Updated, December 18, 2024
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.
As always, the health and safety of the SUNY Old Westbury community remains paramount. As such, we continue to encourage members of the campus community to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. The University plans to continue providing a vibrant campus experience while remaining prepared to adjust our health guidelines, as needed, based on updated guidance.
To protect against widespread infection, all on campus are asked to adhere to the guidance below, which follows CDC guidelines and New York State Department of Labor requirements.
If you test positive for COVID-19
Students
- Report your absence to your instructors immediately and notify the Student Health Center.
- Regardless of your vaccination status, students who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days and isolate from others within your home. Day 0 starts from the first day you develop symptoms or from the day you tested for COVID, if you are asymptomatic.
- Commuter students are expected to isolate in their homes.
- If campus residents test positive for COVID-19, they should return home to their permanent address to isolate as soon as possible and notify their Residence Hall Director/the Office of Residential Life. If campus residents are unable to travel home, they will be required to isolate in place where they live on campus.
- Further information on isolation procedures and impacts for campus residents is available within the pages of the Student Health Center website.
- You may return to class after five (5) days of isolation provided that you:
- Have not had a fever for at least 24 hours;
- Your symptoms have resolved or are improving;
- You wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional five (5) days.
Employees
- Report your absence to your supervisor and notify Human Resources immediately.
- Notify Human Resources immediately for guidance at ext. 3179 or hr@oldwestbury.edu
- Regardless of your vaccination status, employees who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days. Day 0 starts from the first day you develop symptoms or from the day you tested for COVID, if you are asymptomatic.
- If you are sick and cannot work while isolated, you may be eligible for COVID-19 paid sick leave for up to three occurrences.
- Only tests performed at a medical facility, physician's office, pharmacy, or testing center will be accepted in order to receive COVID-19 pay.
- If you are sick and cannot work while isolated, you may be eligible for COVID-19 paid sick leave for up to three occurrences.
- You may return to work after five (5) days of isolation provided that you:
- Have not had a fever for at least 24 hours;
- Your symptoms have resolved or are improving;
- You wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional five (5) days.
Staff should designate time in isolation as "COVID-19 sick leave" in the comments section on their timesheet so that the time will not be deducted from their personal sick time accrual. You must contact Human Resources to determine if you qualify for COVID-19 pay.
Order Free At-Home Tests
Four (4) free at-home COVID-19 tests are available for U.S. households through the federal government from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or via the U.S. Postal Service.