Dear All,

I am writing with an update to COVID-19 protocols for employees, including faculty.  New York State (NYS) has updated its HERO Act guidance for employees in private education.  Specifically, the mask guidance is revised for workplaces where employees are fully vaccinated.

Beginning this Monday, October 4, vaccinated employees may remove masks in gatherings of up to six people, if all in the group are in agreement about unmasking.  Employees who have filed with Human Resources (HR) for vaccine exemptions must continue to mask indoors at all times.

As required by the NYS HERO Act, all employees must continue to complete the daily health check whenever working on campus.  Those feeling symptoms as described in the health check should stay home, notify their supervisor, and contact the Vassar Health Service for guidance.  HR will send a prompt to complete the health check daily via email, and it can also be accessed from both the VassarTogether screen of the Vassar Mobile app and Workday Announcements.  

Finally, as a reminder, Westchester Medical Center provides testing at the Aula twice per week (Tuesdays and Fridays 1-5pm).  This testing, which is by appointment or walk in, is available to all employees who are contacted by Health Services and recommended for testing. The Aula testing is also available for employees who wish to be tested optionally.  Please note that the CDC does not recommend routine testing for asymptomatic, fully vaccinated people.  Please see this FAQ for information on contact tracing and how to access testing on campus.

Please contact HR (humanresources@vassar.edu) with any questions you may have, and thank you all for your continued understanding and care as we continue navigating the evolving circumstances of the pandemic.

Best wishes,

Carlos

Carlos L. García
Vice President for Technology and Human Resources
Chief Information Officer

Vassar College
(845) 437-7230