Dear Brown Students, 

We are writing with updates about travel guidelines, health tips, and University operations ahead of Spring Recess. We all share responsibility for ensuring a safe and healthy return to the resumption of the spring semester following the break.

SPRING RECESS TRAVEL

For those traveling outside of Rhode Island, we would like to remind you of the CDC’s COVID-19 requirements for travel both in the U.S. and internationally. As addressed in a message to the campus community on March 10, individuals planning to travel over the Spring Recess (March 26 – April 3) must take a rapid antigen test on the first day you return to campus (day 1) and a second test two days later (day 3). Rapid antigen test kits will continue to be available to Brown students, faculty and staff for pick-up at Alumnae Hall. Visit the Healthy Brown site for test pick-up dates and hours.

Domestic Travel Within the US: A COVID-19 test is not required for domestic travel, but the CDC recommends that you wear a well-fitting mask and monitor your symptoms before, during and after travel. Avoid travel if: 

• You are sick.
• You tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
• You had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and are recommended to quarantine.

International Travel: Students should review the travel guidance for their destination country, as many have varying COVID-19 precautions and requirements. Travel testing can be arranged through the Rhode Island Department of Health, and there is a back-up service available that provides immediate rapid PCR testing within one hour. This service is open to anyone in the local area and designed to provide results in advance of international travel.

The CDC requires all passengers flying into the U.S. to show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. The required documentation includes a positive test result and a note from a provider confirming that you previously contracted COVID-19. You may use a self-test, but the testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test providing real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. For this reason, the self-tests distributed by Brown are not eligible, and we encourage students to make country-specific testing arrangements when planning re-entry into the U.S. The SARS-CoV-2 test used must be authorized for use by the national authority in the country where administered.

TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY

Cold and gastrointestinal infections are more common this time of year, so we encourage students to observe the following healthy habits to avoid infection: 

• Hydrate and eat healthfully.
• Practice healthful hygiene: Wash or sanitize hands often, avoid sharing food or drink, etc..
• Get a good amount of sleep.
• Consider wearing a mask in settings where you would feel more comfortable, especially in large gatherings or in indoor public spaces.
• Monitor for symptoms of respiratory or GI sickness and stay home if you feel unwell.
   

CAMPUS RESOURCES

For those remaining on campus, there will be no change in operations for some services, while dining facilities will operate with reduced services.

• There will be no change to Mail Services, Brown Bookstore or shuttle services.
• Dining units will be closed except for the Sharpe Refectory and the Blue Room. The Sharpe Refectory will be open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, and the Blue Room 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday during Spring Recess. 

Ahead of spring semester reading period and finals, we would like to remind students of the full range of resources available to them.

• Student Support Services deans are available to assist with a wide range of issues and concerns that might arise during a student’s time at Brown. Meetings can be held in-person or via Zoom. Doctoral and MFA students may contact Associate Dean of 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.To schedule a meeting with a Student Support Dean, call 401-863-3145 or email studentsupport@brown.edu.
• Residential Life Student and Professional Staff provide tools to help students navigate the social, emotional, and academic elements of their residential experience.
• Brown Athletics coaches are available to address the concerns of student athletes.
• Health & Wellness offices including BWell, CAPS, EMS, Health Services, and SAS are available for appointments.  
• For any questions regarding the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), contact Senior Health Insurance Specialist Pamela Watkins at pamela_watkins@brown.edu.
• Contact the Department of Public Safety at 401-863-4111 for accessibility and safety emergencies.
  If you observe or experience a bias incident, immediately contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 401-863-3322 and notify the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity through the bias incident reporting process. DPS’ Silent Witness Reporting is available for anonymous reports.
• The Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life is available to provide pastoral care and advice for students, staff, faculty, and alumni, and can be reached at 401-863-2344 or email ocrl@brown.edu. 

Additionally, many resources are available 24/7:

• 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.
• Reach Brown Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) at 401-863-4111 for on-campus emergencies.
• Contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 401-863-3476 to be connected on-demand with a professional.
• HealthiestYou, a robust teleclinical service, offers students remote consultation with clinicians and mental health providers licensed throughout the country. HealthiestYou care is unlimited and at 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 at any time.
• Call Health Services at 401-863-1330 for nursing advice.
• Dial the Sexual Assault Response Line at 401-863-6000 to be connected with a Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor for urgent needs.
  We wish you a safe and relaxing spring vacation.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Britto, M.D., M.Sc., FACP
Associate Vice President for Campus Life
Executive Director of Health and Wellness