March 1, 2022
Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue, in a message to the College community, announced today that the College will switch to an optional mask policy effective Wednesday, March 2.
Bonahue said the state ended the coverage mandate for K-12 public schools citing declining positivity rates, serious illnesses and hospitalizations, and that a growing number of New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. SUNY also updated its guidelines. In addition, Bonahue wrote, CDC guidelines on coverage have changed significantly.
Bonahue said he will adopt the college's Safe Start Task Force recommendations effective March 2:
- The mask is still an option for our community members, but it will no longer be required.
- The college will continue to provide masks, hand sanitizer and the same level of cleaning services.
- The college will continue to provide on-campus COVID testing and follow-up testing will continue.
- Students attending clinics or practicums with more stringent coverage rules must continue to comply with site policies.
Bonahue said the following policies and procedures related to COVID remain in place:
- Student Immunization Requirement: In accordance with SUNY's Student Immunization Policy, all students coming to campus for classes, activities, or services must be vaccinated for COVID-19
- Student Booster Vaccine Requirement: Once eligible, students must present evidence of a COVID-19 vaccine booster during the Spring 2022 semester
- Surveillance Testing: All college employees and students on campus are required to participate in surveillance testing twice a month, regardless of vaccination status
- Continue to monitor your health: Everyone is encouraged to continue to follow good hygiene practices, monitor their health daily and stay home if they feel sick. Unvaccinated faculty, staff and students who may have or care for family members at increased risk of illness are encouraged to continue wearing a mask. Again, the community is reminded to respect anyone who chooses to continue wearing a mask.
