Health and Safety Update
With the fall semester in full swing, we want to thank everyone for your commitment to a healthy New School. Because of your efforts and the significant improvements in vaccination and treatment options, we have been able to safely expand access this semester. While COVID is still circulating in our community, cases on campus and throughout the city have continued to decline. Today, the public health assessment for risk remains low in Manhattan.
Given these encouraging trends and the university’s ongoing monitoring of transmission in our community, we are able to continue to safely adjust our policies.
Beginning Monday, October 10, Wearing A Mask Will Be Strongly Recommended And No Longer Required On Campus, With Limited Exceptions
Masks are required in the following spaces or circumstances:
- Student Health Services and COVID testing sites; and,
- Following recovery from a recent infection or after a close exposure to an infected individual, per university policy.
All those in performing arts disciplines may choose to practice without a mask. They are encouraged to test regularly but are no longer required to register as part of the university’s Voluntary Maskless Practice program.
The university strongly supports anyone who wishes to wear a mask at any time, in any environment, and for any reason. Additionally, no one can be required to remove a mask if they choose to wear one nor can anyone require others to wear a mask. Wearing a mask does not indicate one’s vaccination, infection, or exposure status. Free masks remain available at vending machines throughout campus.
Our Approach To Health And Safety
Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms, including from respiratory illnesses like COVID, flu, or colds.
Vaccination
- Up-to-date COVID vaccination, including at least one booster, remains required for all students, faculty, and staff.
- Everyone is strongly encouraged to get the updated bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible. Information about vaccination sites and scheduling an appointment can be found here.
Testing
- Binx PCR tests will continue to be available and free for students, faculty, and staff at Arnhold Hall (55 W. 13th Street).
- To ensure availability for our community, one test is available at a time. Do not take multiple kits and do not take kits away from the testing area.
- If you have unused binx kits, please use them or return unopened kits to the testing area in Arnhold.
- Testing is voluntary for those who are up-to-date with COVID vaccination.
- Regular testing is required—no later than every 7 days to maintain building access—for those with approved COVID vaccine exemptions.
- Even though testing is voluntary for most of the community, please test if you are symptomatic, before and after you travel, or engage in any higher risk activities.
- If you test positive on a non-binx test (PCR or rapid), begin isolation immediately, upload the result to the SHS Portal, and do not take any additional tests until advised to do so by a medical provider.
Guests and Visitors
Our guest policy utilizing CLEAR’s Health Pass allows those with at least one of the following to access academic buildings on campus:
- Up-to-date COVID vaccination, including one booster
- Negative result from a PCR test taken within 3 days before arrival
- Negative result from a rapid test taken the same day
For guests unable to use CLEAR, manual vaccination checks will continue to be available at the Welcome Center Visitors Desk located at 72 Fifth Avenue. For most events including ticketed concerts and lectures, manual vaccination checks will be available at the point of entry.
After Thanksgiving, Masks and Tests Will Be Required For One Week
The university’s framework for campus Entry Periods—with required testing, masks, and other safety measures—allows us to gather safely after long breaks. The next Entry Period will take place following Thanksgiving break from Monday, November 28 to Friday, December 2. More information about the Thanksgiving Entry Period will be shared in November.
Please continue to visit the university’s COVID-19 Community Guide for the most up-to-date information.