Important Community Health Update

Dear Emerson Community,

We would like to thank you for your resilience and cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your commitment to following safety guidelines and supporting one another has kept Emerson College safe through a very challenging time.

On May 11, 2023, the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency and Public Health Emergency (PHE) will mark a transition to an endemic phase. In keeping with the current COVID-19 local and national trends, and with the guidance and direction of our partners at Tufts and Boston Health Commission, Emerson College will adjust policies for the 2023-24 academic year to align with the federal and state guidelines, including the FDA (update 4/18/23). We will be vigilant in monitoring COVID-19 policies and continue to make informed changes as needed.

COVID-19 Policy Change: 

As of May 15, 2023, the College will no longer require the COVID-19 vaccine for students, staff, and faculty. We strongly recommend Emerson community members to vaccinate with the most updated bivalent COVID-19 booster available. 

Masking:

The College will continue its optional masking policy for all indoor campus spaces. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should feel free to do so in any setting. It is important to respect the individual choices our community members make regarding personal health decisions. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness should wear a mask around others.

Testing

Emerson Wellness Center will continue to assist students who are having difficulties or can’t perform an antigen test themselves. Please email healthservices@emerson.edu or call 617-824-8666 to request assistance. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to obtain their own supply of rapid antigen tests for their use. Students who test positive are encouraged to complete the COVID-19 Self-Report Form and follow the CDC’s isolation guidelines.

Isolation

Emerson College will continue to use the “isolate in place” model. Students who test positive will remain in their assigned living space and follow the CDC’s isolation guidelines. Students are encouraged to complete the COVID-19 Self-Report Form. The College will continue to monitor COVID-19 cases in our community, as well as trends within the region.

For recently updated policies related to ArtsEmerson, Office of the Arts, and Theatres of Emerson College, please visit this Public Health page.

While the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is ending, we must continue to be cautious. The College will continue to follow the guidelines and recommendations from the CDC and local health authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

We would like to thank you again for your patience and cooperation.

Stay Well,

Brandin Dear
Associate Dean, Director of Counseling, Health, and Wellness

Christina Paris,
Associate Director of Community Health & Engagement

Lisa Viveiros
Associate Director of Health Services