Updates
Dear Brown Graduate Students,
On January 12, the University communicated important health and safety information for the start of the Spring 2022 semester. Additional guidance for graduate student instruction was then shared on January 21. This letter provides further information about COVID-19 test kits, test reporting and isolation protocols. As we embark on the spring semester, we ask that you familiarize yourself with the protocols and resources in previous communications and in this letter.
TEST KITS AND MASKS
If you have not already, we encourage you to pick up COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits and KN95 masks available at the Alumnae Hall and One Davol Test Kit Pick-up Sites (you must have your Brown ID card with you; operating hours can be found on the pick-up sites page of Healthy Brown). Graduate students, including those who have already picked up their initial two tests through Monday, Jan. 24, can pick up an additional two (2) tests now. We ask that you use an antigen test if you are experiencing symptoms, concerned about a potential exposure, preparing to attend a large event, or for other reasons at your discretion. Additional information on the ongoing availability of test kits will be available in Friday's Today@Brown COVID-19 campus safety update and periodically over the next few weeks based on available supply.
IF YOU TEST POSITIVE
If you test positive for COVID-19, you are required to upload any positive test results to the Health and Wellness Patient Portal and complete the COVID Positive Student Form. In accordance with University isolation guidelines, isolation lasts a minimum of five (5) days, beginning the day after the date of the positive test. You must not attend in-person classes or use public campus spaces like lounges, dining halls, libraries, or gyms.
All students may call Health Services at 401-863-3953 any time that you have concerns relating to changes or worsening in your immediate health status.
ISOLATION PROTOCOLS
As has been the case in previous semesters, graduate students who test positive for COVID-19 will continue to be expected to isolate at their residence. In preparing for this possibility, please give thought to how you would arrange for food, prescription refills, and other necessities associated with your care. There are resources available to graduate students to assist with food accessibility and affordability, shared on the webpage page listing Food and Related Resources for Graduate Students.
We understand that you may not have left Providence, have already returned to Providence, or spent the Winter Break locally. If you contracted COVID-19 prior to the start of the Spring semester, please add this to your health record by filling out the “Spring 2022 Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Positive Test” form on the Health and Wellness Patient Portal.
IN CLOSING
We want to thank you for your adherence to the University guidance around COVID-19 and your commitment to the health of the entire Brown community.
Stay Well,
Campus Life Health & Wellness
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I get rapid antigen test kits and KN95 masks?
Rapid antigen test kits and KN95 masks are available to Brown community members for pick up at the Alumnae Hall and One Davol Test Kit Pick-up Sites (you must have your Brown ID card with you; operating hours can be found on the pick-up sites page of the Healthy Brown website). Graduate students, including those who have already picked up their initial 2 tests through Monday, Jan. 24, can pick-up 2 additional tests now. Information regarding further availability of tests next week will be communicated in the COVID-19 campus safety update on Friday, Jan. 28 via today@brown.
Do I need to report a negative test to Health Services?
Health Services does not require proof of negative tests; please do not upload a negative result to your Patient Portal records.
What do I do if I test positive during the spring semester or if I previously contracted COVID-19 over the Winter Break?
All students enrolled in in-person programs are required to report any positive COVID-19 test result to Health Services via the Health and Wellness Patient Portal using their Brown username and password.
To report a positive COVID-19 test result PRIOR to the start of classes on January 26:
- Please visit: https://patientportal.brown.edu
- Select “Forms”
- Go to the “*COVID-19 Form” section
- Complete the “Spring 2022 Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Positive Test” form
To report a positive COVID-19 test result AFTER the start of classes on January 26:
- Please visit: https://patientportal.brown.edu
- Select “Forms”
- Got to the “*COVID-19 Form” section
- Complete the “COVID Positive Student Form”
Follow-up instructions from Health Services will be provided to students via email upon submission of a positive test, and outreach will be conducted during business hours only. You should isolate in your residence in the interim.
What if my symptoms of COVID-19 worsen and I need immediate support?
In the event of emergency or severe symptoms, Brown students within the Providence area can contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 401-863-4111. Notify dispatch that you are having symptoms of COVID-19 and request EMS be sent to your location. For non-emergent health related questions or concerns, please call Health Services at 401-863-3953 to speak with a nurse 24/7.
What is the isolation protocol for students who have tested positive?
Brown has updated its isolation policy in light of recent guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The University now requires that community members who test positive for COVID-19 self-isolate for a period of five (5) days. The 5-day period applies regardless of previous infection, vaccination or booster status, and regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.
- To calculate your 5-day isolation period, day 0 is your first day of symptoms OR your asymptomatic positive test date (whichever is earlier).
- Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms develop, or a positive test result.
- On day 5 you can take a rapid antigen test, and if the result is negative and you have no symptoms or improving symptoms, you are released from isolation.
- If the day 5 test is positive, you must continue to isolate until you have a negative result on a rapid test AND have no or improving symptoms OR reach day 10 (whichever is sooner).
- If you are able to end isolation on day 5, it is important to wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask around others for 5 additional days, even at home.
Given the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, we know that we will likely experience periods of significant test positivity in our student community over the coming weeks. Our primary focus, especially during surges in cases, will be to support students who test positive and experience significant illness. We will also provide appropriate support to all students who report positive test results.
Where should I plan to isolate?
Graduate students who test positive will continue to be expected to isolate at their residence. In the event of emergency or severe symptoms, Brown students within the Providence area can contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 401-863-4111. Notify dispatch that you are having symptoms of COVID-19 and request EMS be sent to your location.
What if I am experiencing symptoms and I am concerned that I might have COVID-19?
Testing of any type is not a substitute for monitoring and paying attention to the onset and development of symptoms. All Brown students must stay home from class and/or other University events and functions if they are experiencing potential symptoms of COVID-19.
Students should contact Health Services by calling 401-863-3953 to speak with a nurse, and Health Services will continue conducting symptomatic testing of student patients as they determine is clinically necessary.
I lost my Brown ID. Will I have to wait to pick up kits and masks until it is replaced?
Yes. Please go to the ID office to receive a new Brown ID in order to pick up your COVID-19 test kit.
How can I get reimbursed for at-home COVID-19 test kits purchased off campus?
UnitedHealthcare Student Resources is now covering the cost of COVID-19 test kits as mandated by the Federal government on Jan. 15. Students covered under the Brown University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can purchase the test kits and submit the charges for reimbursement. Students can visit the COVID-19 Home Test Member Reimbursement webpage for further information on the coverage available for costs of FDA-authorized or approved over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022, and to fill out the reimbursement form.
What are the masking requirements?
The transmissibility of the Omicron variant underscores the importance of high-quality masks worn correctly. The KN95 masks available at the testing sites meet these criteria, and all members of the community should wear KN95 masks (or KF94 masks or disposable/surgical masks) while on-campus. Cloth masks generally do not provide adequate protection unless they are paired with a surgical mask.
Mask fit is important and highly individualized, and we understand that the masks we can procure and provide will not be a perfect fit for every member of the community. An excellent resource for information about types and sources of masks is the Project N95 nonprofit organization.
Mask wearing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect ourselves and others from virus spread, and mask wearing indoors continues to be required in all Brown University buildings. All members of the community must review and adhere rigorously to the mask wearing requirements, which were updated in the first half of January.
Am I able to ride the Brown University Shuttle while I am in isolation following a positive test result?
No. Students who test positive are not permitted to use the Brown University Shuttle during their isolation period. During their isolation period, students should not utilize the shuttle or other shared public spaces.
What resources are available for me to connect with support?
Student Support Services deans are available to assist with a wide range of graduate student issues and concerns. Meetings can be held in-person or via Zoom. Doctoral and MFA students may contact Associate Dean Student Support Services Maria Suarez at
maria_suarez@brown.edu; master’s students may contact Associate Dean of Student Affairs Alicia LaPolla at alicia_lapolla@brown.edu. Chaplains in the Office of Religious Life are also a support resource. Chaplains can be reached at 401-863-2344 or email ocrl@brown.edu.
Students can access 24/7 remote counseling services through CAPS On-Demand by calling 401-863-3476 and following the prompts to speak with a therapist. CAPS therapists can also provide scheduled virtual appointments. Brown has also partnered with HealthiestYou, a robust teleclinical service which offers students remote consultation with clinicians and mental health providers licensed throughout the country. Care provided by HealthiestYou providers is unlimited and there is no additional cost to students. Students can access telehealth and telemental health care via the HealthiestYou app 24/7 from any location by downloading the HealthiestYou app and creating an account today.
The Administrator On Call (AOC) system provides a mechanism for Brown students to seek assistance in emergency situations after business hours. To reach the AOC, call 401-863-3322 and ask to speak to the Administrator On Call. For any questions regarding the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), contact Senior Health Insurance Specialist, Pamela Watkins at pamela_watkins@brown.edu.
I am experiencing financial hardship. What are my options?
The Graduate School may be able to provide E-GAP Funding for graduate students with high demonstrated financial need to assist with emergent expenses. The application can be found in UFunds, listed under “Graduate School E-Gap Funds.” As always, we will give these requests the fullest consideration that our available resources will permit.
What if I have other questions about Brown’s current COVID-19 policies and protocols?
Additional answers to frequently asked questions are posted on the Testing, Masking and Isolation FAQ page of the Healthy Brown website, and current permissible activities are outlined on the Campus Activity Status page.