Dear Students,
As we move into our third week of classes, I want to reiterate some important information regarding COVID-19. On its "Coming Back Safe and Strong" web page, the University has links to assist you with all of your needs. Please visit this page for details.
In addition, please read over the information presented on the Student FAQs: Health and Safety page, as it provides answers to many of your questions regarding COVID-19 screenings, testing, and who to contact if you feel sick or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Here is some of the information you can find on the page:
Where can I be seen if I feel sick? Is it safe?
If you feel unwell, contact Student Health Services (SHS) at (631) 632-6740. We are open Mondays - Fridays from 8 am - 5 pm, Tuesdays from 8 am - 8 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays (during the Fall 2020 semester) from 9 am - 1 pm. When you call, you will be offered a telephone consultation appointment with a medical practitioner, a telemedicine (Zoom) appointment with a medical practitioner, or an in-person appointment with a medical practitioner. Appointments are required for an in-person visit. To better manage student occupancy in the Student Health Center, no walk-ins are permitted.
If you require an in-person visit, SHS is taking the utmost care in creating and maintaining a safe and clean environment in accordance with the CDC and New York State regulations:
- Face masks are worn at all times by everyone who enters SHS and more personal protective gear is worn by medical practitioners when examining patients.
- Physical distancing of six feet or more is maintained when possible.
- Stony Brook University Housekeeping cleans the Student Health Services building twice per day, and patient rooms and equipment are disinfected after each patient visit.
- Staff health is monitored daily.
- There is a decreased number of occupants in the building. This is accomplished by implementing telephone triage, telemedicine visit, appointment-only visits, and staggered staff scheduling.
If I think I have COVID-19, where can I go for testing?
There are many options for diagnostic testing which is also referred to as PCR, RNA tests (to see if you are infected with the COVID-19 virus) on and off campus. For the safety of the campus community, if you are seeking testing for any reason, do not seek COVID-19 diagnostic tests without first consulting with either your primary health care provider or, if a resident on campus, calling Student Health Services at (631) 632-6740. If it is an emergency situation that requires you to immediately go to an Emergency Department/Hospital, call (631) 632-3333 if on campus or 911 off campus. You will reach Emergency Services who will dispatch an ambulance that will take you to the closest hospital. To prevent transmission of the virus, do not attend class until you consult with your healthcare provider. Testing on campus is provided at Student Health Services and must be accompanied by a telemedicine initial consult. Other testing sites can be accessed through coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.
What should I do if I am sick and suspect I may have COVID-19?
If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, please seek medical attention right away. Call Student Health at (631) 632-6740 to speak with a healthcare professional who will advise you on appropriate next steps. In an emergency, contact University Police at (631) 632-3333.
If you are a resident student who becomes ill and/or tests positive for COVID-19, we will provide care for you. Campus Residences and Student Health Services will assign you to a single room in a separate residence hall, apart from any other residents, for 10 to 14 days based upon your symptoms. Ongoing care will be provided to you from Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and meals will be delivered to your building.
If you are a commuter student and prefer to see your primary care physician, please still inform Student Health Services if you become ill and/or test positive for COVID-19. This will allow us to begin a contact investigation and work with our local Department of Health to identify and notify individuals who have come in close contact with you.
Wishing you continued health and safety throughout the semester.
Sincerely,
Stacy Jaffee Gropack, PT., Ph.D., FASAHP
Dean and Professor
School of Health Technology and Management
