As a general rule, masks are optional on campus and in all campus buildings, with the exception of classrooms and Health Services/Counseling, where they are required. This general policy is subject to the following qualifications:

• Faculty members may make masking optional in their own classrooms, laboratories, and studios at their discretion.
• Masks are required during the five-day isolation period for individuals who have tested positive and for the next five days.
• Masking is required for 10 days for close contacts of individuals who have tested positive.
• Masking is encouraged for several days following out-of-state or international travel.

• All students enrolling in the 2023-24 academic year are required to be up-to-date on their COVID vaccinations, which means they have received the bivalent booster. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered.
• It is strongly encouraged that all employees are up-to-date on their COVID vaccinations.
• New students and new employees must sign the COVID acknowledgment form.

The asymptomatic testing program ended on April 15, 2023. Students may contact Health Services for symptomatic testing, and rapid tests are available for sale at the Bookstore. Positive test results no longer need to be reported. 

Rapid test insurance coverage

• Employees participating in the Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan can submit for reimbursement of up to eight over-the-counter at-home COVID tests per member, per month. See the HR website for details on the reimbursement process.
• For students, many insurances (including SHIP) will cover over-the-counter COVID-19 (rapid antigen) tests from CVS pharmacy at no cost. For more details, see Over-the-Counter COVID-19 tests on the Health Services website. 

Faculty and Staff

• Faculty and staff who test positive should isolate at home for five days, then wear masks for another five days, and refrain from eating with others.
• If faculty and administrative staff feel well enough to teach or work remotely during the isolation period they can, but they are not obliged to do so.
• If an employee has any questions, they should contact their supervisor and HR. 

Students

• Students who test positive will isolate in their residence hall rooms then wear masks for another five days, and refrain from eating with others.
• During the five-day isolation period, students must not attend class or leave their residence hall room except to use the restroom/shower, pick up to-go meals in a dining hall, or for medical attention/an appointment at Health Services.
• Following the five day isolation period, students who tested positive may attend class, but they must remain masked and refrain from eating with others for an additional five days.
• Health Services will advise students regarding release from isolation.
• See the Student COVID Protocols for more details.

Close contacts

Close contacts of individuals who tested positive are not required to quarantine and are expected to attend class and work on campus.

• Close contacts (especially roommates) should test six days after exposure, mask around others for 10 days after exposure, and be careful about eating with others.
• Close contacts who have symptoms should test and contact their health care provider. 

• Campus buildings continue to be closed to the general public and will require swipe access where available. However, members of the College community may invite guests into buildings. In addition, events (such as lectures, performances, or competitions) may be designated as open to the public, and public-facing facilities (such as the Davis Museum, Bookstore, Global Flora, and the Office of Admissions) may be open at specified hours. Visitors should check event organizers regarding parking recommendations.
• All visitors entering buildings must be vaccinated and must complete the vaccination attestation form. Individuals, departments, or offices inviting guests and members of the general public to the campus are responsible for communicating the College’s vaccination requirement to them. Masking is optional for visitors on campus.

Have a health and safety question? Employees should contact HR and students should contact Health Services.