New Health Guidance
For updates and FAQs on Monkeypox, visit Columbia Preparedness.
Based on the metrics that we use to gauge the prevalence of COVID-19, current conditions are improving. Our compliance with masking and other public health protocols has allowed us to return to many of our regular activities.
Given this success, we are able to further relax our campus protocols, even as we remain mindful that COVID-19 is still a very real presence in our community and around the world.
At-a-Glance COVID-19 Policies
Effective October 1, 2022
COVID-19 Testing
Testing is available at community locations throughout New York City and elsewhere. In addition, at-home tests are also widely available.
- Students: Testing is strongly recommended for students in the 72 hours prior to arrival on campus
- Faculty and Staff: Testing is strongly recommended for faculty and staff who have not been on campus or who have been traveling domestically or internationally
- Persons with a positive test should delay their arrival to campus and notify [email protected]
- Persons who test positive when they are already on campus should notify [email protected] and follow isolation guidelines per the CDC
- Anyone who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should follow CDC guidelines
- Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home, mask, and take other precautions, including getting tested and seeking further assessment
Columbia Community Compact
New students and faculty and staff are required to sign an updated version of the Columbia Community Compact that is available via the Reopen CU app.
Current affiliates do not need to sign this new version.
Gatherings and Meetings
There are no restrictions on social gatherings on or off campus, except for clinical-related settings. See masking details below.
Masking
Masking is strongly recommended in all indoor settings.
- Classrooms: Masking is strongly encouraged in classrooms
- Clinical and Clinical Research Settings: Masking in indoor settings in clinical and clinical research areas and other human subjects research as well as field research is required
- Shuttles: Masking is strongly encouraged on Columbia-operated shuttles
Symptom Attestation
We no longer require any faculty, staff, students, or visitors to conduct daily attestation, but expect that they will take necessary precautions to stay home as noted in the COVID-19 testing section above.
Travel
There are no COVID-related restrictions on personal or Columbia-related travel; however, we urge caution when traveling to countries with CDC Travel Health Notice Level 3 or 4 or “Level Unknown,” and International Travel Planning Policy requirements remain.
Read the updated fall travel guidance for details.
Vaccination
All Columbia students are required to have had the primary vaccination series plus one booster dose, when eligible. Students should ensure that evidence of primary and booster vaccination is uploaded as soon as possible to their appropriate student health portal to prevent a registration hold or deregistration.
All Columbia faculty and staff are required to have had the primary vaccination series. Boosters are strongly encouraged.
Visitors
All visitors, including vendors and alumni, must meet the primary vaccination series mandate.
For additional details, refer to the most recent University Updates.
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.
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 among vaccinated individuals in New York City become the metrics of particular importance, rather than cases or PCR positivity.
Resources for Researchers
Campus Updates
Thanksgiving Public Health Reminder
With the Thanksgiving holiday soon approaching, we write to encourage you to remain vigilant for your own health and mindful of others. Multiple respiratory viruses including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are co-circulating at higher than usual levels.
Updated Guidance and Policies for Faculty and Staff
Our public health experts have carefully monitored developments over the first few weeks of the semester to determine where adjustments might be needed or appropriate. Because the fall semester is now off to a successful start, and with COVID-19 conditions on campus and in New York City continuing to improve, we are announcing modifications to our campus protocols.
Updated Guidance and Policies for Students
Our public health experts have carefully monitored developments over the first few weeks of the semester to determine where adjustments might be needed or appropriate. Because the fall semester is now off to a successful start, and with COVID-19 conditions on campus and in New York City continuing to improve, we are announcing modifications to our campus protocols.
Support Is Available
For general questions about University COVID-19 policies, consult the resources below.
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).