Faculty and Staff

What health and safety protocols are in place for Bard employees?

All employees will be required to conduct a daily health screening prior to coming to campus, wear face coverings, and practice physical distancing and follow all recommended public health guidelines. If concerns arise during the self-administered health screening, they will be required to self-isolate until it is determined that it is safe for them to return. In the case of a positive test result, contact tracing protocols will be initiated. Employees who test positive or may have been exposed will be required to self-isolate off campus for two weeks or until they produce a negative test result.

Note: Any employees who have recently visited or are traveling from states identified as restricted by the New York State Department of Health are required to quarantine for two weeks before returning to campus in the fall.

Do I need to wear a face mask on campus?

Face masks/coverings must be worn by all staff working on campus when in the presence of others and in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., common work spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms, etc.). Appropriate use of face masks/coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others near you. It is possible spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. The mask or cloth face covering is not a substitute for social distancing. Bard will provide masks, if needed. Please contact Human Resources at 845-758-7428 or Security at 845-758-7460 if you need a mask. You are also encouraged to bring your own masks. You can find information about recommended masks here.
 

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How to Use a Face Mask

Putting on a Face Mask/Covering

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer prior to handling the face mask/covering.
• Throughout the process: Avoid touching the front of the face mask/covering.
• Ensure the face mask/covering fits over the nose and under the chin, with nose wire snug against the nose (where applicable).
• Tie straps behind the head and neck or secure loop around the ears.

Taking off a Face Mask/Covering

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the face mask/covering.
• When taking off the face mask/covering, untie the straps or loop your finger into the strap and pull the strap away from your ear.
• Wash your hands immediately after removing the face mask/covering.

Care, Storage, and Laundering

• Keep face masks/coverings stored in a paper bag when not in use.
• Cloth face coverings may not be used more than one day in a row and must be washed after each use. Cloth face coverings should be properly laundered with regular clothing detergent before the first use and after each shift. Cloth face coverings should be replaced immediately if they become soiled, damaged (e.g. ripped, punctured), or visibly contaminated.
• Disposable masks must not be used for more than one day and should be placed in the trash after your shift or if they become soiled, damaged (e.g., stretched ear loops, torn or punctured material), or visibly contaminated.

How can employees get tested for COVID-19?

College employees can get tested locally through their health insurance, and should discuss their options with their primary care physician. You can locate your nearest COVID testing site at this site operated by the New York State Department of Health, or at the Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield Coronavirus Resource Center here. More information will be forthcoming for employees who wish to be considered for inclusion in random testing on campus.

What happens if a faculty or staff member tests positive?

All employees will be required to conduct a daily health screening prior to coming to campus. If concerns arise during the screening, they will be required to self-isolate until it is determined that it is safe for them to return. In the case of a positive test result, contact tracing protocols will be initiated. Employees who test positive or may have been exposed will be required to self-isolate off campus for two weeks.

I just found out I had contact with someone with COVID-19. Should I come to work?

No. Employees who test positive or may have been exposed will be required to self-isolate off campus for two weeks or until they produce a negative test result.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Employees experiencing any symptoms or warning signs of COVID-19 should not report to campus. Inform your supervisor and Human Resources, contact your health care provider (by phone rather than walking in), and follow CDC guidelines.

 Can I travel during the semester?

Nonessential work travel is prohibited until further notice, and the College strongly encourages employees to refrain from nonessential personal travel outside the immediate area of the College. We are making great efforts to implement a carefully planned return of students to campus throughout August, and these efforts will be most effective if all members of the Bard community minimize travel once classes begin.