Update from Health and Safety

COVID-19 requirements and Emerging Health Concern Regarding Monkey Pox

 As we look forward to being back together on campus, we have been evaluating the College’s ability to protect the health of our Cooper Community.

In light of the CDC’s and the FDA’s recent revisions of their COVID-19 recommendations, the Cooper Union will be revising some of the requirements for being in campus buildings.

Masks

Out of an abundance of caution, masks will continue to be required in our buildings. We will re-evaluate our policy on mask wearing indoors during the month of September

Vaccination Requirements for the 2022-2023 Academic Year

For the 2022-2023 academic year, the College will continue to require that all students, faculty, and staff be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster when eligible, or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption.

Testing

As the CDC Guidelines recommend that schools may want to consider surveillance testing in certain scenarios, such as for when students are returning from school breaks or for those who are participating in contact sports, the Fall Semester begins with a brief entry period of required testing, starting on Monday, August 22, 2022. 

 Students, faculty and staff must submit one rapid or PCR test for their first day on campus starting August 21, 2022. If you decide to test at an independent testing site your results must be emailed to covidreporthr@cooper.edu prior to your entry to campus.

 Alternatively, the College will also be providing rapid testing on campus starting Sunday, August 21st and concluding Thursday, September 1st.  Home tests will not be accepted. If you have had a positive case of COVID during the last ninety days, you must submit proof of the positive case which includes the date of the positive test. If you do not provide a negative test, your ID card will be deactivated.

This period of required testing will help identify and isolate positive cases to limit transmission on campus. It will also establish a baseline for COVID prevalence in the community to inform policies and procedures.

After September 2nd, weekly testing will no longer be required for campus access.

 Reporting Your Positive Test

Students, faculty, and employees who test positive for COVID-19 should report the positive case to covidreporthr@cooper.edu. The CDC guidelines still require a five-day isolation period before coming back to campus.

Neither vaccinated or unvaccinated students, faculty or staff are required to quarantine if exposed.  It is recommended that you wear a mask. The  U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that people exposed to Covid who are asymptomatic should take at least three at-home antigen tests, each spaced 48 hours apart, to reduce the risk of missing an infection.

The College will continue to provide the same daily intensified cleaning services, monthly air filter changes and monthly air and water quality testing for COVID-19 and Polio.

And now, some information about Monkeypox…

Monkeypox

The emergence of monkeypox (as this virus is currently commonly called) in New York — where about one-quarter of all US cases have been identified — has led officials to declare a state of emergency to enable government agencies to move more swiftly to address the outbreak.  

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and some other animals. Symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder and rarely fatal. Patients generally recover fully from monkeypox in 2 to 4 weeks.

Signs and symptoms

People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, and fever.  The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. If you experience any of these symptoms or feel ill, stay home and contact your health provider

How it spreads

A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. It can spread from person to person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Anyone in close personal contact with a person with monkeypox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves.

How to protect yourself

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.

Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Vaccines

CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to or who may be more likely to get monkeypox. Because there is a limited national availability of vaccine, it is prioritized for individuals at greatest risk of exposure to someone with monkeypox. While many news outlets says that vaccines have an 85% effective rate, the CDC notes, “no data are available yet on the effectiveness of these vaccines in the current outbreak.”

The College will continue to monitor the guidance that is issued regarding monkeypox.

Last piece of advice…  IF YOU FEEL SICK, STAY HOME!!!

If you are experiencing the symptoms of either COVID-19 or monkeypox, STAY HOME. Seek medical guidance from your personal health care provider before returning to campus.  Since the College is no longer requiring weekly testing, we are all responsible to each and do all we can to stop the spread of the viruses in community.

 Should you have any questions, please reach out to the Health and Safety Committee at healthandsafety@cooper.edu.