Dear Mercy Community,
As we have all recently learned, Omicron, a new COVID-19 variant has been identified in New York. Mercy continues to monitor all aspects of COVID-19 and is in contact with local health officials about the impact of this new variant in our communities. The College will continue to review safety and health protocols and will make any adjustments as deemed necessary. To read more about the Omicron variant visit the CDC website.
As we move into the holiday season, we wanted to share with you some updates and reminders:
Monitor Your Health
- Individuals who are not feeling well or have any COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to stay home, monitor their health and test for COVID-19.
- Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must notify their supervisor or the student health office and quarantine for 10 days. Individuals will not be permitted on Campus until they have finished their 10 day quarantine.
Information on COVID-19 Boosters
- Mercy recommends individuals receive booster shots to ensure they are protected from COVID-19. Booster doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are available to everyone over the age of 18 if they are at least six months beyond their second dose. Booster doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are available to anyone two months beyond their first dose. Booster doses can be scheduled at pharmacies and other health care providers by searching here or at state-run mass vaccination sites by clicking here.
Winter Break and Returning to Campus for the Spring Term
- Exit Testing – residential students are encouraged to get tested within 48 hours of their departure for winter break. If they have a regularly scheduled appointment later in the week, they may simply walk into one of our on-campus testing sites to get tested.
- Entry Testing – residential students are required to present a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of returning to campus in order to gain entry to their rooms. Residential students will be required to test again during their first week back on campus (there will be no charge for on-campus testing). This testing helps the Mercy community screen for positive cases and conduct appropriate contact tracing.
- For anyone planning to travel internationally over the winter break please follow CDC guidance on requirements and restrictions.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe. We encourage anyone who is traveling or gathering with friends and family over the winter break to take precautions to keep them safe.
Sincerely,
Colleen Powers
Director of Health and Wellness, Student Health Center