We have updated our on-site rules and procedures for safe access and the mitigation of risk of Coronavirus transmission.
VACCINATIONS
All students are required to be vaccinated. The Institute is currently accepting vaccines that are authorized in the United States by the FDA (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson (J&J)/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines) or those authorized by the World Health Organization (e.g., AstraZeneca/Oxford and Sinopharm).Proof of vaccination is required. If you received a vaccine that is not authorized by the FDA or WHO, we will provide further instructions if and when the FDA and WHO expand their lists of authorized vaccines.
COVID vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and other locations across New York state. New York offers Vaccine Finder to find appointments. Our student services department is also here to help. Feel free to email us if you have any questions or concerns.
TESTING
We recommend getting tested regularly to ensure that safety of yourself and our community. New York offers free PCR testing throughout the state. Rapid and at-home testing is also widely available. You can find a testing locations here.
If you receive a positive test result, you must inform the Institute and you and your entire household will need to self-isolate. Please email us for next steps.
SYMPTOMS & MEDICAL ATTENTION
Do not attend class with a temperature, cough or any COVID-like symptoms. Do not leave home except to get essential medical care (including testing for COVID-19) or to get basic needs such as groceries, if someone can not get them for you. In a medical emergency dial 911 and request an ambulance.
If you test positive for COVID-19 you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive result. If you have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or has been contacted by the Department of Health for contact tracing, you must self-isolate for 10 days since your last contact with the person who tested positive. You must also self-isolate if you have been asked to do so by a member of staff at SIA-NY.
If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19, you may qualify to isolate in a hotel for free through New York State's Hotel Program. These hotel rooms are intended for people who do not have a safe place to isolate at home. Rooms are also available for people without COVID-19 who live with someone who has the virus or may have been in close contact with someone who has it. Call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. To talk to someone about the hotel program, press 0, then press 1.
To join lectures and seminars virtually, please do so via Canvas and the links provided by your Program Manager (MAprograms@sia.edu). It is preferable to join sessions in real time wherever possible, in order that you can maintain the pace of the program and engage and contribute via the chat function or discussion boards.
BUILDING ACCESS & SOCIAL DISTANCING
Students will be issued detailed, campus safety protocol information closer to the beginning of the Fall semester.
HYGIENE
For your safety and comfort, the building has undergone a deep clean and additional cleaning stations have been installed throughout the space. Face coverings must be worn at all times whilst in the building. Use the hand sanitizer provided immediately on entry to the building.
TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL
According to NY State, Domestic travel is defined as travel lasting 24 hours or longer to states or US territories other than contiguous states (i.e., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont). Travelers must fill out the NYS Department of Health traveler health form. There are generally no quarantine or testing requirements for asymptomatic domestic travelers. All unvaccinated domestic travelers who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months are recommended to get tested 3-5 days after arrival in New York, consider non-mandated self-quarantine (7 days if tested on day 3-5, otherwise 10 days), and avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe disease for 14 days, regardless of test result.
International travelers must comply CDC requirements, which currently include proof of negative test or recent COVID recovery in order to board airplanes headed to the US. Travelers must complete the NYS Department of Health traveler health form. Fully vaccinated individuals who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months are recommended to get tested 3-5 days after arrival in New York from international travel. All unvaccinated international travelers who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months are recommended to get tested 3-5 days after arrival in New York, consider non-mandated self-quarantine (7 days if tested on day 3-5, otherwise 10 days), and avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe disease for 14 days, regardless of test result.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
If you are concerned about your mental health and wish to talk to someone, please consider contacting our Student Support and Counseling team. The following external organizations can also offer support:
- Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call: 1-800-985-5990
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides help to people who are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support. Call: 1-800-273-8255
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SAMHSA's National Helpline provides referrals for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Call: 1-800-662-HELP
QUESTIONS
If you are a student and have any queries, concerns, or require any further support, please email us.
All guidance is subject to change with or without notice in accordance with CDC recommendations.