New York City become the metrics of particular importance, rather than cases or PCR positivity.
On-campus Vaccination Mandate Compliance Data
April 25-May 1
*These numbers include 74 approved exemptions for faculty, researchers, and staff on campus last week (0.6%) and 134 approved exemptions for students.
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Campus Updates
Update on Current Public Health Protocols
Because of a recent uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases in New York City, the COVID alert level has moved from low to moderate risk. Columbia's monitoring plan has been adjusted to be consistent with the city.
COVID-19 Treatment Option for Individuals Meeting CDC Guidelines
ColumbiaDoctors will be facilitating access to oral treatment for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and who meet certain medical criteria.
Statement From the President’s Advisory Task Force on COVID-19
The University will continue to closely monitor the epidemiological situation in New York City and on campus and will provide updates as needed.
Support Is Available
For general questions or comments about University COVID-19 policies, and to receive guidance on testing, contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine, email [email protected].
For immediate treatment of very serious or critical conditions, call 911.
You can also call Public Safety:
Morningside: 212-854-2797
(On campus x4-5555)
Manhattanville: 212-853-3301
(On campus x3-3333)
Medical Center: 212-305-8100
or 212-305-7979
Morningside students: Contact Columbia Health
Medical Center students: Contact CUIMC Student Health Service.
Faculty and staff should call their primary care provider.
Email [email protected] at any time.
Morningside students in need of counseling or psychological services can call 212-854-2878 for 24-hour support.
CUIMC students can schedule services via the web portal, which offers 24/7 on-call clinicians. For after-hours urgent care, call 212-305-3400.
Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Where to Go with a Concern
If you observe non-adherence to safety protocols, e.g., wearing a mask, large gatherings, etc., you may submit a report using the resources below.
You can contact Public Safety:
Morningside: 212-854-2797
Manhattanville: 212-853-3301
Medical Center: 212-305-8100 or 212-305-7979
Use the “Report an Incident” button at the top of the University Life website, report through Student Conduct and Community Standards, or contact student affairs staff in each school.
- Go to your department chair or dean of faculty affairs
- Speak with your supervisor or Human Resources
- Report anonymously with the University Compliance hotline
We are all responsible for creating and maintaining an environment built on respect and free from discrimination and harassment. Learn how to file a report.
Report contractor violations of COVID-19 safety protocols using the COVID-19 Contractor Compliance Tracker.
Community members can report a violation online or by calling:
- Morningside Heights 212-854-2797
- Manhattanville 212-853-3301
- Washington Heights 212-305-8100
Each school and unit has designated a COVID-19 Safety Coordinator. In addition, Research Ramp-Up Ambassadors help facilitate issues specific to the research community.
- Find your Safety Coordinator
- Find your Research Ramp-up Ambassador
Submit a Question or Comment
Faculty, staff, students, and neighbors can submit general questions or comments about University COVID-19 policies by emailing [email protected].