CHANGELOG

This update is based on revised guidance from CUNY Central Office, “Guidelines for CUNY Fall 2021 Reopening Where Not Everyone is Fully Vaccinated,” and “Reclosing Protocols: CUNY’s Guide for Safely Closing On-Campus Operations” published November 11, 2021.

This update is based on revised guidance from CUNY Central Office, “Guidelines for CUNY Fall 2021 Reopening Where Not Everyone is Fully Vaccinated,” published September 17, 2021.

CUNY-mandated changes

The document has been revised to incorporate these required changes from CUNY:

• Student vaccination requirements
• Face covering/mask requirements
• Quarantine and isolation guidelines for unvaccinated and vaccinated people
• Visitor guidelines, including for brief visits (under 30 minutes) and for visitors under the age of 12
• Criteria/circumstances and procedures for shut down, as described in updated Supplemental Guidelines

These changes can be found in the following sections:

Part 2, Section I. People

• A. Physical Distancing
  • “Distancing and Masks/Face Coverings” –  face covering/mask requirements
  • “Limit Occupancy and Congestion” – visitor guidelines
• B. Gatherings in Enclosed Spaces
  • “General Guidance for Enclosed Spaces” – face covering/mask requirements

Part 2, Section II. Places

• A. Personal Equipment
  • “When Face Coverings or PPE Must Be Worn” – face covering/mask requirements

Part 2, Section III. Processes

• A. Screening, Testing, and Vaccinations
  • “Returning to Campus” – quarantine and isolation guidelines
  • “Screening and Verification of Vaccination or Negative COVID-19 Tests”
    • student vaccination requirements
    • visitor guidelines
• B. Tracing, Tracking, and Isolation
  • “Tracing & Tracking” – quarantine and isolation guidelines

Attachment F: Ramp Down / Reclosing Plan

• Throughout the section – Criteria/circumstances and procedures for shut down

Attachment H: Screening Plan

• “Screening procedures”
  • student vaccination requirements
  • visitor guidelines

Additional changes

Updates were made to reflect current processes or to better match the reopening plan to active operations. Minor typographical errors have been corrected but are not marked.

Part 2, Section III. Processes

• B. Tracing, Tracking, and Isolation
  • “Notify Health Officials and Close Contacts” – Information on confirmed cases now reflects a shift in case reporting by CUNY Central Office and inactive status of the New York State School COVID Report Card

Attachment G: Communications Plan

• “Key messages” – Supporting messages (under first key message) updated to better reflect current state of the pandemic and the campus’s COVID-19 operations.
• “Communication by Focus Area” – Updates to details under multiple focus areas that are based on feasibility and better alignment with standard (non-pandemic) operations.
• “Confirmed Case Communications” – Updated to better match current protocols and workflows in addition to what occurred previously, specifically a shift in case reporting by CUNY Central Office and current status of the New York State School COVID Report Card.
• “Ramp Down/Shut Down Communications” – Updated language to match information in Attachment F: Ramp Down / Reclosing Plan.
• “Timeline” – details under “Campus Health Updates” reflect shift in case reporting by CUNY Central Office.
• Updated to reflect current shift by CUNY Central Office to address campus wide reporting

Attachment I: Campus Reopening Committee

• “The Campus Reopening Committee” – Updates to personnel/committee participants.

This update is based on revised guidance from CUNY Central Office, “Guidelines for CUNY Fall 2021 Reopening Where Not Everyone is Fully Vaccinated,” published July 1, 2021. CUNY’s revised guidance takes into account changes in CDC and NYSDOH recommendations.

Changes throughout document:

The document has been revised to incorporate these mandatory changes from CUNY:

• Required COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated people will be through CUNY's weekly surveillance testing program (details pending). Note that a testing requirement will still exist, as planned, but any specific references to a campus-based program must be revised.
• Change to pre-visit and entrance protocols: Starting August 2021, all people entering our campus will be required to present a recent negative test or proof of vaccination as per CUNY guidelines (pending). At that time, Everbridge health screenings and temperature checks will no longer be used.
• A reinforcement of the fact that unvaccinated people are required to wear face coverings/masks, as before.
• In outdoor settings, masks are required only for "large, congregate settings."

Throughout the document, text referring to online health and safety COVID-19 training for employees has also been edited. This training was mandated by previous New York State guidelines and is no longer in use.

Minor typographical errors have been corrected but are not marked.

Changes to Part 1: Overview:

I. Introduction

• Updated bullet under “General Safeguards” to include additional pre-visit and entrance protocols that may be used throughout the reopening period.

II. Governance

• Updated duties of Coronavirus Campus Liaison to reflect current or future changes to procedures and guidelines.

Changes to Part 2: Reopening Plans

I. People

• A. Physical Distancing
  • “Distancing and Masks/Face Coverings”
    • Updated information specifies that face covering requirements apply indoors and in large, congregate settings outdoors, reflecting a change by CUNY.
    • Additional text has been added to emphasize face covering requirements are still in effect—regardless of vaccination status—and that unvaccinated/partially vaccinated people in particular must continue to wear face coverings, even if changes are made in the future for vaccinated people.
  • “Limit Occupancy and Congestion”
    • Updated information about health screenings under two bullet points. Text now refers more broadly to pre-visit and entrance protocols that may be used throughout the reopening period.
• B. Gatherings in Enclosed Spaces
  • “General Guidance for Enclosed Spaces”
    • Updated and new text specifies that face covering requirements apply indoors and in large, congregate settings outdoors, reflecting a change by CUNY.
  • “Guidance for Specific Spaces” -
    • “Lobbies and Common Areas” - Updated text under “Occupancy Preparation” from specific “screening process” to more general “entrance protocols.”
    • “Gym and Fitness Areas, Including the Pool” – Revised to refer generally to potential screening due to shift from daily health screenings.
• C. Operational Activity
  • “General Considerations”
    • Information about screenings has been modified to include additional pre-visit and entrance protocols that may be used throughout the reopening period. Basic protocol for health screenings or vaccination/testing are provided, and text reflects that one or the other (or both) may be in effect.
    • Information about mandatory training for all employees updated due to the change in NYS reopening mandates.

II. Places

• A. Personal Equipment
  • “When Face Coverings or PPE Must Be Worn”
    • Additional text has been added regarding face coverings:
      • Clarification that face covering requirements are still in effect—regardless of vaccination status, and to contact the college if a medical accommodation is needed.
      • Reemphasis that unvaccinated/partially vaccinated people in particular must continue to wear face coverings.
    • Updated information specifies that face covering requirements apply indoors and in large, congregate settings outdoors, reflecting a change by CUNY.
• C. Phased Reopening
  • “General”
    • “Moving Between Phases” –
      • Updated information under factors considered at each phase of reopening to clarify that daily health screenings may or may not be in effect as per CUNY or NYSDOH guidelines, and that other information may be used to gauge community health.
      • Information about mandatory training for all employees updated due to the change in NYS reopening mandates.
• D. Communications Plan
  • Updated information about communicating information from daily health screenings (when in effect as per CUNY or NYSDOH guidelines) to more broadly speak about information about the health of the campus community.

III. Processes

• A. Screening, Testing, and Vaccinations
  • Updated text about the Campus Coordinator and Campus Liaison responsibilities around screening processes and other protocols so it reflects current or future changes.
  • “Returning to Campus” - Updated text broadly refers to screening processes to reflect current or future changes to procedures and guidelines, including reporting of illness or a positive test.
  • “Screening and Verification of Vaccination or Negative COVID-19 Tests”
    • Text reorganized to separate daily health screenings, verification of vaccination, and negative COVID-19 tests. (Note: text may not be marked to show it was reorganized but not otherwise changed.)
    • New text from CUNY Guidelines that CUNY may stop entry screening through Everbridge.
    • Additional updated text broadly refers to building entrance processes, which allows for current or future changes to procedures and guidelines. This includes:
      • Changes to text about screening processes,
      • Updated text on vaccination/negative tests that state that these “may replace or be implemented in addition to completing a health screening.” Though health screenings are expected to be replaced by this process at this time, the plan has been edited to reflect the fact that this may change in the future.
    • Language on Excelsior Pass adjusted to provide flexibility for pending CUNY protocols (“must” changed to “may be required”).
  • “Testing”
    • Limited information has been added or updated, based on details provided by CUNY. The plan notes that pending testing protocol is subject to guidance from Central Office.
    • Text revised to make clear who would need to undergo COVID-19 testing and provide negative test results to enter the campus.
• B. Tracking, Tracing, and Isolation
  • Updated text to reflect planned or potential changes to the use of health screenings and sharing of COVID-19 health/testing information with key campus personnel.

Changes to Attachments

Attachment A: Physical Distancing Plan

• • Preparing for Future Reductions in Physical Distancing Requirements (6 feet to 3 feet)
    • Updated information about mandatory training for all employees due to the change in NYS reopening mandates.

Attachment E: Phase-In Plan

• • Operations On Campus by Phase
    • “Phase 1 – Maximum 25% […]” - Updated text under the bullet, “Preventative measures on campus” to broadly refer to pre-visit and entrance protocols, allowing for planned or potential changes in Phases 1 through 4.
  • Reoccupancy by Building
    • “Additional Information for ‘Areas in Use by Reoccupancy Phase’ Table” – These notes for the table have been modified in two places to include any pre-visit and entrance protocols that may be used throughout the reopening period (instead of specifically referring to the health screening process).

Attachment F: Ramp Down / Reclosing Plan

• Circumstances that Warrant Closure
  • “Internal monitoring criteria” – Text revised to reflect current or future changes to procedures and guidelines around reporting

Attachment G: Communications Plan

• Communications by Focus Area
  • “On-Campus Safety Protocols”
    • Text revised to include any pre-visit and entrance protocols that may be used throughout the reopening period (instead of specifically referring to the health screening process)
    • Adjustments made to text referring to training in multiple places, reflecting changes in State mandates.
  • “Training Communication”
    • Adjustments made to text referring to training in multiple places, reflecting changes in State mandates.

Attachment H: Screening Plan

• Purpose – Note added to clarify that the health screening protocol outlined in this attachment—designed to match NYS mandatory health screenings—may not be implemented as written due to changes in state requirements.
• Procedure
  • “Daily Health Screening Procedure” – adjusted to clarify that the described daily health screening (based on self-reported symptoms) is dependent on NYS mandates.
  • Subsection “Protocol for Designated Screeners to Safely Check an Individual’s Temperature On Site” moved before testing and vaccination information because it is operationally linked to the daily health screening process.
  • “Verification of Vaccination or Negative COVID-19 Tests”
    • Added heading for to better organize this information that was added for the June 2021 revision
    • Text updated based on new information from CUNY that Everbridge screenings may be replaced by vaccination & testing. Text was specifically adjusted to allow for re-implementation of screenings as necessary/required.
    • Language on Excelsior Pass adjusted to provide flexibility for pending CUNY protocols (“must” changed to “may be required”).

This update was made in preparation for the start of Phase 2 (expected start date of August 2, 2021).

Changes throughout document:

• Language has been shifted from explicit or specific information unless speaking about a particular reopening phase. This was done to reflect the purpose of this document as a guide for planning in an ever-evolving landscape. It allows for changes to CDC, NYDOH, and CUNY guidance, and adds flexibility and feasibility of activities over all 4 phases (reflective of Part 1, Section I.). These changes do not impact the College’s commitment to all established recommendations or to the Reopening Plan’s guiding principles.
  • Phase-specific information has added as needed and where appropriate. In other places, reference to phase numbers were updated to “previous phase(s)” and “future phases” to minimize similar edits in the future.
  • Distance measurements for physical distancing (e.g., “6 feet”) and density calculations (e.g., 113 sq. ft.) are altered to prepare for future changes.
  • The names of individuals fulfilling specific roles have been removed through most of the plan, and specific titles have been shifted to offices or functional areas. Attachment I: Campus Reopening Committee now serves to list these details. This modification was made to address changes in personnel that have occurred and will allow for potential changes in the future.
• Changes to roles and responsibilities between the Campus Reopening Committee, Coronavirus Campus Coordinator, and Coronavirus Campus Liaison that reflect feasibility and privacy concerns.
  • The college is committed to protecting and respecting individual privacy. Information previously listed as provided to the Campus Reopening Committee may be changed to the Campus Coordinator or Liaison.
  • When appropriate, information may be shared directly with the committee group or with the entire campus community (inclusive of the committee group).
  • As now clarified in Attachment I, “Campus Reopening Committee” may refer to the committee group, or to members of the committee directly engaged in reopening operations. This is particularly true for committee members who handle private information as part of their regular campus roles.
• Changes to document structure, including:
  • Order and sorting of information within a section (e.g., the order of bullet points under Daily Health Screening Procedure (Attachment H), or the order of campus spaces discussed under Part 2, Section I.B.) or within the plan (information from Part 1, Section IV. moved to Attachment E) without removing it completely.
  • Section numbers in Part 1 changed to Roman numerals to match use of Roman numerals for the same heading level in Part 2.
  • Some section titles and section numbers have changed to be clearer or more precise.
• Spelling corrections and edits to improve clarity, consistency, and readability, including:
  • Repeated text has been removed in favor of maintaining one section with detailed information. An internal link and reference replace repeated information where appropriate. This was done to prevent conflicting information over future revisions.
  • Revised text to improve comprehension (easier to read and more precise)
  • Shift towards consistent terms
    • Clarified “face coverings” (cloth, reusable coverings as well as the broad category including medical face masks) vs “face masks” (surgical/procedural, disposable)
    • “Phase” replaces “stage” throughout, and phase numbers all switched from Roman to Arabic numerals
    • A shift to consistent use of “physical distancing” from “social distancing” was made, consistent with the communications plan.
    • “Hand sanitizer dispensers” replaces use of “hand sanitizing stations”
    • Clarification when offices, titles, etc. refer to personnel at the University versus the college.
    • Updated word order in titles to match CUNY’s switch from the original “Campus Coronavirus Coordinator” and “Campus Coronavirus Liaison” to revised “Coronavirus Campus Coordinator” and “Coronavirus Campus Liaison.”
  • Internal and external links have been added/updated and marked to differentiate between the two.
    • External links are marked with italicized, underlined blue text.
    • Internal links are marked with a dotted underline and blue text.

Changes to Part 1: Overview:

I. Introduction

• Text revised to be relevant across phases (rather than just Phase 1)
• Phase start date added
• Two paragraphs added under “Guiding Principles,” including a statement about getting vaccinated.
• “General Safeguards” moved here from Section IV.

II. Governance

• Updated name of Coronavirus Campus Liaison.

IV. About Our Campus

• Chart – Revised to remove words “socially distanced occupancy,” which aligns it with other discussions of phased occupancy and addresses confusion.
• Added explanation of overall reoccupancy limits in Phases 0-2.
• Most phase and occupancy information under in this section has been moved to Appendix E; this change is noted in the text.

Changes to Part 2: Reopening Plans

I. People

• A. Physical Distancing
  • “Distancing and Masks/Face Coverings”
    • Switch to general “face coverings,” which may refer to the broad category (including reusable cloth and medically approved masks), as well as medical face masks) vs “face masks” (disposable surgical/procedural masks, and others).
    • Revision to clarify face masks in terms of distancing, with most information under Part 2. Section II.A. (“Personal Equipment”).
  • “Limit Occupancy and Congestion”
    • Clarified what “approval” means for on site activities.
    • Added student “safety ambassadors” as staff who may ensure campus guidelines are followed.
• B. Gatherings in Enclosed Spaces – Reorganized and added information under:
  • Added text that in-person activities will prioritize instructional over extracurricular.
  • “Considerations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Enclosed Spaces” – Added heading; moved some information under it to avoid repeats through the rest of the section; and added link to cleaning and disinfection plan.
  • “Considerations for Ventilation and Water Systems in Enclosed, Indoor Spaces” – Clarified and reorganized, and added statement about addressing non-college-owned spaces.
  • “Guidance for Specific Spaces”
    • Reordered spaces and information for each space.
    • As necessary, reiterated information already under Part 2. Section II.B. about responsibility for cleaning by designated staff/personnel in departments.
    • Added new or updated information for spaces, particularly areas that were closed during Phase 1 (Cafeteria, fitness areas).
• C. Operational Activity
  • Added reference to detained information on operational activity now in Attachment E: Phase-In Plan.
  • Added information based on additions to the CUNY Guidelines:
    • “Operational Considerations for Vulnerable Populations” – Added some details from CUNY Guidelines.
    • “Operational Considerations for Reclosing in the Event of an Outbreak” – Updated New York State threshold information.
    • New subsections:
      • Operational Considerations for Mental Health and Welfare.
      • Operational Considerations for Student Life.
      • Operational Considerations for Technology.
      • Operational Considerations for Facilities and Grounds.

II. Places

• A. Personal Equipment –
  • Section updated based on CUNY Guidelines.
  • Information restructured/reorganized with added headings to lower the number of list levels, which is intended to improve readability.
  • Links added for those needing reasonable accommodations for face coverings.
  • “When Face Coverings or PPE Must Be Worn” – under this new heading, there is added information about face covering requirements for cubicles as subject to review by Campus Facilities.
  • “Cleaning and Disposal of PPE” – clarification about handling reusable cloth face coverings versus other PPE.
  • “College Supply…” – Added information that PPE will be available on campus for those needing replacements, with information on how to access it.
• B. Hygiene, Cleaning and Disinfection
  • Reorganized the section with new headings.
  • “Cleaning and Disinfection” – made statement about responsibility for cleaning by designated staff/personnel—which was in the plan already—clearer
  • Moved some information from here to Attachment D: Cleaning and Disinfection Plan.
• C. Phased Reopening – Renamed from “Staged Reopening” for consistency.
  • Information restructured/reorganized with added headings, which is intended to improve readability.
• D. Communications Plan – Removed mention of specific personnel here (though leaving that information in Attachment I). This modification was made to address changes in personnel that have occurred and will allow for potential changes in the future

III. Processes

• A. Screening, Testing, and Vaccinations
  • Updated title and added information section based on CUNY Guidelines, including vaccination and testing requirements.
  • Screening and Verification of Vaccination or Negative COVID-19 Tests
    • Updated title to reflect verification of vaccination/negative COVID-19 tests during the screening process.
    • Added information about further screening from CUNY Guidelines
    • Added vaccination/negative test requirement and use of Excelsior Pass
    • “Campus Reopening Committee” was change to “Campus Coordinator” in the statement, “The Coronavirus Campus Liaison will secure, review and provide this information to the CUNY SVC for Institutional Affairs and the Campus Coordinator.” This has been done due to the need to protect and respect individual privacy.
  • Testing
    • Added information from CUNY communications about testing requirements and access.
• B. Tracking, Tracing, and Isolation
  • Revised heading to be more accurate
  • Tracing and Tracking
    • Merged Tracing section with some information formerly under “Tracking and Enhanced Cleaning” to better reflect processes
    •  “Campus Reopening Committee” was removed in the statement, “If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, the Campus Liaison will immediately notify the Coronavirus Campus Coordinator. The Campus Coordinator […] will also notify the CUNY SVC for Institutional Affairs and Chancellery/COO’s Office. This has been done due to the need to protect and respect individual privacy.
    • Added information from CUNY Guidelines about NYS Contact Tracing Program
    • Added quarantine requirements.
  • Isolate and Transport Those Who are Sick
    • Added detail about testing after quarantine based on CUNY Guidelines
    • Moved some details to this section from Part 2, Section I.B. Gatherings in Enclosed Spaces > Guidance for Specific Spaces > Waiting Rooms for Emergency Response
  • Notify Health Officials and Close Contacts
    • Added information clarifying that the College must inform health departments about reported cases associated with the school, regardless of whether the person was on site.
    • Added clarification that the College informs the campus community only when a positive case is reported where the individual was on site.
  • Enhanced Cleaning – Updated section title from “Tracking and Enhanced Cleaning” and moved information to “Tracing and Tracking” as relevant.

IV. Institution Plans

• Revised for clarity, with some additional resources added to the list.

Changes to References

• Removed “References” section, which was based on that from the CUNY Guidelines. As an alternative, relevant information is linked within the document and several resources were added under “Institutional Plans”.

Changes to Attachments

• Added page “Attachments List” and added statement that modifications may be made to attachments, primarily, and as needed.

Attachment A: Physical Distancing Plan (Updated)

• Information restructured and text revised to improve readability and consistency.
• Clarification of “Campus Facilities” as a functional title for the purposes of this document.
• Updates to methods for determining occupancy and physical distancing needs in each space, and to differences between Phase 1 and later phases.
• Clarification of sample floor plans and staffing information used to explain the process of determining occupancy.
•  “Preparing For Future Reductions in Physical Distancing Requirements (6 Feet To 3 Feet)”
  • New section as per CUNY requirement.
  • Information about changes to operations at reduced physical distancing, if called for.

Attachment B: Signage Plan

• Information restructured and text revised to improve readability and consistency.
• Details added to clarify that what is outlined in this plan is subject to change.

Attachment C: Covid-19 Protective Equipment Requirements

• Information restructured and text revised to improve readability and consistency.
• Added details to clarify face coverings vs. face masks and how to handle each.

Attachment D: Cleaning and Disinfection Plan

• Information restructured and text revised to improve readability and consistency.
• Updated link to new version of NYSDOH guidance for cleaning and disinfection.

Attachment E: Phase-In Plan (Updated)

• Heavily reorganized section with information that was originally under Part 1, Section IV
• Edits to language for consistency.
• New details including occupancy limits by phase, building occupancy information.
• “Operations on Campus by Phase” – Reorganized content, with updates as needed.
• “Operational Activity and Phase-In”
  • Moved from Part 1, Section IV
  • Reorganization of information, particularly where phase information is relevant or where details may not be fixed
  • Added information clarifying that, as per CUNY requirement, instructional/academic activities will have the highest priority when determining approval for in-person activity.

Attachment F: Ramp Down / Reclosing Plan

•  “Circumstances that Warrant Closure”
  • Added information about community spread as criteria for ramp down/closure, with thresholds.
  • Added information about campus infection rate as criteria for ramp down/closure, with thresholds.
  • Added statement (also included with testing information) that the College has the right to test everyone on campus.
• “Hostos Community College Campus Ramp-Down Checklist”
  • Added references to relevant CUNY Chancellor communications.

Attachment G: Communications Plan

• Updates as needed to update personnel, etc.
• “Timeline” – Added information to section to include additional information from Phase 1 and planned/pending information for Phase 2.

Attachment H: Screening Plan

• Revised/reorganized for clarity.
• “Daily Health Screening Procedure”
  • Updated with Everbridge information
  • Added information about vaccination/test requirement.
• “Monitoring/Tracing Plan”
  • Information added about contact tracing team.

Attachment I: Campus Reopening Committee

• Additional information clarifying the roles of the Campus Coordinator, Campus Liaison, and Reopening Committee.
  • Statement that final decisions are made by the Campus Coordinator.
  • Clarification of use of “Reopening Committee” to refer both to the group as a unit and to members of the group.
• Updated names of the Liaison and additional committee members.

Changes to address comments from CUNY Central Office prior to approval for the full plan (Phases 2-4, in addition to Phase 1).

Original document submitted to CUNY Central Office and approved for Phase 1 (start date August 26, 2020).