Dear Residential Students,
As we near the end of our second week of classes, I am writing to highlight the University’s policy for COVID isolation this year and share an opportunity for you to receive flu and COVID vaccines.
Isolation
As directed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate themselves for 5 days.
- If you have not had symptoms, or if your symptoms are improving and you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication), you may exit isolation after 5 full days, and you must wear a mask around others for the next 5 days.
- You can read full isolation guidelines here. You can also find information about Simmons’s COVID policies on the Protecting Our Community page.
- Please note that Simmons varsity athletes will receive specific instructions from Athletics regarding how to exit isolation to return to play, and should contact Sports Medicine if they have questions.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may plan to go home to isolate yourself if you live within 200 miles from Simmons and can travel home via private vehicle (no public transit or rideshare). If you cannot go home, you will isolate yourself in your own room.
Unfortunately, given the highly transmissible nature of the current variants and the fact that most people who test positive were contagious two days before symptoms appeared, it is likely that roommates will have already been exposed to the virus. Roommates of COVID-positive students who remain in their room have the option of remaining in the room as well, or leaving to stay with friends or family.
- If you or your roommate test positive for COVID-19, you can contact the Center for Health Promotion and Wellness at 617-521-1020 (Monday through Friday from 9AM-4:30PM) to receive guidance about isolation and precautions for those who are exposed to COVID-19.
- When our office is closed, you can contact Public Safety at 617-521-1112 and ask to be connected to the Residence Life Pro Staff Member On Call to receive isolation information.
COVID Testing
There will be no regular PCR testing available on campus this fall. Students who are experiencing symptoms or were exposed to COVID at least 5 full days prior can obtain a rapid antigen test at the Center for Health Promotion and Wellness, and should call 617-521-1020 to speak to a staff member before coming to the office. If you do not have symptoms and wish to take a test, you should utilize one from your own supply.
We strongly encourage students to acquire a supply of at-home COVID tests for their own use. Insurance companies are required to provide reimbursement for 8 at-home COVID tests per month for each individual on the plan. If you would like to order tests to pick up at the CVS nearest to campus, you can utilize their website. You can find more general information here about how to access tests using your insurance plan.
Get Your COVID and Flu vaccines!
As a reminder, all students who live, study, or work on campus at any of our Boston or remote locations are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and to have received at least one booster dose. Seasonal flu vaccines are recommended for all adults. If you would like to receive a COVID booster shot or flu shot (or both), there will be a vaccine clinic on Tuesday, September 20th on the quad at Wentworth from 8AM-2PM.
Appointments are open to the Colleges of the Fenway community and can be made using the button below. Bring your insurance card and your vaccine card.
