Updates to campus health safety protocols

In response to recent changes in COVID-19 health and safety mandates and guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New York State Department of Health (DOH) and the State University of New York (SUNY), Herkimer College is announcing the following changes to campus protocols. These protocols are subject to change as conditions evolve and will be updated accordingly:

• Fully vaccinated employees are exempt from mandatory weekly surveillance testing upon the submission of documentation showing completion of a full vaccination series. Proof of vaccination should be submitted to Julie Todd, Assistant Director of Human Resources, via email (toddja@herkimer.edu), fax (315-866-7045), or mail, for placement in the employees’ health insurance confidential file. Mandatory weekly testing will continue to be required for individuals who have a physical presence on campus and who have not been fully vaccinated, or who have not shown proof of vaccination. Fully vaccinated employees may continue to participate in surveillance testing if they wish to do so. As a reminder, testing is conducted on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the summer.
• All employees who report to work in person must continue to submit a daily health screening using Campus Clear (via mobile app or computer). Employees will no longer be required to have their temperature taken or wear a wristband, and all entrances will be open.
  
  
• Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals (employees and visitors) must continue to wear a mask and maintain six feet of social distancing in both indoor and outdoor settings. Fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear a mask or maintain social distancing; however, nothing prohibits fully vaccinated individuals from continuing the use of masks if they wish to do so.
  
  
• Upon arrival at the RMCC entrance, visitors will be asked to sign in for contact tracing purposes, issued a wristband, and informed of the mask protocol.

We will continue to provide information and updated protocols as we enter the summer and finalize plans for the fall semester.