The University of Rhode Island has updated its COVID-19 health and safety guidelines and requirements effective Monday, May 24, 2021, based on the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Masking/Face Coverings
Fully vaccinated community members and visitors will no longer be required to wear a face mask/covering while on the URI campuses except in certain circumstances such as visiting URI Health Services, using public transportation, when indicated by a facility/employment such as a research laboratory or duties that require it for safety, or at the request of faculty. For those individuals who are not considered fully vaccinated, you must continue to wear a face covering at all times both inside and outside while on any URI campus. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their last vaccination dose — either a second dose of a two-dose vaccine (Moderna and Pfizer); or 14 days after one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. See Face Coverings for more information.
Continuing to wear a mask if fully vaccinated is a personal decision and anyone who feels more comfortable and wants to wear a face covering is welcome to do so.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
URI will require all students to submit proof of a vaccine by Aug. 16, 2021, for the fall 2021 semester. Students should submit their proof of vaccination to URI Health Services. Exemptions for medical or religious reasons may be requested and will be reviewed for consideration. Visit Health Services for information on how to submit proof of vaccination or file for an exemption. Unvaccinated students will need to continue to follow all current health and safety guidelines including wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and participation in bi-weekly surveillance testing. See Vaccination for more information.
Physical Distancing
Fully vaccinated community members and visitors will no longer be required to maintain physical distance while on the URI campuses. People who are unvaccinated must continue to practice a physical distance of 3 feet at all times both inside and outside while on any URI campus.
Self-Screening
All students, faculty, staff and visitors to any URI campus are no longer required to submit a self-assessment questionnaire to come to campuses. However, all community members and visitors are still required to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and should not come to campus if ill or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. Students who have COVID-19 symptoms should contact URI Health Services at 401-874-2246 before leaving their residence hall or coming to campus.
Employees should self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19 before leaving home. If an employee has COVID symptoms, they should immediately notify their supervisor, indicate they screened positive and that they will not be reporting to work. Employees should contact their health-care provider for further guidance or obtain a test at one of the state or local testing centers or retail pharmacies. Supervisors should follow up with employees by email to confirm instructions not to report to campus and guidance to follow up with health-care providers. See Self-Screening for more information.
Quarantine
Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to quarantine following a known exposure and are encouraged to continue to self-monitor for symptoms.
Testing
Fully vaccinated students and employees no longer need to participate in routine surveillance testing. URI Health Services will require bi-weekly surveillance testing for students in URI housing this summer who are unvaccinated or for those exposed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily at the service window of the Potter Building (to the left of the main entrance). Diagnostic testing for symptomatic or exposed students will be available at Health Services weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and can be scheduled by calling 401.874.2246.
Employees can view the State of Rhode Island’s testing information and locations of state, local, and retail pharmacies to obtain a test.
As further guidance becomes available, the University will continue to evaluate and update its health protocols. The University will continue to prioritize the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and the community. Wishing everyone a healthy and safe summer.