COVID-19 Information

Q: Do students need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend in-person classes?
A: No, starting on May 11, 2023 students are no longer required to show proof of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster. There are a few circumstances where proof of vaccination is required:

• All students in clinical programs in the School of Health and Natural Sciences are required to show proof of the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster, as per the CDC Guidelines.
• All faculty and staff whose job functions relate to work in clinical settings in the School of Health and Natural Sciences are required to show proof of the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster, as per the CDC Guidelines.
• Students in other experiential programs may be required to show proof of the COVID-19 vaccine and/or booster by the external site.

We do continue to strongly urge all students to remain up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Please see the CDC guidelines for eligibility.

Q: Do faculty and staff need to be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 to work on campus?
A: No starting May 11, 2023, faculty and staff who will be on campus are no longer required to be fully vaccinated and boosted.

We do continue to strongly urge all faculty and staff to remain up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Please see the CDC guidelines for eligibility.

Booster appointments are available every day at public sites, including the Westchester County Center and sites across New York City and at many pharmacies.

Q: How can I learn more about vaccine exemptions and medical or religious accommodations? 

A: Students and employees may seek a medical or religious exemption from the vaccination. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with College Policy. Students should contact the Office of ACCESSibility (accessibility@mercy.edu / (914) 674-7764) and employees should contact the Office of Human Resources, HR@mercy.edu to learn more regarding applying for an exemption from the vaccine or accommodation.

Note that while students and employees can seek an exemption from the vaccine and booster, some off-campus clinical and experiential sites may not allow for exemptions.

Q: Are masks still required on campus?
A: Masks are required in the following circumstances:

• Faculty, staff and students in certain programs, such as in the health sciences, at the discretion of the program and faculty where health and safety dictates, or may be required at an off-campus facility.
• Anyone who is required pursuant to current guidelines relating to those who tested positive for, or have been exposed to, COVID-19 pursuant to CDC guidelines.

Please refer to CDC guidelines regarding masking for more information.

Q: Do I need to complete the health screening on the Mavericks Safe App?  A: No, currently neither employees nor students are required to complete the daily health screening, though the College reserves the right to implement this screening in the event that there is an increase in COVID cases and/or there is a local, state or federal mandate to require health screening.

Q: Does Mercy offer COVID-19 testing ?  
A: Free home testing kits are available while supplies last at the following locations:  Dobbs Ferry Campus - Student Health Office, Main Hall Room 127

• Bronx Campus - Security Desk, Atrium
• Tarrytown - Staff Break Room, 1st Floor
• Manhattan Campus - Security Desk, 3rd Floor

Call 914-674-7255 if you have any questions or email healthoffice@mercy.edu.

Q: What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
A: Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals who test positive should stay off campus and follow these guidelines:

• Students: please notify the Student Health Office at healthoffice@mercy.edu

• Faculty or staff members: please contact your supervisor or Program Director who will notify Human Resources. 

• Stay home for 5 days and isolate from others in your home. Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas and do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask.

• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.

• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.

• Do not travel and avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis if possible. 

Q: If I am a close contact to someone with COVID-19, do I need to quarantine?  
A: No, regardless of your vaccination status you do not need to quarantine.   

• You need to wear a mask for 10 days from the exposure and you should test on day 5 with the day of the exposure as day 0.  Test immediately if you develop symptoms regardless of the timing.  Please make sure to monitor your symptoms as well for up to 14 days from the exposure.     

• You are not required to submit a negative test result to the college.

• You can go to your office and attend class.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website provides helpful information on facts and guidance about exposure. 

Q: How should I protect myself?
A: The CDC recommends taking every day preventative actions to help stop the spread of germs including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.

Q: What do I do if I feel sick?
A: Mercy students should contact the Health Office on the Dobbs Ferry Campus at (914) 674-7255. Faculty and staff should contact their primary healthcare provider.

Q: What if I am experiencing increased anxiety or stress related to concerns about COVID-19?
A: The following resources are available:

• Mercy has partnered with BetterMynd to provide free virtual mental health services. To register for services go to bettermynd.com. To schedule an on-campus appointment, please email CounselingCenter@mercy.edu. For more information, visit the Counseling Center webpage here.
• Faculty and Staff have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource available to all employees, providing no-cost counseling service to help address stress and other personal issues you and your family may face. The EAP can be reached 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at 800-327-1850 or https://www.guidanceresources.com.

Q: If I am feeling sick, do I need to take a sick day?
A: As always, employees are encouraged to use sick leave when feeling sick. In some cases, individuals may qualify for NYS Quarantine Leave. For more information about updated College leave policies, click here.

Q: Are there any limitations for in-person events and gatherings?
A: Currently there are no limitations, however the College reserves the right to limit what events and gatherings will take place on campus, and off-campus at College-related events, as well as numbers permitted in any particular gathering, should there be a rise in COVID rates.

Q: How often will classrooms and offices be cleaned?
A: Our cleaning providers detail classrooms and offices daily. For additional cleaning, materials will be available for faculty, staff, and students who wish to wipe down their individual tables, chairs, and computer equipment as an additional precaution.

Q: Will Mercy provide cleaning supplies for individuals to clean their own spaces?
A: Yes, the College understands that many people will be more comfortable cleaning their workstations themselves prior to use and will be making the proper cleaning supplies available.

Q. Are guests permitted in the Residence Hall?
A: Guests are permitted in Residence Halls in accordance with established notification and sign in procedures as per the Student Life Handbook.

Q: Are in-person events and gatherings permitted? 
A: Currently, there are no COVID related restrictions in place for on-campus events, gatherings and meetings for Mercy and non-Mercy related purposes; however, the College will monitor trends and uptick in COVID cases and will amend this policy if needed.

The College reserves the right to limit what events and gatherings will take place on campus, and off-campus at College-related events, as well as numbers permitted in any particular gathering. The College’s policy will continue to adhere to any local, state and federal COVID-19 laws/ordinances, including strict adherence to guidelines relating to NYC indoor dining requirements. 

Q: Are visitors permitted on campus? 
A: Yes. Currently there are no restrictions for individuals who are invited to campus to enter College facilities.

Q: Do all visitors to Campus need to be vaccinated?  
A: No, visitors to campus do not need to be vaccinated.

Q: Do attendees at Mercy College organized events need to show proof of vaccination? 

A: No. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and masks are not required, however, if the COVID-19 rates in our region shift (i.e., levels move from low to medium or higher under CDC guidelines), the College reserves the right to change policy and require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and masks.

Q: Is Mercy permitting outside organizations to use space on its Campuses? 

A: Yes. Currently, there are no COVID-related restrictions in place for on-campus events, gatherings and meetings for Mercy and non-Mercy related purposes; however, the College will monitor trends and uptick in COVID cases and will amend this policy if needed.  

Q: Are there requirements for Mercy events held off-campus? 

A: Currently, there are no COVID-related restrictions in place for on-campus events, gatherings and meetings for Mercy and non-Mercy related purposes; however, the College will monitor trends and uptick in COVID cases and will amend this policy if needed. 

Q: Can I visit campus?
A: Yes, please contact admissions at admissions@mercy.edu. We also have a Virtual Tour you can check out.

Q: Can I talk to someone if I have questions or need help?
A: Yes, that is what we are here for!  Please contact your admission counselor as needed. Here are a couple of other ways to contact us:

• General email: admissions@mercy.edu
• General phone: 877-MERCY-GO

Q: I am an international student. Who can I contact if I have questions?
A: International students who have questions can contact The Office of International Student Services: Bogdana Vladescu, bvladescu@mercy.edu.

Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19 and how does it spread? 
A: The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. 

For more information about COVID-19 symptoms, visit the CDC website here.

For information about how COVID-19 spreads, visit the CDC website here.