Staying safe in a COVID-19 environment

Learning to live with COVID-19 is different today because we have effective vaccines.  What has not changed is that we are in this together, which means there are things each of us can do, including:

  • If you haven’t already, get vaccinated. The vaccines are working. As expected, the cases among those who are vaccinated are usually mild.
  • If you are experiencing any symptoms, stay home. Students, reach out to the Student Health Center through patient chat for appropriate guidance. Employees, reach out to your primary care provider. 
  • Be mindful and diligent at social gatherings. COVID-19 transmission within the RIT community usually happens at indoor social gatherings where people are not wearing masks. We have not found transmission linked to classroom activities. Please wear a mask when socializing indoors, even if off-campus.
  • Students and employees are expected to wear masks in common areas, including classrooms, public spaces, dining facilities (when not actively eating/drinking) and all indoor events.
  • Masks may be removed when actively eating or drinking. We ask that you eat/drink first, mask up and then talk.
  • If you are at increased risk for COVID-19, take extra steps to protect yourself. Some individuals may face increased risk due to their personal health situation. Work with your health care provider to ensure you take proper precautions to protect yourself and other vulnerable people.

RIT policies are in alignment with both the CDC and Monroe County guidance. Testing is best used for monitoring the virus among those who are most likely to be contagious including those who are:

  • Unvaccinated
  • Symptomatic
  • Identified as close contacts of a known positive through contact tracing

In this new phase of living with COVID-19, please protect one another, particularly those who may be vulnerable to serious illness. Thank you for your continued diligence and commitment to supporting the health of our community.

Wendy Gelbard, MD
Associate Vice President

A sign language interpreted translation of this message is available.

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