A. INTRODUCTION

1. Overall Approach

The City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (SPH) is committed to assuring the continued health, safety, well-being, and success of its students, faculty, staff, and other community members.    In March 2020, SPH transitioned from in-person to online instruction and remote work in response to the public health threat stemming from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and according to New York State (NYS) and University directives.[1]

Assessments of SPH student, faculty, and staff experiences in Spring 2020 and Spring 2021, demonstrated high levels of success during the remote learning and work period. SPH has continued to follow updated University, New York City (NYC), State, NYS and Federal COVID-related guidance, and to incorporate the relevant changes into its operations.

In the winter and spring of 2021, as more people in the United States were vaccinated and the community incidence of COVID-19 began to decline, schools, businesses, and governments began focusing on returning to in-person work and school.  Accordingly, on January 5, 2021, CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez announced that the University would plan for a safe and gradual return to in-person instruction and support services in time for the start of classes in Fall 2021.[2]  Following Governor Cuomo’s directive regarding vaccinations for all CUNY and SUNY students[3], Chancellor Matos Rodríguez announced on May 10, 2021 that vaccinations  would be mandated for CUNY students registering for 2021 Fall term in-person classes.[4] The CUNY Board of Trustees unanimously approved the resolution mandating vaccinations at its meeting on July 6, 2021.[5]  On May 13, 2021, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez wrote to staff, communicating the University’s expectation that they return to their workplaces on campus in August 2021, in preparation for the fall semester. [6] Accordingly, SPH prepared and successfully executed a plan for a safe and gradual return to campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors planned for Fall 2021.

In preparation for the spring 2022 semester, on January 5, 2022, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez issued Testing, Vax and Return to Work Updates to the University Community; on January 6 and10, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Office Hector Batista issued Reclosing Protocols: CUNY’s Guide for Safely Closing On-Campus Operations; and on January 10, 2022 issued  Guidelines for CUNY Spring 2022 Reopening Where Not Everyone is Fully Vaccinated. These documents are based on updated CDC Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation, January 20, 2022 and the New York State Spring Semester Guidance for SUNY and CUNY Campuses to Safely Reopen, December 31, 2021 and Universal Indoor Mask Mandate, January 13, 2022. The updated CDC Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation allows for shortened quarantine periods, along with testing, self-monitoring, masking and other safety measures for persons who are up-to-date in their vaccines or who recently had COVID and are asymptomatic or whose symptoms resolve after five days and are afebrile.  Statewide measures include:  continuation of the vaccination mandate, along with a booster mandate for students; continuation of an on-going random COVID-19 testing program; and a requirement that all faculty be vaccinated for COVID-19.  In accordance with NYS’   Universal Indoor Mask Mandate, everyone, regardless of vaccination status must wear a face mask inside all CUNY buildings.  The only exception to wearing a mask inside is if a fully vaccinated person is alone in an enclosed space such as an office or other room with a door or briefly while eating or drinking, provided that physical distancing is maintained.

SPH has revised its Plan for Safe Campus Operations for the Spring 2022 semester, based on this updated guidance. Given the continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants; rapidly evolving medical and scientific knowledge and public health guidance about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19; changes in the availability, uptake, and effectiveness of immunizations against COVID-19; and changes in educational, employment, and economic conditions, policies, and practices, SPH reserves the right to update this plan, in consultation with CUNY guidance and leadership, as needed.

2. Background

• SPH currently leases about 60,000 square feet of space on the ground and 5-8^th floors of a 14-floor commercial office building located at 55 West 125^th Street in Central Harlem.
• The building is owned and managed by Cogswell Realty Group (CRG), Inc.
• There are approximately 900 students enrolled in SPH masters, doctoral, and certificate programs.
• SPH employs about 300 full-time and part-time CUNY faculty and staff and RF-supported employees
• SPH does not have residential living, dining, or recreational facilities.

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[1]An Important Message on Coronavirus from Chancellor Matos Rodríguez, March 11, 2020.

[2] Planning for an in-person Fall 2021 , January 5, 2021.

[3] Governor Cuomo Announces SUNY and CUNY Boards to Require Vaccinations for All Students Attending In-Person Classes This Fall, May 10, 2021.

[4] COVID Vaccine Required for In-Person Fall Classes, May 10, 2021.

[5] CUNY Board of Trustees, Disposition of Actions Taken at the July 6, 2021 Board Meeting, July 8, 2021.

[6] Returning to in-person work, May 13, 2021.

B. GOVERNANCE

SPH will follow the governance structure described below in developing, implementing, and monitoring campus reopening plans.  SPH will continue to solicit input from students through the SPH Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA) and from faculty and staff collective bargaining representatives through the Professional Staff Congress (PSC) of CUNY.

1. Safe Campus Operations Committee

SPH has formed a Safe Campus Operations Committee with representation from Academic, Student, and Faculty Affairs, Administration, Operations, Research, and Communications.  The members of the Committee are:

• Mohit Arora, Chief Information Officer
• Marilyn Auerbach, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Associate Professor
• Luisa Borrell, SPH Liaison to PSC Chapter and Distinguished Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (EPI-BIOS)
• Louie Cao, Facilities Manager
• Sumana Chandra, Director of Communications and College Relations
• Robyn Gertner, Director of Academic Affairs and Local Vaccine Authority (LVA) for students
• Christian Grov, Chairperson, Department of Community Health and Social Sciences (CHSS) and Professor
• Sapphire Howard, Procurement Manager
• Terry Huang, Chairperson, Department of Health Policy and Management (HPAM) and Professor
• Glen Johnson, Chairperson, SPH Governance Council, and Associate Professor, Department of Environmental, Occupational and Geospatial Health Sciences
• Ashish Joshi, Senior Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and Professor
• Desiree Joyner, Lieutenant, Public Safety
• Ilias Kavouras, Chairperson, SPH Governance Council Assessment Committee and Professor, Department of Environmental, Occupational and Geospatial Health Sciences (EOGHS)
• Elizabeth Kelvin, Chairperson, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (EPI-BIOS) and Associate Professor
• Michele Kiely, Associate Dean for Research
• Susan Klitzman, Sr. Associate Dean for Administration, Campus COVID-19 Coordinator and Professor
• Paulo Lellis, Administrative Specialist, Office of the Dean
• Arthur McHugh, Jr. Director, Human Resources and Vaccine Verification Authority (VVA) (for employees)
• Brian Pavilonis, Assistant Professor, Environmental, Occupational and Geospatial Health Sciences (EOGHS)
• Scott Ratzan, Distinguished Lecturer, MS Program in Health Communication for Social Change and Department of Community Health and Social Sciences (CHSS)
• Lynn Roberts, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations and Assistant Professor and Local Vaccine Authority (LVA) (for students)
• Mary Schooling, Chairperson, Department of Environmental, Occupational and Geospatial Health Sciences (EOGHS) and Professor
• Doris Suarez, Chief of Staff

The Safe Campus Operations Committee is responsible for:

• Determining safe occupancy based on School priorities, facility readiness, and risk assessment.
• Assisting with the preparation, review, and implementation of the Safe Campus Operations Plan.
• Serving as the ‘Campus Closing Committee,’ if needed, to implement reclosing plans.
• Consulting with campus stakeholders, including faculty, students, unions, and staff in developing campus plans.
• Assuring support to SPH students, faculty, and staff who are under isolation and quarantine or are affected with COVID, such as food, medicine, psychosocial, academic, and/or other support, as needed.

The Safe Campus Operations Committee formed seven subcommittees focused on specific issues, as summarized in Table 1.  Additional faculty and staff were invited to join subcommittees based on their roles and expertise.

Table 1. SPH Campus Operations Subcommittees
Sub-Committee	Reopening Committee Members	Additional Members and Affiliation
Physical Environment	Louie Cao Ilias Kavouras Susan Klitzman Brian Pavilonis
Student and  Academic Affairs	Louie Cao Susan Klitzman Ashish Joshi Lynn Roberts	Sherry Adams, Counseling and Wellness Services Lea Dias, International StudentsMatt Paczkowski, Advising Services
Class Schedule	Robin Gertner Christian Grov Terry Huang Ashish Joshi Elizabeth Kelvin Mary Schooling
Communications	Mohit Arora Sumana Chandra Paulo Lellis Arthur McHugh Susan Klitzman Scott Ratzan Lynn Roberts Doris Suarez
Faculty, Staff, Research Staff  (Occupancy and Scheduling)	Marilyn Auerbach Louie Cao Christian Grov Glen Johnson Michele Kiely Susan Klitzman Arthur McHugh	Alessandro Ciari, Center for Systems and Community Design Catherine Dinh-Le, Center for Innovation in Mental Health Elisabeth Figueroa, Center for Immigrant, Global and Refugee Health Sarah Kulkarni, CUNY Institute for Implementation Science Craig Willingham, CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute
Screening, Testing and Campus Closure/Reopening	Ashish Joshi Desiree Joyner Ilias Kavouras Elizabeth Kelvin Susan Klitzman Doris Suarez
Personal and Community Safety	Luisa Borrell Desiree Joyner Elizabeth Kelvin Susan Klitzman Paulo Lellis Arthur McHugh Lynn Roberts	Sahana Gupta, Chief Diversity Officer Mary Huynh, Adjunct Associate Professor Heidi Jones, Associate Professor Deborah Levine, Community Outreach Program Director Emma Tsui, Associate Professor

2. Campus COVID-19 Coordinator

The Campus COVID-19 Coordinator is Senior Associate Dean for Administration, Dr. Susan Klitzman.  She is responsible for:

• Serving as the campus safety monitor, responsible for ensuring continuous compliance with all aspects of the school’s reopening plan.
• Leading and coordinating the work of the Safe Campus Operations Committee and serving as the primary conduit between the campus and CUNY Central on reopening-related matters.
• Assuring compliance with the Campus’s Safe Operations Plan.
• Leading and coordinating the work of the Safe Campus Operations Committee and serving as the primary conduit between the campus and CUNY Central on reopening-related matters.
• Delegating responsibilities, where appropriate, for specific activities related to implementation, monitoring and compliance of this plan.
• Receiving information from the Campus COVID-19 Liaisons, LVAs, and HR Director on COVID-19 cases and exposures on campus and immediately assuring that local health officials are notified of positive cases.
• Receiving confidential reports from the school on issues with non-compliance with physical distancing, hygiene or safety practices.
• Resolving issues with unsafe practices, in consultation with the Campus COVID-19 Liaisons and members of the Safe Campus Operations Committee.

3. LOCAL HEALTH CONDITIONS/TRIGGERING REOPENING

The Campus COVID-19 Coordinator will continue to monitor community COVID-19 transmission rates through NYS’  % Positive Results by Region Dashboard  and the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ (CDC) COVID-19 Data Tracker to assure that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection is low enough to resume in-person operations safely, with continued public health measures in place, as needed.  SPH will continue to work with the Chancellery, informing them of changes in local health conditions and proposed modifications to the reopening plan per these conditions.

A. PHYSICAL DISTANCING

1. Distancing and Masks

• Because there will be a mixed population of vaccinated and not fully vaccinated individuals on campus and due to continued transmission of SARS-CoV-2, CUNY is continuing its temporary mask mandate, in accordance with New York State’s Universal Indoor Mask Mandate.
  • Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face mask inside all CUNY campuses and office buildings.
  •  The only exceptions to wearing a mask inside are:
    •  If a fully vaccinated person is in a classroom, office, or other enclosed spaces or is a minimum of six feet from any other occupied workspace.
    • Briefly while eating or drinking, provided that physical distancing is maintained.
• See Section II.A, “Protective Equipment” for more information on masks and PPE.

2. Limiting Occupancy and Congestion

• SPH will limit occupancy in small spaces, such as locker rooms, pantries, storage closets, restrooms, and single-use faculty and staff offices to no more than one person at a time.
• SPH will limit occupancy through scheduling and physical distancing of six feet in work spaces and classrooms.
• For Spring 2022, SPH will increase the number and percentage of in-person in academic programs that are not entirely on-line [1], based enrollment, student needs and physical space limitations and in accordance with the University’s target that 70% of classes be offered in person.  The remaining classes will be offered remotely.
• Department heads will coordinate with non-essential employees so that, to the extent possible, all staff are on campus 50% of the time, two days per week (e.g., either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday) until February 28, 2022; and up to 70% of the time thereafter, based on physical space limitations and in accordance with the University’s target that staff be on campus 70% of the time.
• Work schedules will be staggered to minimize congestion.
• Visitors will be limited to persons with essential business at SPH (e.g., contractors, vendors, CUNY and CRG personnel, and invited guests).

3. Reconfiguring Campus Capacity

• SPH has established maximum capacity for shared spaces, such as classrooms, conference rooms, cubicles, and workstations, based on six feet of physical distancing requirements.
• SPH has reconfigured furniture in shared spaces to establish the required radius for every area and following Selected Diagrams for Reconfiguring Spaces in the CUNY Guidelines for Safe Campus Reopening.
• SPH has reduced the maximum occupancy in shared space (See: Table 2. Maximum Occupancy in SPH Shared Spaces). Appendix A shows a sample configuration. The school has removed ‘extra’ chairs, and has blocked seating to reduce occupancy to appropriate levels of physical distancing.

4. Signage

• SPH has posted signage placed to demarcate physically distanced places to stand (e.g., in hallways and elevator banks).
• SPH has installed physical barriers at the public safety and helpdesk stations.
• SPH has posted signs throughout the campus, consistent with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [7] recommended signage. Table 3 lists the types of signage that have been and will be posted.  A sample sign is in Appendix B.
• A variety of types of signs have been posted to convey essential messages regarding health and safety procedures, best practices, and occupancy limits, including the following:
  • Reminders about individual-level health and safety measures will be posted on digital screens on each floor and posted on laminated signs in public spaces (entrances, restrooms, pantries). Reminders include thorough handwashing, staying home if sick, face-covering requirements, handwashing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and objects.
  • “Single Usage” signs have been posted outside pantries, multi-stall restrooms, and locker rooms, limiting maximum occupancy to one person.
  • “Occupied/Unoccupied” signs have been posted outside single usage areas (e.g., using sheet protectors). Reminders have been posted to remind users to flip the sign to the correct message when they enter and exit single-use spaces.
  • “Maximum Occupancy” signs have been posted on the entryways to classrooms, conference rooms, auditorium, and other shared spaces, listing maximum occupancy. 
  • “Stay to the Right” signs have been posted in hallways to reduce congestion.
  • Information about reporting exposure to COVID-19 or a positive test result have been posted digitally and with laminated signs throughout the campus.

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[1] CUNY Mask Mandate, August 16, 2021.

[2] NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), Revised Commissioner’s Directive No. 2020-1 Concerning Safety Practices of Personnel During the COVID-19 Crisis, June 29, 2021.

[3] WHO,  Considerations for implementing and adjusting public health and social measures in the context of COVID-19, June 14, 2021.

[4] WHO Urges Fully Vaccinated People to Continue Wearing Masks As Delta Variant Spreads,, Forbes Magazine, June 25, 2021.

[5] CDC, Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People, July 27, 2021.

[6] See:  II. C. 4. Vulnerable Populations and CUNY, COVID-19 and Employee Accommodations for procedures for requesting disability related accommodations.

^[7]  See:  CDC COVID-19 Print Resources

B. GATHERING IN ENCLOSED SPACES

1. General

• SPH will limit in-person classes to the maximum number of students and instructors who can occupy the space, based on six-feet of physical distancing, in light of evidence of the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 (especially the Omicron variant) among fully vaccinated individuals[1].
• SPH will limit other in-person gatherings, based on six feet of physical distancing. Where physical space limitations do not allow us to accommodate in-person gatherings, SPH will continue to hold such  classes, meetings, and events  remotely via videoconferencing, in accordance with the continued suspension the New York State Open meetings law, which permits public meetings to be held remotely until the COVID019 public health emergency ends. [2]
• When there are in-person gatherings, they will be conducted in well-ventilated spaces, such as classrooms and the auditorium, and limited to the smallest number of people possible to assure that individuals maintain a minimum of six feet of physical distance between one another.
• The school will schedule in-person gatherings in such a way as to allow adequate time for cleaning in-between usage.
• For each area, maximum occupancy has been re-calculated to allow for the required six feet of physical distancing between individuals (See: Table 2).
• Occupancy in small areas, such as bathrooms, pantries, locker rooms, and supply rooms, will be limited to one person at a time.
• Prior to re-occupancy by students, faculty and staff, SPH custodial staff will shampoo all carpets, confirm seating configuration, based on distancing requirements, perform general cleaning and maintenance and place hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes in common and multi-person areas. This section describes physical and operational preparation and cleaning protocols for specific spaces.  Additional details about operational preparation are described in Section I.C. Operational Activity below.

This section describes physical and operational preparation and cleaning protocols for specific spaces.  Additional details about operational preparation are described in Section I.C. Operational Activity below.

[1] CDC, Omicron Variant:  What you Need to Know, Updated, December 20, 2021.

[2] NYS Committee On Open Government, Memorandum on Extension of §102(2) Open Meetings Law, January 18, 2022.

2. Guidance for Specific Spaces

a. Pantries

• Although SPH does not have dining facilities, it has pantries on four floors (5, 6, 7, and Ground) available for faculty and staff usage.
• The school has installed no-touch towel dispensers in every pantry.
• As noted under Section A. Physical Distancing, above, occupancy in pantries is be limited to one person at a time.
• Faculty and staff who bring food with them to campus are required to eat in designated areas, observing the required distancing requirements, or at their desks.
• At this time, CRG management is not permitting food deliveries (catering) in the building. Accordingly, SPH will not serve food or beverages during events.
• SPH Facilities staff will continue to clean and disinfect all surfaces, in pantries, water faucets, and other high-touch appliances (e.g., water dispenser, microwave digit pad, refrigerator handle) daily.
• Faculty and staff will be instructed to report plumbing and other maintenance issues to SPH Facilities (e.g. clogged or inoperable sinks and toilets).

b. Computer Labs and Computing Resources

• SPH anticipates a limited need for shared computers on campus. Surveys of students, faculty, and staff conducted during the remote work and learning period found that over 90% have access to remote computers and internet services.
• SPH will limit the need for shared computers by continuing to provide loaner laptops to individuals who have requested them. Students who require extended use of laptops will be permitted to borrow them from the SPH Helpdesk for an entire semester.
• Some on-campus computers and computing space to plug in laptops will be available for students in Spring 2022.
• SPH custodial staff will disinfect shared computers, keyboards, mice, and desks daily.
• Alcohol wipes will be available in areas with shared computers so that users can wipe down touched surfaces after each usage.
• Signs will be prominently posted in computing areas, instructing users to wash their hands thoroughly and wipe down touched surfaces after each use.

(For further details about the availability of computing resources, See:  II.C.8. Technology, below.)

c. Conference Rooms

• Occupancy limits for every conference room have been set based on physical distancing requirements of at least six feet (See: Table 2).
• Seating in conference rooms will be arranged based on physical distancing requirements.
• ‘Extra’ chairs in conference rooms and waiting areas will be removed or cordoned off, following physical distancing requirements.
• Where the number of attendees exceeds reduced occupancy threshold, SPH will continue to hold meetings and other events remotely or in a hy-flex format, to the extent possible.
• Faculty and staff who require the use of conference rooms may continue to request them through Outlook.
• Users will be required to strictly follow reduced maximum occupancy limits, which allow for the required physical distancing (See: Table 2.)
• When two or more individuals are using conference rooms, they will be required to wear face coverings.
• SPH facilities staff will clean and disinfect touched surfaces in conference rooms (e.g., tables, chairs, computers, keyboards, and mice) daily, and more frequently, based on usage.
• Alcohol wipes will be available in conference rooms so that users can wipe down touched surfaces after each usage (procurement pending).
• Signs will be prominently posted in conference rooms, instructing users to wash their hands thoroughly and wipe down touched surfaces after each use.

d. Classrooms

• Occupancy limits for those classrooms designated for in-person classes in Fall 2021 have been set, based on physical distancing requirements of six feet. Occupancy limits for other classrooms, conference rooms, and shared spaces have also been set, based on physical distancing requirements of six feet (See: Table 2).
• In those classrooms designated for classes in Fall 2021, the arrangement of tablet armchairs will follow physical distancing requirements. These setups will remain in place throughout the semester to minimize disruption and congestion.
• ‘Excess’ furniture has been removed or cordoned off following physical distancing requirements.
• Instructors and students are required to wear face coverings at all times.
• SPH will temporarily designate unused classrooms for specific uses, e.g., isolation room(s) in the event of on-campus cases of COVID-19, temporary workspace for staff, meeting space, and storage for furniture removed due to physical distancing requirements. (SPH has minimal storage space.)
• Users will be required to strictly follow reduced maximum occupancy limits, based on physical distancing (See: Table 2).
• SPH Facilities staff will clean and disinfect touched surfaces (e.g., tablet armchairs, desks, A/V equipment) after each class.
• Alcohol wipes will be available in classrooms so that instructors and students can wipe down their space at the end of every class.
• Signs will be prominently posted in classrooms, instructing users to wash hands thoroughly and wipe down touched surfaces after each use.

e. Auditorium

• Occupancy limits for the auditorium (Room 708) have been set based on physical distancing requirements (See: Table 2).
• Selected classes and activities that require ample space will be held in the Auditorium.
• The Auditorium will be configured with tablet armchairs for classes, based on physical distancing requirements. This setup is anticipated to remain in place throughout the semester to minimize disruption and congestion.
• ‘Excess’ furniture has been removed or cordoned off following physical distancing requirements.
• Instructors and students will be required to wear face coverings at all times.
• Faculty and staff wishing to schedule classes or meetings in the Auditorium may continue to do so via Outlook.
• SPH Facilities staff will continue to manage room scheduling, occupancy, and usage.
• Users will be required to strictly follow reduced maximum occupancy limits, which allow for physical distancing of six feet (See: Table 2).
• In-person classes and meetings will follow a schedule to allow time for cleaning in between usage.
• SPH Custodians will clean and disinfect touched surfaces (e.g., tablet armchairs, desks, A/V equipment) after each class.
• Alcohol wipes will be available in classrooms so that instructors and students can wipe down their space at the end of every class.
• Signs will be prominently posted, instructing occupants about distancing, the importance of cleaning and hygiene measures (e.g., washing hands thoroughly and wiping down touched surfaces).

Table 2.  Maximum Occupancy in SPH Shared Spaces, based on 6 feet of physical distancing
			Distance
Room # or location	Room Type & Purpose*	Floor	Unrestricted	6-feet
102	Multipurpose Area for Classroom	1	58	15
503	Classroom for Student Meetings	5	26	4
504	Classroom	5	25	0
534	Classroom for Student Meetings	5	30	4
539	Classroom for Quarantine only	5	32	4
707	Classroom	7	50	14
708	Auditorium for Classroom	7	121	36
717	Classroom for Waiting/Studying	7	40	7
800	Classroom	8	48	13
822	Classroom for Storage	8	32	0
5th Fl. (Men’s) Restroom	Restroom	5	5	1
5th Fl. Women’s Restroom	Restroom	5	3	1
5th Fl. All Gender Restroom	Restroom	5	2	1
7th Fl. (Men’s) Restroom	Restroom	7	4	1
7th Fl. Women’s Restroom (W)	Restroom	7	2	1
7th Fl. All Gender Restroom	Restroom	7	3	1
7th Fl. Women’s Restroom (E)	Restroom	7	3	1
5th Fl. Pantry	Pantry	5	6	1
6th Fl. Pantry	Pantry	6	4	1
7th Fl. Pantry	Pantry	7	6	1
5th Fl. Lounge***	Lounge	5	21	5
7th Fl. Lounge/Library	Lounge for Waiting/Studying	7	35	10
Workstations 542 (5th Fl. E)	Open Workstations	5	10	3
Workstations 613 (6th Fl. E)	Open Workstations	6	8	2
Workstations 622 (6th Fl. SW)	Open Workstations	6	16	4
Workstations 624 (6th Fl. NW)	Open Workstations	6	16	4
Workstations 801 (8th Fl. SE)	Open Workstations	8	14	3
Cubicles 514 (5th Fl. W)	Cubicles	5	12	6
Cubicles 623 (6th Fl. W)	Cubicles	6	4	2
Cubicles 716 (7th Fl. W)	Cubicles	7	8	4
Cubicles 728 (7th Fl. E)	Cubicles	7	3	2
109	Conference Room	1	16	3
547	Conference Room	5	14	3
628	Conference Room	6	18	3
709	Conference Room	7	14	4

*   Rooms that are designated for classes will be outfitted with tablet armchairs, which will be required to remain in place, to minimize disruption, excessive movement and crowding.
**  Designated for in-person classes with fully vaccinated students. Maximum occupancy includes one instructor.
*** Seating in the 5^th Floor lounge area will be reduced to allow more workspace for the Helpdesk staff.

f. Office Space

• Occupancy is restricted to one person per office.
• The schedule for individuals assigned to double and triple occupancy offices will continue to be to come to campus on a rotating basis (e.g., Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday) to the extent possible. If they are on campus simultaneously, they will continue to be temporarily reassigned to work in a temporary alternate space so that no more than one person is occupying the office at a time.
• Employees will not be permitted to work in shared offices.

g. Restrooms

• Occupancy in multi-stall restrooms is limited to one person at a time.
• Maximum occupancy signs have been posted outside every multi-stall restroom.
• ‘Excess’ stalls have been cordoned-off in multi-stall restrooms.
• No-touch towel dispensers and no-touch hand soap have been installed in every restroom.
• SPH custodians will continue to clean high-touch surfaces, (e.g., sink and door handles, and light switches).
• CRG evening porters will be assigned to specific floors and clean restrooms on those floors.
• Faculty and staff will be instructed to report plumbing and other maintenance issues to SPH Facilities (e.g., clogged or inoperable sinks and toilets)

h. Hallways and Common Space

• “Stay to the right” signs have been posted in hallways for bi-directional flow.
• SPH has installed wall-mounted touchless hand sanitizing dispensers in hallways. The school provides bottles of hand sanitizer in office areas and other public areas (e.g., Helpdesk).
• Drinking fountains on floors 1, 5, and 7 have been disabled to prevent use.
• The school has installed touchless water bottle refill dispensers and make them available in the hallways on each floor.
• SPH custodians will continue to clean high touch surfaces, such as door handles and elevator buttons daily.
• Email communications and digital and print signage will instruct individuals on campus not to loiter in hallways.

i. Public Building Areas (Outside of SPH Campus)

CRG Management has implemented health and safety protocols for public areas, such as the building entrance, lobby, elevators, door handles, and other common areas.  These protocols are provided in Appendix C and include the following elements:

i. Garage

• Signs have been posted mandating face coverings and physical distancing.
• Touchless hand sanitizer are available.

Table 3. CUNY SPH COVID-19 Signage
Purpose	Description	Location	Sources
Respiratory Hygiene	Reminder to cover your mouth when coughing to prevent the spread of germs	Restrooms	https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/cd/cyc-poster-clinics.pdf
Hand Hygiene	Reminder to wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds	Restrooms and pantries	SPH Communications and https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/cd/cyc-poster-clinics.pdf
Hand Hygiene (High-Touch)	Reminder to wash hands using high-touch surfaces	Classroom lecterns, copy areas, filing cabinet areas, and computer lab 707	SPH Facilities and https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/posters/covid-19-reopening-hand-hygiene-poster.pdf
Individual health reminders	Protect yourself from COVID-19 and stop the spread of germs (multi-issue)	Walls and Monitors in public areas	https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/04/13067_coronavirus_protectyourself_poster_042020.pdf
Meeting guidelines	Reminder to hold meetings online, social distance, wear a mask, and wash hands.	Entrances to conference room	https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/posters/covid-19-reopening-meeting-poster.pdf
Reduced occupancy	Notice about maximum occupancy in multi-occupancy spaces	Entrances to classrooms, auditorium, conference room and lounges	SPH Facilities
Single occupancy	Notice about single person occupancy	Restroom, pantry and locker room doors	SPH Facilities
Occupied/ Vacant	Notification whether bathrooms, pantries and locker rooms are occupied or vacant	Restroom, pantry and locker room doors	SPH Facilities
Reminder to flip sign	Reminder to change sign to occupied/vacant when entering and existing single occupancy spaces, respectively	Wall adjacent to restrooms, pantries and locker rooms	SPH Facilities
Elevator guidelines	Reminder of building management elevator policy.	Elevator lobbies	https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/posters/covid-19-reopening-elevator-poster.pdf
Report COVID-19 symptoms	Instructions on reporting positive test results	Common areas, website	SPH Communications
Hand sanitizer reminder	Reminder that alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be flammable, and hands should be cleaned with soap and water	Near hand sanitizer dispensers	SPH Facilities
Directional Cues	Reduces bi-directional traffic	Hallways	SPH Facilities

ii. Lobby

• CRG management has implemented the following measures:
  • Signs have been posted mandating face coverings and physical distancing.
  • Tenants and visitors are instructed to display IDs and undergo touchless temperature screening[1] upon entry and are instructed not to linger in the lobby.
  • Unscheduled visitors are required to obtain tenant approval before entry.
  • Food deliveries (catering) are not allowed inside the building.
  • Touchless hand sanitizer dispensers are available.
  • Floor distance markings and arrows will instruct people entering the building where to stand and in what direction to walk.
  • CRG porters will clean high touch points on daily basis.

iii. Vertical Transport

• CRG Management has implemented physical distancing requirements in the building’s six elevators.
• Signs instruct passengers to exit first before others enter.
• Building security staff may summon those waiting to board the elevator to maintain at least six feet of distance from others.
• Floor markers instruct passengers where to stand.
• Signs instruct elevator passengers to wear face coverings, face away from each other, and to refrain from speaking on mobile phones.
  • CRG porters continue to clean and disinfect elevators daily.
  • Tenants have access to stairwells on selected floors, where access is secure. Stairway B will provide access to an elevator bank or main building hallway on floors, 5 and 7.

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[1] This is a CRG Management, but not an SPH or CUNY requirement.

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITY

1. Staff Scheduling and HR

SPH has reduced interpersonal contact and decreased density on campus, as described below. In addition, the Safe Campus Operations Committee will continue to work with the School’s Department of Communications and Office of Human Resources to notify faculty and staff of changes in workplace policies so that they can be prepared to reoccupy the campus safely.

Scheduling of staff to ensure a safe return to campus this spring is specified below:

• From January 31, 2022, the campus will be open Monday – Thursday, from 8am – 9pm. The school will continue to operate remotely on Fridays.
• HR will coordinate staff scheduling with department heads and senior leadership to assure that:
  • Support services and University operations will continue without interruption.
  • Maximum occupancy levels will be adhered to.
• Department heads will coordinate scheduling with their employees so that, to the extent possible, all staff are on campus in accordance with University targets.
• Work schedules will:
  • Be staggered to minimize congestion.
  • Assure that, to the extent possible, some in-person services for students and employees will be available at least four days per week (Mondays through Thursdays).
• Remote services for students and employees will be available five days per week (Mondays through Fridays).
• Staff who request to work remotely, at least some of the time, will, after consultation with their supervisor, submit a Remote Work Agreement Form for approval.
• Supervisors, in turn, will coordinate schedules through HR to assure that in-person activities can occur safely, following distancing and other requirements.
• Visitors will be limited to persons with essential business at SPH (e.g., contractors, vendors, CUNY and CRG personnel, and invited guests).
• The Safe Campus Operations Committee will work with the Campus Coronavirus Coordinator and Office of Human Resources to notify faculty and staff before their return of workplace policy changes.
• Students, faculty, and staff returning to campus will receive and be expected to comply with instructions about training vaccination or weekly surveillance testing and other health and safety measures before returning to campus.

2. Course Scheduling

• Spring 2022, SPH will increase the number and percentage of in-person classes offered, in academic programs that are not entirely online, in accordance with the University’s target and in compliance with health and safety measures. All other classes will be offered remotely.  The complete class schedule with the mode of instruction is available on CUNYFirst. The determination of which classes to offer in person is based on enrollment, student needs, and seating limitations posed by classroom size and physical distancing requirements.
• Scheduling of in-person classes will allow time for cleaning in between usage.
• Configuration of classroom seating with tablet armchairs will follow physical distancing requirements.
• Remote sections of all in-person required graduate classes will be available.
• SPH will ensure that there is an equivalent online class or hybrid options for quarantined, high-risk, and unvaccinated students and students who are unwilling or unable to document their vaccination status.

3. Individuals on Campus

A. Students, Faculty and Staff

• Before returning to campus, all students, faculty, and staff will be required to comply with vaccination, surveillance, or random testing and other health and safety requirements.
• All students, faculty and staff and visitors:
  • Who are medically able to do so will be required to wear an acceptable face covering that fits snugly against the sides of the face and covers the nose and mouth, anytime they are on campus in an area that is occupied by more than one person, in accordance with CUNY policies and as described above in Section I.A.1 (add hyperlink).
  • May confidentially report instances of non-compliance with physical distancing, hygiene, cleaning and other health and safety practices to the Coronavirus Campus Coordinator or HR Director.
• Students will receive a copy of and be asked to comply with CUNY’s COVID-19 Student Conduct Protocol  (See: Appendix C)

B. Visitors

• SPH recognizes that, from time to time, non-SPH personnel (e.g., contractors, vendors, CUNY and CRG personnel, and invited guests) will need to be on campus.
• In accordance with CUNY’s COVID-19 Campus Safety Policy – Visitor Access to Campus (revised January 12, 2022): all visitors are required to provide proof that they are either fully vaccinated or have had a negative COVID-19 PCR test, performed by an accredited laboratory no more than seven days prior to their visit.
• Visitors who are on campus for less than 30 minutes (e.g. mail and package delivery) do not have to comply with vaccination or surveillance testing requirements, unless they expect to be within six feet of others for 15 minutes or more.
• The SPH faculty or staff member hosting the visitor(s) is required to submit a Request to Host a Visitor(s) at CUNY SPH form and obtain approval from the HR Director at least one week in advance of the date of the proposed visit.
• The request must contain the following information:
  • Justification as to why the activities must occur on campus.
  • Name, title, organization, and contact information (mobile phone number and email address) for each visitor.
  • Proposed schedule and expected duration of the campus visit.
  • Other relevant information.
• The HR Director will follow up with the SPH host to review the request and ascertain any additional information that may be required for approval.
• Once approved, the SPH host will be required to:
  • Schedule a specific appointment with the visitor and confirm the date and time within one business day of the visit.
  • Notify Safety@sph.cuny.edu.
  • Assure that the visitor follows all CUNY health and safety requirements and guidelines, including proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

4. Vulnerable Populations

Adults over the age of 65 and those with serious underlying chronic medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions, weakened immune systems and other medical conditions [4] may be at increased risk of serious COVID-19 illness, especially if they are unvaccinated.  Public health authorities urge such individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible.    Students, faculty and staff who wish to request accommodations due to increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness or who are unable to wear a face covering while on campus will be required to submit appropriate documentation, in accordance with CUNY Procedures for Implementing Reasonable Accommodations and Academic Adjustments.

A. Students

SPH will:

• Extend students with disabilities the maximum latitude to participate in distance learning, as a reasonable accommodation.
• Inform students with disabilities of the procedures for requesting accommodations through the SPH Office of Accessibility Services.
• Protect the confidentiality of students who self-identify as having risk factors for severe COVID-related illness, in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy and confidentiality laws.

B. Faculty and Staff

• SPH will:
  • Offer options for faculty and staff at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness that limit their exposure risk (e.g., telework and modified job responsibilities).
  • Inform faculty and staff of the procedures for requesting accommodations through the SPH Office of Human Resources.
  • Protect the confidentiality of faculty and staff who self-identify as having risk factors for severe COVID-related illness, in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy and confidentiality laws.
• Faculty and staff who wish to request an accommodation for their own COVID-19 disease or for a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 will be instructed to contact the SPH Office of Human Resources, and complete a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form, along the appropriation documentation.§  Faculty and staff who have concerns about returning to work onsite for non-disability reasons (i.e., childcare, health of others in their household) may be eligible for other options (i.e., FMLA, leaves of absence, use of annual leave).  Faculty and staff who wish to request such general accommodation requests will be instructed to contact the SPH Office of Human Resources.

5. Mental Health and Welfare

A. Students

The SPH Student Wellness Counselor Sherry Adams and interns under her supervision, will continue to provide:

• Remote individual counseling and support group facilitation services to students via videoconference and phone.
• School-wide mental wellness support through psycho-educational workshops (e.g., on COVID-related mental health, stress management, grief, and trauma) via recorded webinars on the Zoom platform.
• General wellness referrals via the SPH website and individualized wellness referrals at the request of students.
• Consultation to faculty and staff on issues of student wellness remotely.
• In-person appointments on a limited basis, based on staff availability and student need with prior approval by the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations and following all safety protocols established by the School and University.
• Students will be able to request remote and in-person appointments by emailing Sherry at adams@sph.cuny.edu
• Students will have access to 24-hour counseling services via CUNY’s Crisis Text Line by sending: Text CUNY TO 741741
• Students who live outside of NYS, including international students, will have access to remote counseling via Talk Space, a free and confidential online messaging therapy service. Students will be able to register and receive the code by emailing Sherry.Adams@sph.cuny.edu. §  Students experiencing mental or emotional distress while on campus will be referred to Public Safety who will follow established protocols for ensuring their safety, including notifying the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations, Lynn Roberts and Student Wellness Counselor, Sherry Adams.

B. Faculty and staff

• The SPH Office of Human Resources will provide information on resources available to faculty and staff, such as through:
  • Their health insurance provider.
  • The CUNY Work/Life Program (Password: CUNY).

6. Grading Policies and Academic Support

SPH’s Office of Academic and Student Affairs will:

• Inform students, faculty and staff of SPH Academic Policies, including those related to grading policies and academic support.
• Keep abreast of the most up-to-date University Guidance on Academic Continuity to Campuses, and update SPH’s academic policies and inform the community, accordingly.
• Continue to provide academic advising and support services to students, virtually by appointment, and in person, based on faculty and staff availability and student need.

7. Student Life

• SPH will continue to provide services and activities to students, virtually by appointment and in person, based on staff availability and student need. Services and activities include:
• Accessibility Services (accommodations, awareness events, workshops)
• Admissions (individual advisement and orientation events)
• Alumni Network (networking events, holiday parties)
• Career Services (counseling, job fairs, networking mixers, resume prep)
• International Student Services (F-1 visas, OPT/STEM advisement)
• Student Conduct/Title IX (trainings, hearings as guided and permitted by CUNY)
• Student Government (events, student club events)
• Veteran Services (individual advisement, events)
• Remote services for students and employees will be available five days per week (Mondays through Fridays).
• In-person services will be available by appointment only (schedule TBD, based on staff availability and student need) and with prior approval by the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations and following all safety protocols established by the School and University.

8. Technology

• Helpdesk:
  • The SPH IT Helpdesk will:
    • Continue to support every member of the SPH community.
    • Provide in-person computing, printing, and technical support services for students, prioritizing the needs of those students who are taking in-person classes in Spring 2022 and for students, faculty, and staff who require in-person support.
    • Continue to provide remote support to online students, faculty, and staff on campus and online through email, various teleconferencing platforms, and telephone. (See: IT Resources for Faculty and Staff and IT Resources for Students)
  • Students, faculty, and staff who do not have access to a computer may request to borrow a laptop from the SPH Helpdesk. Since the transition to remote learning and working in March 2020, SPH has met the relatively small number of laptops needed and anticipates continuing to do so for the foreseeable future.
  • The physical Helpdesk area has been expanded into the adjacent student lounge area to meet physical distancing requirements and to create a barrier through distancing.
  • All web-based services (including research servers, secure file hosting, and software applications) hosted at SPH will continue to be available 100% available as usual. The networking environment is being remotely monitored, and engineers are on-call to attend to outages and failures 24-7.
• Software: SPH students, faculty, and staff will continue to have remote access to a wide range of general-purpose software needed for instruction, research, and administration. SPH supplements CUNY’s software with access to the software needed for specific courses (e.g., SPSS) and student services (e.g., HIPPA compliant Titanium Software). In addition, SPH continually reaches out to its students, faculty, and staff, to ascertain software needs. (For a list of available resources see: IT Resources for Students and IT Resources for Faculty and Staff.)
• Hardware: Surveys of SPH’s graduate students, faculty, and staff have indicated that the vast majority (>95%) have reliable access to computer hardware. Students, faculty, and staff who do not have access to a computer may request to borrow a laptop from the SPH Helpdesk. SPH has met the relatively small number of laptops needed and anticipates continuing to do so for the foreseeable future.
• Remote Access to files/Network: SPH provides a virtual private network (VPN) to faculty and staff who require remote access to on-campus computers, servers, and network folders, or access to the CUNY Network for secure applications, thus obviating the need to be physically present on campus.
• Remote Updates: The SPH Helpdesk team will contact individuals who have borrowed laptop computers from campus to schedule remote sessions to perform periodic operating system (OS) and software updates. To the extent possible, updates and patching will be scheduled remotely. When a computer requires in-person maintenance, helpdesk staff will arrange a computer swap using a courier/shipment service to minimize downtime for the end-user.

9. Facilities and Grounds

A. Common Building Areas

• The Landlord, CRG Management, has established occupancy, health, and safety protocols for the common areas of the building, such as the lobby and elevators (See: Section I.B.2.i. and Appendix D. 55 West 125 St. Health and Safety Protocols, CRG Mgmt.).

B. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

i. Building

• The main building HVAC system consists of two main intake (supply) air handling units, and two main return (exhaust) air handling units, each servicing the east and west side of the building, respectively. It is a constant volume system, which means that fresh air is continually being supplied and return air is continually being exhausted out of the building.
• The units are located on the roof of the building, (15^th floor), away from the street level.
• The amount of fresh air is at least 20% in compliance with NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) guidelines for “Managing the Return to the Office in the Age of COVID-19”.[5] PL Engineering conducted an assessment of the HVAC system, and issued a report which confirmed that the HVAC system is in compliance with these guidelines (See: Appendix E).
• The building HVAC system generally operates during normal business hours, but will be extended, at SPH’s request, to operate on Monday through Thursday evenings until 9pm, during the Spring 2022 semester, corresponding to the school’s hours of operation.
• The CRG has taken several measures to reduce potential exposure to airborne exposure SARS CoV-2:
• The percentage of fresh air will continue to be increased, up to 35% (depending on the season, system capacity and other factors).
• Sealed Glassfloss® Puracell VP (4V) and VPX (2V) series extended surface mini-pleat filters with minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV) values of 14 have been installed in the building’s main air supply units. MERV values of 13 or greater are efficient at capturing airborne viruses, according to the according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).[6]
• A Sterile-Aire® Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) lighting system has been installed in the supply air handlers. UV-C radiation has been shown to be effective in de-activating the SARS CoV-2 viruses.[7]
• Regular preventive maintenance is performed quarterly.
• SPH participated in a University-wide process to identify facilities that comply with CDC guidelines[8] to limit the risk of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and that can be used for in-person learning. The process was led by the CUNY Office of Facilities Planning and Construction Management (FPCM) and its consultant, Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions.
  • One March 31, 2021, the SPH Facilities Manager, with assistance from the lead engineer for the building, completed a self-assessment of the HVAC system.
  • On May 11, 2021, FPCM and Ramboll staff met with SPH and CRG representatives to confirm the information that was provided in the self-assessment and to discuss campus needs.
  • On May 19, 2021, FPCM and its consultant Genesys Engineering, P.C. conducted an on-site visit to verify the information provided in the self-assessment and meeting.
  • On July 9, 2021, SPH received a ventilation report, based on the above information. Results indicated that that the building’s HVAC system is compliant with a sufficient set of CDC guidelines to limit the risk of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and can be used for in-person learning, including the following:
    • The building’s main air handling units are operational. The air filter banks are sized properly and fit in their frames without gaps.
    • The bathroom exhausts function at full capacity for the system and continuously when the building is occupied.
    • Supply and exhaust ventilation in areas occupied by SPH is operational.
    • The position of the supply/return/exhaust ductwork is configured in a way that moves air from clean to less clean areas.
    • No areas were identified that would benefit from portable HEPA units.
  • Additionally, the building is WELL Health-Safety Rating certified by the International WELL Building Institute. Ventilation requirements include, but are not limited to, documentation by a qualified engineer that:
    • The highest rate of outdoor air, based on the capacity of the HVAC system, is supplied.
    • The highest efficiency of media or other particle filters are installed in occupied areas.
    • Filters are replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
    • Air quality is monitored for particulate matter 2.5 and 10 microns (PM₅ and/or PM₁₀), total volatile organic compounds and/or formaldehyde, ozone and carbon monoxide at intervals of no longer than once per year.[9]

ii. SPH Campus

• In addition to the main air handling units, SPH has supplemental HVAC units, designed to service the classrooms in the evening hours.
• The units are equipped with MERV-13 pleat filters, as practicable.
• The amount of fresh air in the supplemental units has been increased up to 50%, where possible.
• Monthly preventive maintenance and annual coil cleaning are performed through a contract with BP Air Conditioning.

10. Closing Campus/Return to Remote Operations in the Event of an Outbreak

The dual objectives of SPH’s Safe Campus Operations Plan are to gradually and safely expand on-campus classes and other activities while reducing, to the maximum extent possible, the risk of exposure to the SARS CoV-2 virus or an outbreak of COVID-19 on campus. To accomplish these objectives, SPH will continue to inform the community about case reporting requirements, immediately follow up on reported cases, and monitor internal and external and  conditions, in collaboration with University leadership.  If conditions warrant a pivot to online learning and work and the partial or full closure of the Campus, SPH will be guided by the Chancellery, in accordance with Reclosing Protocols:  CUNY’s Guide for Safely Closing On-Campus Operations. Should SPH need to close down operations, the same governance structure will apply, as laid out in Part 1.B. Governance.

A. Case Reporting and Follow Up

• Applied DNA Clinical Labs LLC (adnas.com) will continue to reports positive PCR COVID-19 test results among members of the SPH Community from CUNY’s testing program are automatically reported to the SPH Campus Coronavirus Liaisons and Coordinator and LVAs and/or HR Director (SPH COVID Campus Response Team), as well as to the CUNY Central Office through the “Cleared4work” site (See: CUNY’s FAQ on the COVID-19 Testing Program).
•  The SPH COVID Campus Response Team will continue to inform the SPH community about reporting requirements, including the following:
  •  All individuals coming to campus have been instructed to immediately report positive COVID-19 test results taken within ten days of visiting the campus:
    • Students have been instructed to immediately report positive COVID-19 test results verbally and electronically/in writing to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations.
    • SPH faculty and staff and visitors have been instructed to report positive COVID-19 test results to the HR Director, verbally and electronically/in writing.
    • RF staff have been instructed to report positive COVID-19 test results to the Chief of Staff/Campus Liaison.
•  Positive antigen or home tests should/must be confirmed with a PCR test.
• If a confirmed case or outbreak[1] occurs on campus, the HR Director (if employees or visitors) or LVAs (if students) will:
  • Immediately contact the affected individuals to:
    • Ascertain if they are in need of immediate medical attention.
    • Inform them of CDC Guidelines for Isolation, and testing and other health and safety requirements for returning to campus.
    • Ascertain when they were last on campus and with whom they had close contact.
  • Work with Public Safety officers to gather information about potentially exposed individuals and impacted areas
• The Campus COVID-19 Liaisons will:
  •  Notify the Campus COVID-19 Coordinator
  •  Notify the SVC for Institutional Advancement
  • Notify state and local health authorities through NYSDOH Communicable Disease Reporting Requirements and NYC Health Reporting Central, respectively.
• SPH will consult with University and local and state public health authorities about the nature, scope and duration of control measures, including cleaning and disinfection, quarantine and treatment of cases, testing and quarantine of potentially exposed persons, and partial or full return to remote learning and working.
• All data collected will be kept confidential by SPH, in compliance with HIPAA and FERPA requirements.

B. Internal Conditions

SPH will continue to monitor compliance with COVID safety measures and internal conditions:

• SPH Facilities staff will continue to keep logs, documenting compliance with cleaning and disinfection protocols, and work with the SPH Procurement Manager to assure adequate supplies of PPE and other safety-related supplies and equipment.
• The Campus Coronavirus Coordinator, Facilities Manager and SPH Public Safety officers will monitor occupancy and physical distancing.
• The HR Director and LVAs will continue to monitor compliance with vaccination and testing requirements, including random testing, and test results from CUNY testing sites

C. External Conditions

The SPH Safe Campus Operations Committee will follow the University’s lead in continuing to monitor external conditions to determine if closure is warranted. This includes the following:

• University, city, state, and federal guidelines and mandates.COVID-19 transmission rates at the local, state, regional, and national levels, especially for NYC, using the NYS % Positive Results by Region Dashboard and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Data Tracker. Availability of local resources to address COVID-19, including e.g. availability of vaccinations PPE, and effective treatment and health system and testing and tracing capacity.
• Data about community compliance with public health measures (e.g., vaccination uptake, testing, physical distancing, limitations on group gatherings, cleaning and hygiene).
• Reclosing status of neighboring universities, through colleagues at these institutions.

Should external conditions indicate significantly increased risk, SPH will immediately consult with the University leadership, who in turn may consult with city and state authorities about whether a pivot to full-time remote learning and working is warranted. (For further details:  See: III.B. Tracing and Tracking and IV. Institutional Plans.)

The COVID-19 Liaisons, COVID-19 Coordinator, and Safe Campus Operations Committee will consult with the SVC for Institutional Advancement and state and local health authorities about next steps and decisions regarding partial or full closures per the CDC Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Decision Tree and other relevant guidance.

• If the CUNY Board of Trustees calls for partial or full closure, the campus will reactivate a reclosing plan.
• The Chancellor will make the final decision as to whether in-person activities must be scaled back or whether partial or full closure is warranted.  The scale-back or reclosing plan will be based on specific guidance received from and collaboration with the Chancellery/COO’s office, and state and local health authorities and based on CUNY’s Guide for Safely Closing On-Campus Operations.
  •  

If partial are full closures are warranted, the school will undertake appropriate measures before reopening. These measures include:

• Notification to and communications with the relevant members of the SPH community.
• Guidance for potentially exposed persons, cleaning/disinfection, facilitation of testing, quarantine, treatment and, when appropriate, vaccination, and assuring that no one has access to the potentially affected areas until it is safe to enter.

11. CAMPUS DELIVERIES AND DROP-OFF

SPH has designated the 7^th Floor entrance for mail, packages and other deliveries.  If the recipient is on campus, Public Safety will notify the individual to retrieve the item. Urgent items are either scanned or mailed to recipients. Non-urgent items are placed in recipients’ mailboxes or offices.

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[1] CUNY Board of Trustees, Disposition of Actions Taken at the July 6, 2021 Board Meeting, July 8, 2021.

[2] See:  II. C. 4. Vulnerable Populations and CUNY, COVID-19 and Employee Accommodations for procedures for requesting disability related accommodations.

[4] See: CDC, Medical conditions associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19, Updated: May 13, 2021, for a list of conditions.

[5] NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services, Managing the Return to the Office in the Age of COVID-19, updated June 29, 2021.

[6] ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, Core Recommendations for Reducing Airborne Infectious Aerosol Exposure, updated January 6, 2021.

[7] FDA, UV Lights and Lamps:  Ultraviolent-C Radiation, Disinfection and Coronavirus, February 1, 2021.

[8] CDC, Ventilation in Buildings, Updates as of June 2, 2021.

[9] Well Health-Safety Rating for Facility and Operations Management , © 2020-2021 International WELL Building Institute.

[10] NYSDOH, Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K – 12 Schools during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency , as of June 7, 2021, @ p.22.

[11] CDC defines an outbreak as two or more cases, see: CDC, Managing Investigations During an Outbreak,  Updated July 31, 2020.

[12] NYS DOH, Supplemental Guidance for COVID-19 Containment at Higher Education Institutions during the Public Health Emergency,  last updated:  February 20, 2021

D.    CAMPUS DELIVERIES AND DROP-OFF

SPH has designated the 7^th Floor entrance for mail, packages and other deliveries.  If the recipient is on campus, Public Safety will notify the individual to retrieve the item.   Urgent items are either scanned or mailed to recipients.  Non-urgent items are placed in recipients’ mailboxes or offices.

A. Protective Equipment

1. PPE for Essential Personnel

• SPH will provide appropriate face coverings and disposable gloves to essential staff (Public Safety and Facilities staff) as needed.
• SPH has purchased face shields for higher-risk tasks.
• SPH Public Safety officers are required to wear:
  • Acceptable face coverings that fit snugly against the sides of the face and cover the nose and mouth anytime they are on campus in an area that is occupied by more than one person, except when
    • Eating and drinking.
    • An individual who is fully vaccinated is alone in an enclosed office with the door closed.
  • Disposable gloves anytime they are engaged in activities with high public contact (e.g., check-ins, escorting visitors).
• SPH Custodial Staff will be required to wear:
  • Acceptable face coverings that fit snugly against the sides of the face and cover the nose and mouth anytime they are on campus in an area that is occupied by more than one person, except when:
    • Eating and drinking.
    • An individual who is fully vaccinated is alone in an enclosed office with the door closed.
  • Disposable gloves when engaging in cleaning, disinfection, and waste removal (e.g., removing garbage bags, handling and disposing of trash, handling non-disposable food service items).
• PPE demand will be projected based on use, and ordered so as to maintain a 90-day supply.

2. Face Coverings for Individuals on Campus

• In accordance with New York State’s Indoor Mask Mandate, CUNY Guidelines for Safe Reopening, COVID-19 Face Masks: FAQs, 12-20-21, and DOHMH, COVID-19 Face Masks: Frequently Asked Questions, December 20, 2021, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status and who are medically able to do so are required to wear a well-secured face covering that fits snugly against the sides of the face and covers the nose and mouth without slipping, anytime they are on campus as described above in Section I.A.1.
• All vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals who are medically able to do so will be required to wear an acceptable face covering that fits snugly against the sides of the face and covers the nose and mouth, anytime they are on campus, in accordance with CUNY’s Temporary Mask Mandate and Guidelines for CUNY Fall 2021 Reopening Where Not Everyone is Fully Vaccinated Update 2, and as described, above, in Section I.A.1
• Individuals who are medically unable to wear a face covering may request an accommodation, in accordance with University policies and procedures.[1]
  • People at increased risk of exposure or of developing severe COVID-19 should consider wearing a higher-grade mask, such as N95s or KN95s.
  • Individuals may wear their own face coverings.
  • Public Safety officers will distribute face coverings to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the campus who do not have their own.
  • SPH provides individuals coming to campus with guidance on proper use, disposal, and cleaning of face coverings.
• For any activities that typically require a higher degree of personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the nature of the work, N95 respirators, or other PPE used under existing industry standards, will continue to be used, as defined in accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA)standards[2].

[1] OSHA, Appendix D. to Sec. 1910.134 (Mandatory) Information for Employee Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard

[2] See:  II. C. 4. Vulnerable Populations and CUNY, COVID-19 and Employee Accommodations.

B. Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection

1. General Cleaning Protocols

• CUNY SPH is adhering to NYS Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance for Public and Private Facilities, 5-10-21.
• SPH Custodial Staff will continue to:
  • Use NYS and EPA-approved products that are effective against COVID-19 to clean surfaces.
  • Clean surfaces in public-use areas at least twice daily, generally at the beginning and end of the day, and more frequently, based on usage.
  • Maintain Cleaning logs with the date, time, location, and scope of cleaning and disinfection.
  • Display pantry and restroom cleaning logs.
  • Launder cleaning rags bi-weekly or as needed.
  • Make available hand sanitizer stations in hallways near frequently touched surfaces.
  • Provide students, faculty, and staff with disinfectant wipes (≥70% alcohol-based) and instruct them to wipe down work areas and surfaces before and after usage.

2. Cleaning Protocols for Specific Locations

a. Offices

• SPH Custodial staff will continue to clean high contact surfaces in single-use offices and workstations used by faculty and staff twice daily, when unoccupied, generally at the start and end of the workday.
• High contact surfaces include work surfaces, light switches, door handles, keyboards, computer mice, and phones.

b. Conference Rooms

• SPH Custodial staff will continue to clean high contact surfaces in conference rooms utilized, when unoccupied, generally at the beginning and end of the day, and more frequently if needed.
• Conference rooms will be scheduled to allow time for cleaning in between each usage.
• High contact surfaces include tables, chairs, telephones, keyboards, computer mice, microphones, touch screen panels, and computers, and A/V equipment.
• At present, SPH does not permit the use of its facilities by external parties. However, per CUNY guidelines, SPH will seek approval from the CUNY General Counsel in the event of any special requests by external parties.

c. Classrooms

• High contact surfaces in classrooms that are utilized during the workday will continue to be cleaned by SPH Custodial Staff, when unoccupied, after each usage.
• Classrooms will be scheduled to allow time for cleaning in between each usage.
• SPH Public Safety Officers will lock classrooms at the end of class for SPH Custodian cleaning.
• High contact surfaces include tables, chairs, computers, and A/V equipment.
• At the present time, SPH does not permit the use of its facilities by external parties. However, per CUNY guidelines, SPH will seek approval from the CUNY General Counsel in the event of any special requests by external parties.

d. Computer Labs

• SPH Custodial staff will continue to disinfect high contact surfaces in computer labs and computer areas, generally at the beginning and end of the day, and more frequently based on usage.
• High contact surfaces include computer tables, chairs, keyboards, monitors, and computer mice.
• SPH will continue to provide users with disinfectant wipes (≥70% alcohol-based) and instruct them to wipe down high contact surfaces (e.g., keyboard, mouse, tables) and wash their hands thoroughly before and after usage.

e. Auditorium

• SPH Custodial staff will continue to disinfect high contact surfaces at least twice daily, at the beginning and end of the workday, and more frequently, after each use.
• High contact surfaces include chairs, tables, computers, and A/V equipment.
• SPH will continue to provide users with disinfectant wipes (≥70% alcohol-based) and instruct them to wipe down high contact surfaces (e.g., keyboard, mouse, tables) and wash their hands thoroughly before and after usage.

f. Pantries

• Custodial staff will continue to disinfect high contact surfaces and appliances in pantries at least three times a day.
• High contact surfaces include countertops, refrigerator handles, water dispensers, and sinks.
• Utensils or food/drink containers left in the sink will be discarded by the end of each campus day.

g. Common Areas

• SPH and/or Custodial staff will continue to disinfect high contact surfaces in common areas, such as hallways and lounges, at least twice daily at the beginning and end of the workday.
• High contact surfaces including lounge tables and hallway door handles.
• SPH Custodial staff will clean occupied areas at least once per day.
• Floors will be mopped and carpets will be vacuumed as needed.
• CRG Management has implemented an enhanced schedule for cleaning high contact surfaces such as elevator buttons and handrails, restroom door handles, light switches, and push plates, using CDC-approved disinfectants. CRG Management has also retained the services of a specialized cleaning service in the event of COVID-19 exposures in the building.  (See: Appendix D.)

h. Restrooms and Wellness Rooms

• SPH Custodians will continue to clean and disinfect high contact surfaces in restrooms and the Wellness room will be cleaned at least twice a day and more frequently, as needed.
• High contact surfaces, such as countertops and appliances, will be cleaned as needed after use.
• CRG will provide general daily cleaning for restrooms and replenishment of toilet paper, toilet seat covers, no-touch hand soap, and no-touch towel dispensers.

C. Safe Campus Operations

• Before returning to ‘normal’ (pre-COVID) activity levels, SPH will follow University guidance, as informed by city, state and federal policies and recommendations, to assure occupants’ health and safety.
• The public health metrics and description of activities that will guide future decision-making are described in Table 4 below.
• The reopening plan will allow:
• SPH to monitor internal and external public health risks from SARS-CoV-2.
• Students, faculty, and staff to adapt to new health and safety protocols, such as training, screening, enhanced cleaning, and use of personal protective equipment.
• Adjustment to changes to University policies, such as policies related to telecommuting, remote learning and grading.
• The basis for the phase-in of campus activities will be public health metrics, including low and stable rates of community infection, no evidence of cases or transmission on campus, the widespread availability, and significant community uptake of a safe and effective vaccine and effective treatment for COVID-19.
• SPH will continue to require public health protections, including proof of vaccination and booster shots or participation in CUNY’s weekly surveillance testing program and negative COVID-19 test results, masking, physical distancing, and enhanced cleaning. In addition, the School’s Campus COVID-19 Coordinator, Liaisons and Reopening Committee will monitor public health metrics for evidence that it is safe to continue with the current stage and move to the next stage.
• The SPH leadership is not planning for a full reopening of the campus until University, City, and State leadership have determined that the pandemic has been brought under control, community transmission is low, and there is widespread availability of a highly effective treatment and an effective vaccine.
• In the meantime, SPH will gradually and safely resume campus activities while maintaining some degree of remote learning and working. Services for students, faculty and staff will continue in both in-person and remote formats. Services for students, faculty, and staff will continue in both in-person and remote formats.
• The SPH Leadership will continue to monitor the effectiveness of remote learning and working closely, and safe return to in-person learning and working and address issues as they arise.

• The SPH Communications team is responsible for coordinating all COVID-19 related communications, including coordination with the SPH Dean and Campus COVID-19 Coordinator and University Chancellery/Chief Operating Officer (COO’s) Office.
• The School will continue comprehensive communications that includes the following elements:
  • A dedicated COVID-19 Updates webpage featuring our updated Safe Campus Operations plan, with comprehensive guidelines, FAQs, and links to resources.
  • Regular updates will continue to be sent to students, faculty, and staff, as needed, with information about reopening plans, requirements, and returning to campus through email, social media, and the SPH website.
  • A copy of this Plan, once approved, will be posted on the SPH website, and will be linked to CUNY’s Spring 2022 Reopening Plans webpage.
  • Dean’s “Welcome Back” email will include information about the Safe Campus Operations plan and links to the webpage.
  • A series of emails directed to both general (entire SPH community) and specific audiences (e.g., faculty only, as appropriate) will provide guidelines and information about what to expect.
  • The SPH Weekly Update will include items highlighting campus safety and online resources.
  • Social media will feature helpful information, directing people to the COVID-19 Updates webpage for details.
• The SPH COVID-19 Liaisons and COVID-19 Coordinator will generally learn of an emergency situation first and notify SPH Communications Staff and other school and University as well key personnel. (If other personnel learn of a crisis first, their primary task is to inform the COVID-19 Liaisons and Coordinator immediately.) The SPH Communications team will be prepared with basic templates of messages to deploy for the range of predictable crises.

Table 4. Summary of SPH Safe Campus Operations Plan
Parameters	Spring 2022	Full reopening
Designation	Expansion of on-campus activities, up to 70% staffing	Full return to campus activities
Description	Expansion to all on-campus activities on at least a limited basis and continuation of remote activities	Return to “new normal” activities
Public Health Metrics	Trend in COVID_19 positivity rates Infectivity and pathogenicity of COVID-19 variants Widespread availability and uptake of highly effective COVID-19 vaccines	Very high community uptake of effective COVID-19 vaccines
Instruction	Resumption of in-person, with some continuation of remote, instruction
Student and Academic Services and Activities	Limited in-person services and activities, with  continuation of remote	Resumption of in-person, with some continuation of remote activities, per CUNY policies
Research Activities	Resumption of limited on-campus, with some continuation of remote research, per CUNY policies	Resumption of in-person, with some continuation of remote research
Administrative Operations and Activities	In-person, with some continuation of remote operations and activities	Resumption of in-person, with some continuation of remote, work, per CUNY Policies
Hours of operation	Mondays – Thursdays, 8am – 9pm	Monday – Friday 8am – 10pm
Employee Access	All employees	All employees, under any new SPH and CUNY  policies and procedures
Student Access	Students who are taking in person classes or have an appointment.	All students, under any new SPH and CUNY policies and procedures
Visitor Access	By appointment for essential operations	All visitors, under any new SPH and CUNY policies and procedures
PPE	Masks required	Per NYS and University guidelines
Health Screening	Required (Proof of vaccination, booster shots, or negative COVID-19 test per University guidelines)	Per NYS and University guidelines
Physical Distancing	Required	Per NYS and University guidelines
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection	Required	Per NYS and University guidelines

 

A. Vaccination and Weekly Surveillance Testing Requirements

• All individuals entering CUNY campuses must document that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested negative for COVID-19 within the past seven days. Specific requirements vary, depending on the individual’s role (student, faculty, staff or visitor), as described in the Vaccination/Weekly Surveillance Testing section below.
• SPH will continue to update and widely publicize “Safe Return to Campus” protocols, as described herein and made available on the SPH website to inform students, faculty,  staff and visitors coming to campus of vaccination, booster, and COVID testing and other health and safety protocols. This instructions will also remind individuals coming to campus about additional requirements, including:
  • Staying at home if they:
    • Have a fever of 100°F or more.
    • Have had close contact with a person confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19 in the past 10 days.
    • Are experiencing unusual or worsening respiratory symptoms, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, or a loss of taste or smell.
    • Have tested positive for COVID-19 through a diagnostic test in the past 10 days.
    • Have traveled internationally within the past 10 days.
  • Wearing a face covering when they are on campus (SPH will provide a face covering to anyone not wearing one).
  • Following distancing, hygiene, and cleaning protocols. Protocols will be strictly enforced.

1. SPH Students, Faculty, and Staff

a. Vaccine Verification

• • Students registered for in-person classes will be required to show proof that they are up-to-date in their COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters (implementation date TBD) [1], unless they have been granted an exemption or exception.
  • Faculty will be required to show proof that they have been vaccinated (implementation date TBD), unless they have been granted a medical or religious exemption.
  • Staff are required to upload proof of vaccination into CUNYFirst[2] or participate in CUNY’s weekly surveillance testing program at a CUNY site and show proof of a negative COVID-19 real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, in accordance with University policies and procedures.
  • Students, faculty and staff must upload their proof of vaccination into CUNYFirst.
  • Once vaccination information is uploaded, the Campus LVAs or HR Director will verify the documentation, or contact the individual to obtain clarification, if needed.
  • Once vaccine documentation has been verified, students, faculty and staff
    • Will receive a “Welcome to Cleared4” email from no-reply@cleared4work.com with a personal link
    • Will be instructed to click on the link to register on the Cleared4 platform
    • Will be prompted to read and accept the Cleared4 Disclaimer, complete their registration
    • Will obtain an electronic “Access Pass” that will permit campus entry.

b. Weekly Surveillance Testing

• SPH students, faculty and staff who are not ‘vaccine verified’ in CUNYfirst
  • Are required participate in weekly surveillance testing.
  • Must be tested at a CUNY COVID-19 Testing Site.
• Employees and students who become symptomatic but who have a negative COVID-19 test result will receive advice from HR and Student Affairs, respectively, to stay home while they are sick and consult with their health care providers about the need for additional testing and when they may return to campus.

2. Visitors

• Visitors (upon SPH approval of a  Request to Host a Visitor at CUNY SPH):
  • Will receive a “Welcome to Cleared4” email from no-reply@cleared4work.com with a personal link.
  • Will be instructed to click on the link to register on the Cleared4 platform and upload either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-test result, in order to obtain an “Access Pass” that will permit entry to campus.
• Visitors who are required to be tested will be instructed to obtain a negative PCR test, taken at a non-CUNY site within seven days of their scheduled campus visit.

2. Initial Return or Visit to Campus

• The first time that a student, faculty or staff member or visitor enters or returns to Campus, they will be instructed to make an appointment at a specific time with SPH Public Safety to present documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, in accordance with University procedures.
• Upon presenting valid documentation, SPH Public Safety will either activate the individual’s existing SPH ID card or provide them with a new, activated SPH ID card.
• Individuals who do not have valid documentation will not be permitted to enter campus and will receive clear instructions about what they need to do to obtain valid documentation.
• Individuals whose documentation is indeterminate will be referred by Public Safety to a senior member of the Safe Campus Operations Committee (e.g., Campus Coronavirus Coordinator or HR Director) for further evaluation and instructions

B. Random Testing

• CUNY has implemented a mandatory random testing program for students, faculty and staff who are on campus.
• Up to 20% of the population will be randomly selected each week.
• Individuals selected for random testing will:
  • Receive an invitation from noreply@cleared4work.com, with instructions.
  • Follow the instructions to make sure they are registered in the Cleared4 system
  • Get tested at a CUNY COVID-19 Testing Site within seven days.
  • Be notified of their test results (either via text or email, depending on what they option selected).
• Individuals in the Random Testing Program
  • Who receive a negative test result will continue to have access to campus.
  • Who receive a positive test result will be contacted by one of the LVAs (students) or HR Director (Employees), to advise them about seeking appropriate medical care and inform them about isolation and quarantine requirements, based on updated  CUNY and CDC Guidelines on Quarantine and Isolation, updated January 20, 2022.

C. COVID-19 Testing Program

• SPH students, faculty and staff who are required to be tested as part of weekly surveillance testing or random testing, or who need or wish to be tested for any other reason will be able to be tested at a CUNY COVID-19 Testing Site.Visitors who are required to be tested will be instructed to obtain a negative PCR test, taken at a non-CUNY site within seven days of their scheduled campus visit.
• Employees and students who become symptomatic but who have a negative COVID-19 test result will receive advice from HR and Student Affairs, respectively, to stay home while they are sick and consult with their health care providers about the need for additional testing and when they may return to campus.

C. Tracing and Tracking

1. Tracing

If SPH receives notification that an individual is identified as COVID-19-positive while on campus or within ten days of leaving campus:

• Whomever first becomes aware will notify the HR Director, if the individual is an employee or visitor or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations, if the individual is a student. They will, in turn, immediately notify the COVID-19 Campus Liaison.
• The COVID-19 Campus Liaisons will notify the Campus COVID-19 Coordinator and the SVC for Institutional Advancement.
• If the individual is still on campus, a Public Safety Officer will immediately:
  • Don the appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Safely escort the potentially infectious individual to the designated isolation room, Room 539, or another isolation room.
  • Assure that the individual is able to safely return home, or if ill, assist them in arranging for transport to a medical facility.
• The COVID-19 Coordinator will immediately assure that a member of the SPH COVID Response Team:
  • Obtains documentation to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Notifies the Safe Campus Operations Committee.
  • Notifies state and local health authorities, through NYSDOH Communicable Disease Reporting Requirements  and NYC Health Reporting Central, respectively.
  • Notifies CRG (Building manager)
• SPH will develop plans with the local health department to trace the individual’s contacts following individual protocols provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program. This will involve gathering data from Public Safety about the individual’s whereabouts on campus, whom they had close or proximate contact[1] with, and the names and contact information of all potential close and proximate contacts. SPH will cooperate with the state and local health departments regarding contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine.
• The HR Director and Campus COVID-19 Coordinator will work with Public Safety to immediately review data from card “swipes”, visitor logs and cameras to identify areas in which the confirmed case had contact, and identify individuals with whom the confirmed case had contact.
• All students, faculty and staff entering campus are required to “swipe” their ID cards at card readers and to present their ID cards to Public Safety. Each day that the Campus is open, Public Safety will compile provide a list of all individuals who were on campus based on data obtained from card readers and cameras.
• The SPH faculty or staff member hosting each visitor will notify Public Safety, in advance, of the visitor’s name, purpose of visit, telephone and email.
• Public Safety will immediately restrict access to all potentially impacted areas.
• Faculty, students, staff and visitors will not be permitted to enter potentially impacted areas until they are until they are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and deemed safe for re-occupancy.
• The Campus COVID-19 Liaisons and Campus Coordinator will collaborate with the SPH Communication staff to develop a communications plan to all potentially affected students, faculty, staff and visitors.
• The COVID-19 Liaisons and COVID-19 Coordinator will consult with the SVC for Institutional Advancement and state and local health authorities about next steps and decisions as to partial or full closures, in accordance with relevant guidance.
• If the CUNY Board of Trustees calls for partial or full closure, the campus will activate a reclosing plan.
• The reclosing plan will be based on specific guidance received and collaboration with University leadership and State and local health authorities and based on CUNY’s CUNYs Reclosing Protocols and other relevant guidance.

2. Tracking

• SPH will follow CUNY Guidelines regarding protocols and policies for employees seeking to return to campus after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 on Campus or after having close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19.
• SPH will communicate with students, faculty, staff, and visitors who have come into close or sustained contact with confirmed cases and communicate how the campus responded.

3. Isolation and Transport of Persons Who Are Sick

• In the event that a person on campus who has demonstrated proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result should develop COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) while on campus, the Campus COVID-19 Coordinator, in consultation with the Campus COVID-19 Liaison, will immediately assure that the individual is isolated in Room 539. The school will arrange transportation home or to a health care facility, depending the severity of their symptoms.
• SPH will advise the individual to be tested, isolate immediately and to confidentially report the test results to HR, if an employee or visitor and to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni Relations, if a student.
• The Campus COVID-19 Coordinator, in collaboration with selected members of the Campus COVID Reopening Committee, will choose a member of the School to remain in contact with the individual. The chosen member will assure that the sick individual has adequate support, including food, medicine, psychosocial, academic, and/or other support, as needed while they are under isolation and quarantine.
• Once the individual is ready to return to campus, SPH will advise them when they can return  to campus, based on updated CDC Guidance Quarantine and Isolation. This documentation must be dated no earlier than 3 days before the anticipated return to work date. This requirement applies to all quarantines, including symptoms, a positive test, exposure, and international travel.

4. Notification of Health Officials and Close Contacts

• Following applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, the Campus Coronavirus Liaisons will ensure that the New York State Department of Health and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene receive prompt notification of any individual who has been on campus and tests positive for COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• They will also notify the Chancellery/COO’s Office and any individuals on campus during the applicable timeframe while maintaining confidentiality following ADA, FERPA, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• SPH will collaborate with the New York City/New York State Contact tracing program(s) to assure that individuals who have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, quarantine, self-monitor for symptoms, and follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

5. Tracing and Enhanced Cleaning

• If an individual on campus is sick and being tested for COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19, SPH (Coronavirus Campus Liaisons and Coordinator) will:
  • Inform individuals who believe they may have COVID-19 and are awaiting test results or have positive test results to notify one of the SPH Coronavirus Campus Liaisons.
  • Collaborate with the New York State Contact Tracing Program to identify all individuals on campus who were in close contact during the time that the individual would have been contagious.
  • Assist, as requested, the New York State Contact Tracing Program in their outreach to all close contacts and notification of the requirement to self-quarantine.
  • Identify the timeframe for tracing the individual’s behavior, assuming that they may have been communicable 48 hours before the onset of symptoms, and areas where the individual was present.
  • Trace the areas where the individual was present, when communicable, and, in consultation with the Chancellery/COO’s Office, and college facilities, public safety, and affected departments, develop a disinfection plan. Facilities staff will close off affected areas and wait at least 24 hours after the individual was present before cleaning and disinfection. Facilities staff will follow enhanced cleaning for prevention guidance outlined above and wear full PPE. SPH, through CRG, can also engage the services of a specialized cleaning service, if needed.
  • Communicate the scope of enhanced cleaning and disinfection with facilities, public safety, and affected departments, including subsequent restrictions on accessing areas and applicable signage.
  • Communicate with members of the SPH community.

SPH engaged key stakeholders in developing this plan and will continue to engage them once the plan receives approval and the gradual and safe return to campus is underway.

Once the plan receives approval, should SPH need to close down in-person operations after reopening, the same governance structure in the reopening section of this document (Part I. B. Governance) will apply. The reclosing plan is outlined above, in Part II.

Decisions to shut down will begin with the Campus Coronavirus Liaisons who will report daily to the Safe Campus Operations Committee and to the Chancellery/COO’s Office on COVID-19 exposures. This data, along with local and state data and guidance, will guide the SPH, working with the Chancellery/COO’s Office’s on decisions as to closures.

If the CUNY Board of Trustees calls for partial or full closure of CUNY, SPH will activate its reclosing plan.

Sample Reduced Seating Configuration

Sample Signage

The City University of New York takes the well-being and safety of our students, faculty and staff very seriously. During the pandemic, we all have an obligation to behave in a responsible manner per the guidance approved in your campus’ re-opening plan to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Responsible behavior extends to your off-campus and personal lives, which can affect your ability to transmit the virus on campus, including at a minimum:

• Always wearing a mask when on campus and when gathering with other individuals
• Maintaining physical distance of at least six feet on campus and when gathering with individuals outside the classrooms and other areas
• Limiting the size of on campus gatherings
• Minimizing and limiting the size of events gatherings with other students

Article XV of the CUNY bylaws requires that each student obey policies, regulations, and orders of the University/College. Students are reminded that the Rules and Regulations for the Maintenance of Public order pursuant to article 129a of the education law (“Henderson Rules”) prohibits:

• behaviors that recklessly or intentionally endangers the health of others
• behavior that interferes with the institution’s educational processes
• failure to comply with the direction of a University official

The University is committed to adhering fully to current and future directives about social encounters from the federal, state and local public health officials.  Any student found in violation of these directives may be subject to discipline under article XV of the CUNY bylaws.

55 West 125th Street Health and Safety Protocols, CRG Management

HVAC Certification Letter for 55 West 125th Street