SURVEILLANCE TESTING TO CONCLUDE AUGUST 31

Surveillance Testing

As we near the start of the fall 2022 semester, below is updated information on surveillance testing, along with some helpful reminders around COVID-19 and University protocols.

ON-CAMPUS SURVEILLANCE TESTING
SUNY’s Surveillance Testing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the unions will expire on August 31, 2022, meaning both vaccinated and unvaccinated employees on West Campus will no longer be required to test. While on-campus surveillance testing at the Student Activities Center (SAC), HSC, Southampton Campus, and off-site centers through the visiting nurse will conclude for employees after August 31, please know that we remain committed to providing health and wellness information, resources and support to our employees, as shown below.

Stony Brook Medicine (SBM) employees: Please follow guidance and protocols on testing, reporting positive cases, returning to work, masking and vaccinations, which will be communicated separately.

WE’RE PROVIDING FREE AT-HOME TEST KITS
We are pleased to offer one free at-home testing kit for each employee (while supplies last) at Healthier U/Employee Assistance Program information tents. Here are the details:

WHEN: Wednesday, August 17 and Wednesday, August 24, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHERE: By the fountain on the academic mall, outside the Administration building (or in the Admin lobby if it’s raining)

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT: You can email healthieru@stonybrook.edu to obtain your free kit

In addition, employees at remote sites will be able to obtain a free kit from the visiting nurse (while supplies last) at these locations on these dates:

❖    School of Dental Medicine – Thursday, 8/18 and Wednesday, 8/24, 9 a.m - 2 p.m.

❖    SBM Tech Park, East Setauket – Friday, August 19, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

❖    SBM Advanced Specialty Care, Commack – Monday, 8/22 and Tuesday, 8/30, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

And at Southampton, test kits will distributed through the Office of Student Life and will be announced in the weekly newsletter.

HOW TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL HOME TEST KITS
Tests are available to everyone in the U.S., including the uninsured. Use the links below to learn more about testing and how you can test:

❖    Community-Based Testing Sites
To find low or no cost testing near you, visit Community-Based Testing Sites.

❖    Tests Delivered to Your Home
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a third round of free at-home tests.

❖    Tests from a Pharmacy or Store
The federal government has directed health insurance providers to cover FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 Over the Counter (OTC) diagnostic tests.

❖    More Information on Testing
To learn more, visit Testing for COVID-19.

IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID …

Please see these updated COVID protocols for all you should know about what to do if you test positive.

INDOOR MASKING

While masking is not required on West Campus (except at the Student Health and Counseling Center), the CDC's mask guidelines state that individuals may "wear a mask based on your personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk." On East Campus, masking in classrooms, including lecture halls, is optional. However, masks fully covering your nose and mouth will otherwise be required at all times in all facilities, buildings and hallways throughout Stony Brook Medicine, unless in a private office or when actively eating or drinking.

GETTING VACCINATED

COVID vaccination continues to be encouraged. You can use vaccines.gov to find a location near you. Employees receiving the vaccine during scheduled work hours can be granted up to a maximum of four hours off from work with pay, per injection.

QUESTIONS?

We hope you find this information helpful. As always, if you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or email hrs_info@stonybrook.edu.