July 31, 2020
Dear Pace Students,
Effective July 29, we updated our policies on testing and quarantine for all students arriving on campus for the fall semester. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re committed to developing plans and procedures that protect everyone’s health. We also recognize the reality of limited testing availability and delayed processing times across the country. 

Because we know that it may be impossible to receive a COVID-19 test result in a timely manner, we are no longer requiring tests before students return to campus. Instead, a COVID-19 diagnostic test will be strongly recommended before you return to campus. If you test positive, you must remain at home until at least 10 days after the onset of your symptoms and at least 24 hours after all symptoms have resolved without the use of fever-reducing medication.

New York State is mandating 14-day quarantines for those arriving in New York from certain areas. We all must follow those regulations, and have developed procedures to help you comply. The procedures vary depending on where students are coming from and whether they live in our residence halls.

For all students coming from non-restricted areas, including the tri-state area: You will be required to sign a form attesting that you have not traveled to any restricted state as designated by New York State or traveled internationally within 14 days of arriving on campus. This will be required whether you plan to live in a residence hall or off campus. We strongly recommend, but do not require, a diagnostic test before you come to campus, with a negative result. If you test positive, you must not come to campus until at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms and at least 72 hours after all symptoms have resolved without the use of fever-reducing medication.

For all students coming from restricted states as designated by New York State, and for those coming from international locations: A 14-day quarantine is required under New York State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Students from non-restricted areas who have visited a restricted area within 14 days of arrival are also subject to this requirement. If you’re planning to live in Pace residential housing, we will provide quarantine quarters at a local hotel on a first-come, first-serve basis. Meals will be provided, along with some wellness programs. You may also choose to self-quarantine off campus. If you’re expecting to live off-campus, you must self-quarantine off campus. Those who self-quarantine will be required to sign a form attesting that you have observed the quarantine.

In addition, all residential students will be required to take a diagnostic test during their first week on campus. These tests will be provided by Pace and administered by a clinical partner. Any student who tests positive for COVID-19, or who displays symptoms, must isolate for 10 days after symptoms first appear. We have designated isolation rooms in Pace residence halls for students who test positive.

Our full policy on testing and quarantine is available here . The situation is fluid, and this policy is subject to change based on the latest guidance from local, state, and federal authorities. The list of states for which New York State will require incoming travelers to quarantine is also changing. You can find the current list here . Travelers arriving in New York from those states will be required to complete a Traveler Health Form .

We know this isn’t easy. But we also know that it is important to protect our health and protect our community. We’re looking forward to seeing you back on campus soon.
Sincerely,
Vanya Quiñones, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
See our Return to Campus website for additional communications from Pace University.