Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Based on current COVID-19 levels, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is planning for the federal COVID-19 federal health emergency to end on May 11, 2023. In light of this, and given the low CDC Community Levels in Westchester, Bronx and Manhattan, Mercy College will end the College’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, effective May 11, 2023, except in the following circumstances.
- All students in clinical programs in the School of Health and Natural Sciences are required to show proof of the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster, as per the CDC Guidelines.
All faculty and staff whose job functions relate to work in clinical settings in the School of Health and Natural Sciences are required to show proof of the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster, as per the CDC Guidelines.
Students in other experiential programs may be required to show proof of the COVID-19 vaccine and/or booster by the external site.
Contractors, vendors and visitors, including those who regularly come to Mercy campuses, will no longer be required to show proof of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
The College strongly urges all community members to remain up to date with the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Please see CDC Guidelines for vaccine eligibility.
The College reserves the right to make any changes to this Policy as it deems necessary to ensure the health and safety of the College community.
Vaccine and Booster Exemptions
Those students and employees who are still required to provide proof of the COVID-19 vaccine and booster have the right to seek an exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine under the following circumstances:
1) Due to an allergy or medical contraindication to receiving the vaccine. They must provide the exemption form and physician’s statement (see below); or
2) Due to a sincerely held spiritual or religious belief, practice, or observance. They must provide a statement.
Note, however, that while the College may grant an exemption, the off-campus clinical site may not provide such an exemption. The College will not be responsible for finding a clinical site that will accept an employee or student who is not vaccinated and boosted.
Masking
Currently, face masks are not required in Mercy College facilities except in the following circumstances:
Faculty, staff and students in certain programs, such as in the health sciences, at the discretion of the program and faculty where health and safety dictates, or may be required at an off-campus facility.
Anyone who is required pursuant to current guidelines relating to those who tested positive for, or have been exposed to, COVID-19 pursuant to CDC guidelines.
Please refer to CDC guidelines regarding masking for more information.
The College’s full policy on vaccines and face masks can be found here.
All members of the Mercy College community are asked to monitor their health and symptoms, and should not come to campus if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to ensure the Mercy community remains safe.
Sincerely,
Kevin Joyce Madeline Martinez
Vice President, Student Affairs Executive Director of Human Resources