To Brown Undergraduates: Arrival to Campus & Isolation Guidance

Updates

Dear Brown Undergraduate Students,

On January 12, the University communicated important health and safety information for the start of the Spring 2022 semester. We are writing to provide you with additional information about arrival testing and isolation practices so you can familiarize yourself with what to expect upon arrival. Please read all sections of this email closely to ensure your smooth transition into the spring term.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

As a reminder, undergraduate students are required to take a COVID-19 test at home or wherever they may be two (2) days prior to returning to campus. Students who receive a negative result may return to campus as scheduled; students who receive a positive result must isolate at home and upload positive test results to the Health and Wellness Patient Portal using your Brown username and password. Students will be notified of the date they are authorized to return to campus once having completed isolation and are symptom-free.

We advise that you prepare to arrive with an “Isolation Pack” containing at least five days’ worth of personal necessities and items that will make you feel more comfortable in the event that you test positive for COVID-19 and must isolate. Include these items: clothing, medication, toiletries and hygiene items, electronic devices and chargers, course materials, and leisure and comfort items. We recommend that you continue to keep your Isolation Pack ready in the event that you test positive later in the semester.

ARRIVAL TO CAMPUS

On the first day you return to campus, you must take one rapid antigen test. COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits and KN95 masks are available for pickup 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). If your antigen test result is negative you will take your second test two days later (on day 3).

You are required to upload any positive test results to the Patient Portal and complete the COVID Positive Student Form about your housing status, symptoms, and vaccination status. You will receive an email from Health Services with isolation instructions shortly after uploading positive results. In accordance with the University isolation guidelines, isolation lasts a minimum of five days beginning the day after the date of the positive test.

As a reminder, if you test positive, wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when using shared spaces within your home or spending time outdoors, and self-isolate to the best of your abilities. Please sanitize frequently if touching door handles, elevator buttons, or stairwell banisters. If you test positive, you are allowed to travel — while wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask — outside of your building to a designated on-campus pick-up point where students can retrieve grab-and-go meals and essential supplies.You must not attend in-person classes or utilize public campus spaces like lounges, dining halls, libraries, and gyms. Health & Wellness and Campus Life have a coordinated system in place to provide care and support to you in isolation, and we will provide support for your physical, mental and emotional health needs.

HOUSING

On-Campus Students

We encourage students to begin an open dialogue with their roommates and suitemates about COVID-19 safety precautions, and plan in advance for how you will manage living in your shared environment over the course of the semester. We encourage you to be prepared with items for your “Isolation Pack” (see above) ahead of time and be familiar with these expectations.

For students with a private bedroom: Students who test positive will isolate in their residence hall room. Suitemates who test negative may remain in their room or stay with a friend or family members who may be in the area.

For students in a shared bedroom: If all occupants test positive, students will isolate in their residence hall room. In the event a student who tests positive shares a bedroom with a student who tests negative, one of the two students will be relocated.

For students relocating to a designated isolation housing, Brown EMS will arrange your transport with you, and we ask that you be prepared to leave with your personal belongings (Isolation Pack) at your designated pick-up time.

Off-Campus Students

Undergraduate students who live off campus and test positive will continue to be expected to isolate at their off-campus residence. You will be responsible for coordinating your dining, prescription and mail delivery. We encourage off-campus students to begin an open dialogue with their roommates/apartment mates about testing, COVID-19 safety precautions, and plan in advance for how you will manage isolation in your shared space. We also advise you to stock up on essentials, including shelf-stable food, tissues, and toiletries, in the event that the whole house needs to be isolated. All students may call Health Services at 401-863-3953 any time that they have concerns relating to changes or worsening in their immediate health status.

ACADEMIC CONCERNS

As the University communicated on January 14, students should proactively contact their instructors if they are unable to attend class, and instructors should be flexible and support students with excused absences as they normally would. However, instructors should not ask students about underlying health or personal circumstances. Deans in both the College and Student Support Services may provide deans' notes on behalf of undergraduate students with specific personal or health circumstances that hinder their ability to complete academic work.

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,

Brown Health & Wellness

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

Do I need to report a negative test to Health Services?

Students will be reminded to take their tests weekly and to report that they have done so. However, 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 upon arrival or prior to arriving on campus?

All students (undergraduate, graduate and medical) are required to report any positive 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 your arrival to campus:

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 arrival to campus:

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.

Will my family be notified of a positive COVID-19 test result?

Health and Wellness recommends that students consider communicating with their families regarding a positive COVID-19 result as Health Services cannot share this information without a students' consent in most instances. Internally, we do not share COVID-19 status with non-clinical staff, but we communicate which students need to relocate to temporary housing in order to coordinate your care, dining, and deliveries. Visit Healthy Brown to learn more.

What if my symptoms of COVID-19 worsen and I need immediate support?

In the event of emergency or severe symptoms, contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 401-863-4111. Notify dispatch that you are having symptoms of COVID-19 and require 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 do I isolate if I am an undergraduate living on campus in a private bedroom (i.e., a single room, a single within a suite, or as the sole occupant of a multiple occupancy room)?

Undergraduate students who test positive and live on campus in private bedrooms (i.e., a single room, a single within a suite, or as the sole occupant of a multiple-occupancy room) will isolate in their residence hall room, as will students who live in shared bedrooms whose roommates have also tested positive.

Where do I isolate if I am an undergraduate living on campus in a multiple-occupancy room (and my roommates have tested positive as well)?

Students who test positive and share a bedroom with another student(s) who also tests positive will be expected to isolate in their residence hall room.

Where do I isolate if I am an undergraduate living on campus in a multiple-occupancy room (and my roommates have tested negative)?

For students who test positive and share a bedroom with a student who tests negative, designated isolation housing (i.e. dorm rooms set aside by the University or in a hotel) will be a primary option. Health Services will coordinate with Residential Life to make the appropriate housing arrangements. Alternatively, your roommate/s may opt to stay in place or with a friend or with family in the area while you isolate in place in your residence hall room.

Can I isolate myself at home with my family if I can travel safely?

Students who wish to leave campus to isolate will be able to do so only if they can use a private vehicle to leave campus and travel to their isolation location. Their isolation location must be within driving distance of campus. You will be responsible for determining your transport, meals, and care.

Where do I isolate if I am living off campus?

Students who live off campus and test positive will continue to be expected to isolate at their off-campus residence. In the event your symptoms worsen, contact DPS at 401-863-4111. Notify dispatch that you are having symptoms of COVID-19 and require EMS be sent to your location.

What is the specific guidance for undergraduate students who are isolating in a residence hall?

You must follow safety protocols to limit the spread within your building. Wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask and forego socializing with others outside of your shared room. Please sanitize frequently if touching door handles, elevator buttons, or stairwell banisters. If you test positive, you are allowed to travel outside of your building only to a designated on-campus pick-up point where students can retrieve grab-and-go meals and essential supplies. Do not attend in-person classes or utilize shared campus spaces like lounges, dining halls, libraries, and gyms.

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.

Where should students get rapid antigen test kits and KN95 masks?

Rapid antigen test kits and KN95 masks are available to Brown community members for pickup 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). The test kits are similar to the at-home tests many of you have likely used in recent weeks and include simple instructions on how to test yourself as needed. .

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 ID in order to pick up your COVID-19 test kit.

What are the testing requirements for undergraduate students?

As the University communicated previously, undergraduate students are required to take two rapid antigen tests upon return to campus (re-entry test requirement). They are then required to take two rapid antigen tests every week at least 24 hours apart (weekly testing requirement) until health conditions reflect it is no longer necessary.

Am I required to take a pre-arrival test as an undergraduate student?

Undergraduate students are required to take a COVID-19 test at home or wherever they may be two (2) days prior to returning to campus. Students who receive a negative result may return to campus as scheduled; students who receive a positive result must isolate at home and report positive test results to the Health and Wellness Patient Portal using their Brown username and password. Students will be notified of the date they are authorized to return to campus and should adjust their planned return based on isolation dates.

To do so, 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

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 have been updated this week. We ask that you redouble your efforts to comply with masking requirements, particularly in spaces where students gather less formally for academic work and recreation. These include the University Library, Stephen Robert ‘62 Campus Center, Dining Services, and the Nelson Fitness Center. This is for your safety as well as for that of the employees who provide services in these facilities. Please be respectful of and cooperate with faculty in classrooms, and with staff in these and other settings.

What kind of support can I request while in isolation housing?

We have a system in place to ensure students can request and receive meals, course materials, essential mail, pharmacy items, and essential room supplies like toilet paper and soap while in isolation. More information will be made available if you report a positive test result.

I’m in isolation and I need a prescription, what should I do?

We encourage students to be mindful of their prescription needs and to have a refill on hand if possible. We will work with students in on-campus isolation to ensure they are able to receive prescriptions. Off campus students are responsible for acquiring their own prescriptions.

I am in isolation and have a dietary restriction. Who should I inform?

You will be prompted to provide information about your dietary restrictions when your isolation begins to support your dietary needs.

What resources are available for me to connect with support?

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. To schedule a meeting with a Student Support Dean, call 401-863-3145 or email studentsupport@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.