Current Status: GREEN
Campus transmission is low and has minimal impact on campus operations.
COVID-19 at Brandeis University, like at many colleges and universities in the Boston area and around the country, continues to present challenges to our campus life.
Although we have now retired the Campus Passport and our mandatory, high-frequency surveillance testing program, we will continue to assess and adjust our protocols to make compassionate, respectful, data-informed decisions about how we continue to respond to COVID-19 on our campus.
Our commitment to fulfilling our mission by providing an outstanding, healthy residential, classroom experience and supporting world-class research within our community remains stronger than ever, and the policies and procedures outlined here will continue to support that commitment.
Last updated: Sept. 9, 2022
COVID Status Levels
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Green
Campus Status: Open
Masking
- All masking is optional on campus EXCEPT in classrooms and in university shuttles, as well as other campus areas, including administrative offices, where a masking requirement is posted.
- In classes where masking is required, students who do not mask may be asked to leave class.
- In classrooms, individual faculty MAY, at their own discretion, permit unmasking. Students may always mask if they choose.
- Community members are expected to have a mask “at the ready” for entering areas or attending classes where a mask is required.
Gathering Size/Capacity
Visitors
Travel
- Unrestricted
- As a courtesy and precaution to our community, those returning from overnight travel away from campus should mask around others until taking a negative rapid antigen test three days after their return.
Classes
- In-person
- In classes where masking is required, students who do not mask may be asked to leave class.
- In classrooms, individual faculty MAY, at their own discretion, permit unmasking. Students may always mask if they choose.
Work
- Staff work on campus, per the needs of their departments
Dining
- Full in-person dining available in all locations
- Mobile pickup or masked takeout for those in quarantine or isolation
Testing/Tracing
- For-cause only (exposed or symptomatic)
- Student testing available at Health Center
- Staff/Faculty/Affiliate testing through PCP/rapid test
Yellow
Campus Status: Open
Masking
Masking optional, with the following exceptions where masking is required:
- In any indoor gathering of 20 or more individuals.
- In all classes; unmasking allowed in classes with pedagogical need at the discretion of the instructor. Professors or other speakers may unmask.
- Spectators/audiences at indoor performances, sporting events, or venues with concentrated occupancy (with the exception of eating or drinking), as posted at the venue or as indicated by event guidelines. Performers and athletes may be unmasked.
- On all Brandeis transportation routes including vans, shuttles and buses
- Anywhere a masking requirement is posted on campus.
- Individuals should always feel welcome to wear a mask for their own protection
Gathering Size/Capacity
Visitors
- No additional restrictions; must follow all Brandeis policies
Travel
- Unrestricted
- As a courtesy and precaution to our community, those returning from overnight travel away from campus should mask around others until taking a negative rapid antigen test three days after their return.
Classes
- In-person
- Masked
- Unmasking allowed in classes with pedagogical need at the discretion of the instructor
Work
- Staff work on campus, per the needs of their departments
Dining
- Full in-person Dining available in all locations
- Mobile pickup or masked takeout for those in quarantine or isolation
Testing/Tracing
- For-cause only (exposed or symptomatic)
- Student testing available at Health Center
- Staff/Faculty/Affiliate testing through PCP/rapid test
- Monitoring of certain groups for cluster-testing
Orange
Campus Status: Open
Masking
Masking required in all indoor public spaces, of note:
- In any gathering of 8 or more individuals.
- In all classes; unmasking discouraged, but an option in limited circumstances at the discretion of the instructor.
- Spectators/audiences of indoor performances, at sporting events, or venues with concentrated occupancy (with the exception of eating or drinking), as posted at the venue or as indicated by event guidelines.
- On all Brandeis transportation routes including vans, shuttles and buses
- Anywhere a masking requirement is posted on campus.
- Individuals should always feel welcome to wear a mask for their own protection anywhere on campus.
Gathering Size/Capacity
Visitors
- Daily Health Assessment required; visitors must mask indoors at all times
Travel
- Non-essential travel discouraged
- Testing suggested upon return from travel
- Self-managed travel quarantine upon return
Classes
- In-person
- Masking required, reduced exceptions to allowable unmasking
- Classes should be prepared to go fully remote
Work
- Staff work on campus, per the needs of their departments
Dining
- In-person dining at 50% capacity
- Mobile pickup or masked takeout for those in quarantine or isolation
Testing/Tracing
- For-cause (exposed or symptomatic)
- Student testing available at Health Center
- Staff/Faculty/Affiliate testing through PCP
- Monitoring of certain groups for cluster-testing
- Use of surveillance testing among students, as needed
- Distribution of rapid tests to community
Unvaccinated
- Masks in indoor locations with other people
Red
Campus Status: Restricted
Masking
Masking required in all indoor spaces on campus:
- While eating or drinking, it is suggested a distance of at least 6 ft is maintained from others
- Mask removal while attending to personal care is allowable
Gathering Size/Capacity
- Maximum 10 people
- 50% capacity
- No food/beverage
Visitors
- No visitors
- Required contractors/vendors must
- Mask at all times while indoors
- Take the DHA
- Produce a negative rapid test prior to arrival
Travel
- University sponsored travel by permission only
- Undergraduate student travel for emergency purposes only; notification required for return management
Classes
Work
- Staff work from home for all but essential workers
Dining
- No in-person dining
- To go/take out only
Testing/Tracing
- For-cause (exposed or symptomatic)
- Student testing available at Health Center
- Staff/Faculty/Affiliate testing through PCP
- Monitoring of certain groups for cluster-testing
- Use of surveillance testing among students and essential employees, as needed
Unvaccinated
- Masks in indoor locations with other people
