Update: On January 27, 2021, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that most of the New York State COVID Microcluster Zones have been lifted, meaning that the University is no longer in an Orange Zone, or any NYS Zone. Read the latest regulations.
These details were originally shared back in November 2020, when it was announced that the University entered the Orange Zone.
On Monday, November 23, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that much of Monroe County—including all of University’s campuses, with the exception of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics and other properties south of East River Road—is now in an Orange Zone. This is the latest set of precautionary restrictions aimed at addressing the rising COVID-19 cases seen in our region. The Orange Zone designation will last for at least 14 days (beginning Nov. 25, 2020), and is intended to reduce the spread of the virus.
At the University, the Orange Zone means the following changes are now in effect until further notice:
- All non-academic indoor and outdoor campus activities and gatherings will now be limited to 10 participants/individuals. Student Activities will be adjusting their protocols accordingly. The previous Yellow Zone guidance required that gathering in groups be limited to 25 people.
- Updated 11/30 The tennis courts, pool and indoor track will reopen on December 1 for use by full-time students. In compliance with New York State Orange Zone restrictions, the fitness center and gym spaces will remain closed until further notice.
- Research activities and classes may continue as normal. River Campus Libraries has posted their new hours and policies for Winter Break, starting Nov. 25.
- Campus Dining is shifting to take-out/Grab and Go only. When it comes to students eating a meal in their residence halls, campus apartments, and houses, the four-person maximum is still in effect, and eating in indoor campus spaces requires students to wear a mask up to the point of starting to eat a meal and to immediately putting it back on after the meal is done.
- Interfaith Chapel religious services will continue, now with 25 maximum attendees. See the Interfaith Chapel website for registration information.
- Information on the status of the Eastman Community Music School will be posted on this website.
- For the latest updates and policies at the Medical Center and clinical care facilities, see this website.
To help stay healthy, wear a mask, maintain physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and get a flu shot.
- If you have symptoms or concerns that you may have been exposed to the virus, here’s what to do.
- Dr. Chat Bot participation is required for everyone who is physically on any University campus or property at any time of day or night. Students: if you depart campus for the fall semester to head home, you can stop completing daily Dr. Chat Bot screenings. For all other University community members, including those students who are staying in on-campus undergraduate or graduate housing for Winter Break or Winter Stay, or coming to campus for any reason, Dr. Chat Bot is still required.
You can read more about the Orange Zone guidance on the New York State website.