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Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Masking Policy

It is well established that wearing a mask while indoors reduces the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Effective August 1, 2022 and consistent with NYC DOH guidance, masks should be worn indoors,  including in classrooms, meeting rooms, event spaces, labs, and our open workspaces unless you are the sole occupant in an enclosed space. Specifically, as indoor conditions and individuals’ vulnerabilities vary markedly, we ask community members to respect requests from other community members to wear a mask when indoors. The campus will continue to provide high-quality masks to campus community members at the Bloomberg Center security desk. Additionally, anyone who is recovering from COVID-19 and is no longer required to isolate (after 5 days) must continue to mask when with others according to CDC guidance.

Health & Safety Tips

Cornell Tech encourages all students, faculty and staff to take responsibility for their own health and the health of others by adopting habits to prevent and slow the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19. Public health officials advise the following actions to protect yourself and others:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if washing is not an option.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay at home and avoid contact with others when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

 

COVID-19 Etiquette for Students

If you are ill:

  • Do not attend class, work, or other social gatherings.
  • If you have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, seek and perform an antigen test.
  • If you are feeling particularly ill, contact covid19@tech.cornell.edu

 

If you test positive:

  • Report your result by emailing covid19@tech.cornell.edu. This helps us to understand prevalence on campus and to provide you with academic support while you recover.
  • Contact studentaffairs@tech.cornell.edu or Student Disability Services for additional academic support as needed.
  • Tell roommates and other close contacts that you have COVID-19. This will allow others to take proactive steps to monitor their health.
  • Wear a high-quality mask at all times except when eating, sleeping or using bathroom facilities (e.g., showering, brushing teeth).
  • Isolate in your home/apartment. Follow current NYC isolation guidelines.
  • Limit time away from your room except when seeking medical care or picking up food.
  • Clean shared areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, immediately after use and before the next person enters.

 

Roommates of COVID-19 positive students should:

  • Wear a high-quality mask when in your room, except when sleeping.
  • Get tested. Because the virus can take days to incubate, even if asymptomatic, you should test immediately upon learning your roommate is positive and then several days later.
  • Test immediately if you become symptomatic.
  • Take extra precautions, such as cleaning shared, high-touch surfaces.

Some roommates of COVID-19 positive students may feel more comfortable temporarily relocating – students may choose to stay with a friend or go to a hotel at their own expense. Those students with severe medical vulnerabilities who have a COVID-19 positive roommate should contact covid19@tech.cornell.edu.

 

Faculty and staff:

  • Employees experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should stay at home and get tested immediately by taking an antigen test or contacting your primary care physician. You can also find PCR testing facilities in your area by visiting state and local health department websites.
  • New York state requires that all employees complete the Daily Check health assessment if they are symptomatic. Positive test results should be uploaded to the Daily Check, and you should notify your immediate supervisor if you are ill and need time away from work.