Thank you for your diligence during the last three years as we’ve managed through the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of your efforts, including vaccinations and testing, Sage has maintained community health and kept COVID-19 cases in check.

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve adjusted our policies to align with evolving Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state department of health guidance. Although COVID-19 has not gone away, our ability as a nation to address it has improved through developments in vaccines and treatments. On May 11, 2023, the federal government will end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. At this juncture, we have reviewed the latest CDC guidelines and have adjusted our policies.

The COVID-19 vaccination series or boosters are not required for members of our Russell Sage community

We no longer require the COVID-19 vaccination series or boosters for members of our Sage community. Students in programs that require clinical or experiential training should be mindful that clinical sites may still require proof of vaccination for COVID-19. The vaccine remains an important and proven tool in preventing serious illness. We strongly recommend everyone stay up to date on their vaccines based on CDC recommendations and the advice of their health providers. The CDC reminds us that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and that millions of people have received the COVID-19 vaccine under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. The CDC recommends that all individuals over 6 months of age have an updated booster. Please look for the on-campus flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic that will be held in the fall.

On-campus testing is still available and isolation guidelines remain in place

It is important we continue to follow other necessary COVID-19 mitigation measures, including staying home if we’re feeling sick and testing if we experience symptoms of illness. Free COVID-19 testing will still be available at the Wellness Center. As recommended by the CDC, five-day isolation guidelines remain in place for those who test positive for COVID-19, followed by another five days of masking.

As always, we will monitor COVID-19 rates and guidelines and adjust as needed. Thank you for your efforts to protect your health and the health of our Sage community.