I am writing to provide important reminders regarding the COVID-19 policies that we communicated in August and to clarify information related to some of the questions we have recently received. 

As expected as we start this new academic year, students have reported positive COVID-19 test results following the start of classes, orientation activities, and other events. We have continued to monitor trends and are maintaining safety measures based on the public health situation on campus. This message outlines the care options and health protocols currently in place. 

PREVENTATIVE CARE

--Masking Guidance. The University does not currently require the use of face masks on campus, regardless of vaccination status, with the exception of health care facilities. However, instructors and staff members meeting with students may require masks at their discretion. We also encourage all students, staff and faculty to wear a mask whenever you choose to do so and for any reason, and to respect the choice and privacy of those who wear masks. The Campus Activity Status page on the Healthy.Brown.edu website outlines the University’s masking policy.

--Availability of KN95 Masks and COVID-19 Test Kits. The University has high-quality KN95 masks and COVID-19 test kits available 24/7 at no cost for all undergraduate, graduate and medical students at the Key Office in Grad Center E. We expect these items will be available to students throughout the fall semester. 

TESTING

--Testing Guidance. When experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, students should not attend any in-person classes or other activities, and should take an at-home rapid antigen test. If you test negative but have symptoms, it never hurts to “mask up” and continue to monitor symptoms. If you have questions or concerns about your symptoms, you can make an appointment with Health Services (during business hours) and/or receive nursing advice (24 hours/day, 7 days/week) by calling 401-863-3953.

--Reporting Positive Test Results. Undergraduate, graduate and medical students are required to report any positive test result to University Health Services via the Health and Wellness Patient Portal (https://brown.medicatconnect.com/home.aspx) using your Brown username and password. Symptomatic students do not need to be seen at Health Services to confirm a positive test result. Students who report positive results will subsequently receive individual guidance with regard to support and follow up.

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WHO TEST POSITIVE

--Isolation Guidelines. Any community member who tests positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for a period of five days, regardless of previous infection, vaccination or booster status, and the presence or absence of symptoms. From day six to day 10, you may resume in-person activities if your symptoms are subsiding, and should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others. The Health Services COVID-19 webpage has more details about the isolation period:
https://healthservices.brown.edu/learn-more/covid-19.

--Housing Guidelines. Given the high vaccination rate within our community and the fact that most cases can be well managed by the individual, we are no longer relocating students who test positive to isolation housing. Roommates or suitemates may remain in the room or stay with local friends or family. COVID-positive students and their roommates or suitemates should take appropriate safety precautions while cohabitating, such as masking, social distancing, and maintaining proper hygiene. If a student with a COVID-positive roommate prefers not to stay in their room, they should contact Residential Life at res_life@brown.edu or the Administrator on Call for support and also to identify an appropriate option.

--Dining. Grab-and-go meals will be made available by Brown Dining Services to all self-isolating on-campus students and off-campus students who have a meal plan. We advise students to keep essentials including shelf-stable food readily available in the event you need to isolate.

--Student Support. Student Support Services deans are available in-person or via Zoom to assist with a wide range of issues and concerns; call 401-863-3145 or email studentsupport@brown.edu. In addition, you can call 401-863-3322 24/7 and ask to speak to the Administrator-on-Call. 

--Healthy Brown Website. For answers to general questions about COVID-19 and Brown’s guidelines, please continue to visit the Healthy.Brown.edu website and the Health Services website (https://healthservices.brown.edu/learn-more/covid-19). 

As always, the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff remains our top priority, and our approach continues to be based on current health guidelines and expert guidance from public health and medical professionals. We will communicate about any changes to current policies and offer updates when public health guidance to the community would be helpful. 

Thank you for your diligence in following University requirements and guidance around COVID-19, and for your commitment to protecting the health of the entire community. I hope you have an excellent semester. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Vanessa Britto
Associate Vice President for Campus Life
Executive Director of Health and Wellness

Related Links:

Campus Activity Status on Healthy.Brown.edu: https://healthy.brown.edu/campus-activity-status      

Health and Wellness Patient Portal: https://brown.medicatconnect.com/home.aspx

Healthy Brown website: https://healthy.brown.edu

Health Services COVID-19 website: https://healthservices.brown.edu/learn-more/covid-19