Dear Students, 

Students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to complete a 10-day isolation period based upon public health criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the RI Department of Health (RIDOH). With the holiday season approaching, we recommend that, where possible, students consider departing campus early to ensure that they are able to reach their holiday destination, and we encourage travel by private vehicle to limit inadvertent exposure if possible. 

If a student without symptoms were to test positive on 12/16, current public health guidance requires that the student isolate and avoid travel through 12/26, requiring the student to remain in Providence for the duration of the 10-day period. Students who test positive and live on-campus will be housed at the Marriott and cared for through EMS’ services. Students who live off-campus will be asked to remain at their Providence residence.

We understand that some students are unable to depart campus early due to exam schedules and travel arrangements, so we recommend you closely adhere to safety measures: wear a mask indoors and outdoors, maintain strict social distancing, frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, and reduce in-person contacts now and for the days prior to your date of departure. 

To help protect yourself and others, observe safety guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially by airplane, train, bus or within any shared space. Those area available here: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html 

Additionally, in looking forward to spring semester and the wellbeing of the Brown community, the University is requiring all students to receive a COVID-19 booster shot no later than January 26, 2022 (the first day of classes of the spring semester) or within thirty (30) days of becoming eligible. Your winter holiday may be a good time to receive the booster. Booster shots are widely available and remain free of charge, and you can find available vaccines at vaccines.gov. There are also opportunities to receive the booster in Rhode Island and can be found at vaccinateri.org. More information on this requirement is available here.

Additionally, the University is requiring that all undergraduate students take a COVID-19 test at home or wherever they may be two (2) days prior to returning to campus after the break. Testing is widely available and free in most areas. If located within the US, you may use this site to find information about testing at community-based centers and local pharmacies: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html. At-home COVID tests are also available at select pharmacies. If abroad, we recommend checking the country’s health agency website for testing guidance and availability. Students who may need assistance in obtaining a test can contact Student Support Services at studentsupport@brown.edu (but must do so well in advance of their scheduled return). Students who receive a negative result may return to campus as scheduled; students who receive a positive result must isolate at home and contact University Health Services before being authorized to return to campus. Please do not send your negative test result to Health Services; this is not required.

You have our best wishes for a successful end to the semester, safe travels, and a healthy holiday season. 

Sincerely,

Brown University Health Services