Important Updates: Spring 2021

New York State Vaccination Update - Expansion of Eligible Groups
Now, all personnel, including graduate students who are working on campus, are considered eligible, regardless of role or job title. For additional details refer to the Important Vaccine Updates (Week of March 15).

Columbia Locations for the Vaccine (Coming Soon)
Columbia is in the process of establishing four Columbia-operated locations in Manhattan.  We will be dependent on the State and City for doses. With vaccine supply remaining limited, our intention, with respect to “essential in-person staff,” is to give priority for appointments on the basis of the number of days per month that an employee is working on campus. Those physically present 12 or more days per month will receive the highest priority. For other eligibility groups, including in-person instructors, the number of days per month is not a consideration.  For additional details refer to the Important Vaccine Updates (Week of March 15).

Governor Cuomo Announces Quarantine for Domestic Travel Will No Longer Be Required Starting April 1st
While no longer required, quarantine after domestic travel is still advised as an added precaution.

International Travelers:  Interim Guidance for Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in New York State
After arrival in the U.S., travelers must either quarantine for 7 days with a test 3-5 days after travel, or quarantine for the full 10 days without a test. This requirement applies to all international travelers whether they were tested before boarding, are recovered from a previous COVID infection, or are fully vaccinated.

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Granting Time Off to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination
Public and private employees will be granted up to four hours of excused leave per injection.

Seasonal Allergies
A reminder for those who are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, but believe they may be related to an alternate diagnosis, e.g., seasonal allergies, they must follow the clearance process.  If the health care provider provides an alternate diagnosis, a note signed by the health care provider explaining the diagnosis is required before the employee can return to work. For additional details refer to the ReopenCU COVID-19 Symptom Self-check App – Red Screen Policy.

Weekend Maintenance Will Affect ReopenCU/HealthCheck App
This weekend from 10 p.m., Saturday, March 20, to 2 a.m. Sunday, March 21, CUIT will perform important update and the ReopenCU Daily Attestation will be unavailable during this time.

Hip Hop Health: New Rap Videos Aim to Help Increase COVID-19 Vaccination in Communities of Color
Using the power of music, a series of rap videos launched by Hip Hop Public Health (link is external and opens in a new window), a community outreach organization founded by Columbia neurologist Olajide Williams, MD, aims to increase COVID-19 vaccine coverage in communities of color. 

New Digital Signage

Columbia University Ongoing Surveillance Testing Program:  A new downloadable digital sign is now available to encourage those selected to participate in ongoing surveillance testing. 

Related Updates on the COVID-19 Resource Guide for the Columbia Community


Recent Announcements

 Message Regarding Commencement and the Fall Term, March 17, 2021
President Lee C. Bollinger announces that Commencement 2021 will be virtual and shares the University's goal for an in-person fall semester.

Weekend Maintenance Will Affect ReopenCU/HealthCheck App, March 17, 2021
CUIT will update the management system that plays a key role in the ReopenCU/HealthCheck process, from 10 p.m., Saturday, March 20, to 2 a.m. Sunday, March 21.

Invitation to COVID-19 and Vaccine Update Forums, March 17, 2021
The next virtual forum about COVID-19 vaccines and related matters is on Tuesday, March 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Important Vaccine Updates (Week of March 15), March 16, 2021