Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

September 8, 2022

Updated Information regarding testing positive and exposure

Positive COVID-19 Test:

• REGARDLESS of Vaccination Status:
  • Isolate for 5 days from onset of symptoms
  • Wear high quality mask through Day 10
  • Avoid being around others who are more likely to get very sick from COVID until at least Day 11

AND

• • • May test 2 consecutive days (starting Day 6)
      • If both Negative, may discontinue wearing mask
      • If EITHER Positive, continue mask through Day 10

Exposed to COVID-19:

• REGARDLESS of Vaccination Status:
  • Wear high quality mask through Day 10 (the date of last close contact is

considered day 0)

• Test on Day 6
  • If Negative, continue mask
  • If Positive, or symptoms develop, Isolate Immediately and follow Isolation guidelines
• Anyone who had COVID-19 within the last 90 days and has since recovered and remained symptom free, does not need to get tested after close contact with someone with COVID-19.

Cheri Yager MSN, BSN, RN, Supervisor of College Nursing Services/Wellness Center

September 8, 2022

Updated Vaccine and Testing Protocols

On September 6^th, SUNY provided campuses with updated COVID-19 guidance for the Fall 2022 Semester.  This new guidance no longer requires unvaccinated students to undergo weekly COVID pool testing.  Therefore, the last day of operation of the COVID testing center on the Sanborn and NFCI campuses will be Friday September 30th.  After that date when employees and students develop symptoms of COVID or have been exposed to someone who tests positive while on campus,  should contact the Wellness Center at 716-614-6275 and speak to a Nurse for guidance. Employees and/or students who develop symptoms of COVID, should either obtain an at home COVID testing kit or seek a PCR test.  At home COVID test kits can be purchased at local pharmacies and grocery stores and may be covered by health insurance.  PCR tests can also be scheduled at local pharmacies as well as at testing locations throughout the area or via your health care provider. Employees and/or students who have been exposed to someone who tests positive while off campus need to follow the masking guidelines found on the Wellness Center webpage: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/wellness/

August 22, 2022

Updated Fall 2022 Protocols

As Niagara County Community College continues to navigate the pandemic and in order to continue to protect all students, faculty, and staff, we must be diligent in ensuring the health and safety of our campus community. As the virus continues to evolve, we must adapt to the ever-changing guidance and flexibility.

The following guidance is in effect for fall 2022, however, protocols are subject to change as COVID continues to develop. We will monitor and communicate as needed.

Vaccination/Booster Requirement
The SUNY Student COVID-19 Vaccine Policy (the “Policy”) remains in effect and requires all students who will have a physical presence on campus to provide evidence of, at minimum, the initial course of COVID vaccinations. Pursuant to the Policy, students are considered fully vaccinated for the initial course of vaccination: (1) two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two dose COVID-19 vaccine series or (2) two weeks after receiving a single dose COVID-19 vaccine.

Students will be required to submit documentation of their vaccination status by September 2, 2022 to remain in their face-to-face courses, in their on-campus housing, and on their athletic rosters.

All students are strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations as defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including obtaining any booster authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC for their age group. While not required at this time, SUNY reserves the authority to impose a requirement for any booster at any time as a result of changes in local conditions or as a result of requirements imposed by Federal, State or local authorities.

Students enrolled in any program or course or who are participating in a clinical or internship held at a third-party location must continue to comply with all health and safety guidelines, including any vaccination or testing protocols that are in place at the third-party location.

The Wellness Center will monitor student vaccination throughout the semester and send reminder notifications to students about their requirements. If you do not complete your process within 30-days of the semester start (September 30, 2022), campus access may be denied (including withdrawal of face-to-face courses) until you become compliant.

Masking Requirements
Masks are no longer required to be worn by vaccinated or unvaccinated students or employees while on campus. However, all are encouraged to wear masks and observe social distancing indoors, as well in instructional space (e.g., classrooms, laboratories, offices) to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Students may also be advised to wear masks by the Wellness Center if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive.

Medical/Religious Exemptions
Niagara County Community College will review medical and religious exemption requests for students who complete the required paperwork. Information can be found at this site – https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/wellness/. Exemption request should be submitted to the Wellness Center prior the start of the semester for review. The absolute deadline for exemption request is September 30, 2022 for the fall semester. No requests will be reviewed for the fall 2022 semester after this deadline.

Julia D. Pitman, Vice President for Student Services