Protecting Our Community

The federal government and Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared that the public health emergency for COVID-19 ended on May 11, 2023. While this does not mean that COVID is no longer present, it does recognize that we have greatly reduced the spread of the disease and that we now have tools to treat and prevent potential infections.

In recognition of the end of the public health emergency, Simmons ended its vaccine requirement for students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors on May 19, 2023. After this date, students, faculty, and staff will no longer be required to upload and update proof of vaccination or boosters.

We still strongly recommend being fully vaccinated and up-to-date with any available COVID-19 boosters, as well as the seasonal flu vaccine, as they provide strong protection from infection. Our community has had very high vaccination rates throughout the pandemic, and we expect that even without the requirement, our students, faculty, and staff will still continue to be up to date on available vaccinations in addition to following good sense protection and prevention measures. We will still work to hold vaccine clinics throughout the year here on campus or at nearby locations. 

The end of the public health emergency may also change the availability and cost of services such as lab-based or at-home tests for COVID-19. Private insurers may no longer be required to cover the cost of these services, so check with your insurance provider to see how your coverage may change in the coming months. The campus Center for Health Promotion and Wellness plans to continue to offer COVID-19 testing for students seeking diagnosis.

Isolation

Simmons continues to follow public health guidance from local, state, and federal agencies. As a result, we are implementing Mass. Department of Public Health's updated isolation recommendations for individuals who have symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as COVID-19 or influenza.

If you have new symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as a fever, sore throat, cough or a runny or stuffy nose, you should stay home and stay away from others in your household.

• Get tested for COVID-19 and flu. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting treatment if you test positive.
• Stay away from others in your household. Wear a mask when you have to be around them.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
• Clean high-touch surfaces (such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs) often.
• You should stay home even if you don’t know what virus is making you sick.

When you start to feel better, you may begin to resume normal activities with precautions if

• You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines; AND
• Your other symptoms are improving

You may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. For at least the first 5 days after you resume normal activities, take these extra precautions

• Avoid crowded indoor spaces. Wear a mask anytime you are indoors around other people.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid spending time with people who are at increased risk for severe disease.

If you have tested positive for a respiratory virus but do not have any symptoms

You can still spread the virus. Take additional precautions to protect others from getting sick. For at least the first 5 days, take these extra precautions

• Avoid crowded indoor spaces. Wear a mask anytime you are indoors around other people.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid spending time with people who are at increased risk for severe disease.
• Although not required, choosing to stay home for about 72 hours may help reduce the chances that you spread the virus to others. While you stay home you should
  • Stay away from others in your household. Wear a mask when you have to be around them.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean high-touch surfaces (such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs) often.

Then, take the recommended extra precautions during the next 5 days

• Avoid crowded indoor spaces
• Wear a mask indoors around other people
• Wash your hands often
• Cover your coughs and sneezes

If you were exposed to someone with a respiratory virus illness (exposure precautions)

If you have been exposed to someone with a respiratory virus, you do not need to stay home as long as you remain asymptomatic. You may be able to spread a respiratory virus before developing symptoms.

To protect others, especially those with risk factors for severe illness, take precautions

• Wash your hands often
• Consider wearing a mask and avoiding crowded places
• Monitor yourself for symptoms carefully
• Stay home if you start to develop any signs of illness.