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Dear Ithaca College Community,

I hope you enjoyed a successful start to the new academic year and that the opening weeks of the semester have been a positive experience! I would like to take this opportunity to share with our campus community some important public health information and reminders to be aware of as we move forward this fall.

As we announced in May, Ithaca College has completed its sunsetting of the COVID-19 infrastructure that the college utilized during the height of the pandemic. However, we continue to monitor the potential public health impacts caused by new variants of the COVID-19 virus. I want to make you aware that the opening weeks of the semester have witnessed an increase in self-reported COVID-19 cases within our campus community and questions brought forth from community members regarding the college’s current guidance and protocols. While we do not anticipate a need to reinstitute any of the former COVID-19 protocols at this time, I urge all members of our campus community to take good care and prioritize good public health practices in the days ahead.

Please see the below reminders regarding the college’s current COVID guidance.

COVID-19 Testing
Ithaca College no longer operates a dedicated COVID-19 testing location on campus. Students can get over-the-counter testing kits at Hammond Health Center free of charge and those will be available until our supply has been exhausted or until current expiration dates are reached. After that point, students will be able to obtain testing kits through local pharmacies or PCR testing at Hammond Health Center, which will be billed to a student's health insurance plan.

Faculty and staff can also still obtain testing kits, while supplies last, by contacting the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@ithaca.edu.

COVID-19 Care and Treatment for Students
Students requiring treatment or who have questions regarding a potential case of COVID-19 should utilize Cayuga Health at Ithaca College via the Hammond Health Center. As a reminder, students are required to have an appointment in order to be seen by a medical provider and can schedule an appointment by calling (607) 274-3177. The hours of operation for the Hammond Health Center during the Fall 2023 semester are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

Please refer to the Student Health Services website for more information. 

Isolation Protocols
Ithaca College has moved to a self-management structure for students completing a five-day isolation as a result of testing positive for COVID-19. The college no longer operates dedicated COVID-19 isolation spaces on campus and students who test positive are directed to complete their isolation period within their residence hall room. Students observing self-isolation are directed to use pick-up and to-go meal options when utilizing on-campus dining locations and should wear a face-covering when leaving their self-isolation space for food pick-up or personal hygiene.

More information on isolation protocols can be found on our public health website.

Face Covering Protocols
While the college currently does not have any widespread face covering protocols or policies at this time, I strongly encourage anyone who may be feeling ill to wear a face covering to protect others from contracting illness as well. The college currently has a large stockpile of surgical face coverings that will be strategically placed around campus for community members to utilize. We will continue to monitor local guidance from Tompkins County Whole Health on face covering advisories and best practices.  

Get Vaccinated for COVID-19 and Flu
Ithaca College continues to strongly encourage that all members of our community – both students and employees – maintain a higher immunity to COVID-19 by making the choice to be vaccinated. Additionally, as we move further into the fall and winter months, we strongly encourage you to get a flu shot.

Staying up-to-date with vaccines continues to be an important way to minimize the risk for contracting severe symptoms resulting from these illnesses. The vaccines.gov website is a great starting point to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots and how to find appointments to receive one near you. 

The Hammond Health Center will be offering the opportunity for students to receive flu shots as a convenient on-campus option.

Prioritize Good Public Health Behaviors
Making good public health practices and behaviors a part of your routine continues to be one of the best ways to support your personal health. Thorough and frequent hand hygiene, disinfecting living and working spaces, and avoiding close contact with others when feeling unwell are simple but important actions you can take to do your part in supporting the collective health of our IC community.

Let’s reaffirm our commitment to good public health and look forward to a bright semester ahead.

Sincerely,

Samm Swarts
Assistant Director, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management