The individuals on our task force are: Mike Albright (Communications Officer), Paul Basinski (Governance President), Gerianne Brusati, (Vice President for Student Services), Vinnie Cazzetta (Vice President for Institutional Advancement), Chris Clark (Coordinator of Safety & Security, Newburgh), Susan Corbett (Campus Nurse), Leland Hach Jr. (Interim Chief Information Officer), Dr. Erika Hackman (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Anthony Jacklitsch (Coordinator of Evening Safety and Security), Iris Martinez-Davis (Assoc. V.P. for Human Resources), Paul Martland (Vice President for Administration & Finance), Stacey Moegenburg (Academic Assoc. Vice President for Liberal Arts), Likkia Moody (Director, Newburgh Campus), Joe O’Dea (Director of Safety & Security), John Parsons (Custodial Manager), Madeline Torres-Diaz (Assoc. Vice President for Student Engagement and Completion), Joe White (Evening Coordinator of Safety & Security, Newburgh), Mike Worden (Director of Administrative Services/Facilities), and Kristine Young (President).

President Young is responsible for contacting the Regional Control Room (RCR) or working through appropriate County officials to have matters considered by the RCR as appropriate. AVP Martinez-Davis and AVP Torres-Diaz are responsible for communications with DOH or designating Campus Nurses for the same. Director O’Dea is responsible for emergency interactions with hospitals while AVPs Martinez-Davis and Torres-Diaz are responsible for longer term care issues with hospitals for employees and students, respectively.

SUNY Orange is developing a Phased Re-Start Plan consisting of 3 phases, each of which slowly increases density and on-campus instruction and services on both physical campuses. 

Planning Phase (occurring now):

• Use the CICU report as the basis of our comprehensive checklist for reopening physical campus settings.
• Create master list of spaces with revised capacities programmed into Central Scheduling software and posted in each space; Temporary space utilization plan developed (e.g. furniture and equipment storage plan, screening and isolation areas established, etc.).
• Establish traffic flow – movement patterns into and through active buildings (both campuses).
• Plan for public announcement made regarding format of Fall 2020 semester (June/July TBD).
• Announce Virtual “Transition Days” will be held to provide additional student advising and schedule adjustments.

Classroom Population Density and Laboratory Protocols Work to Date –   The following buildings were determined to be critical for on-campus instruction for classes and laboratory work in the Fall 2020 semester: Middletown Campus - Bio Tech (BT), Rowley Center for Science and Engineering (RCSE), Harriman Hall (HA) and Newburgh Campus - Kaplan Hall (KAP).  Additionally, the Edward Diana Physical Education building (PE), the Student Shepard Center (SSC), Orange Hall (OH) and Hudson Hall (HUD) were evaluated for large available spaces in the event that it becomes necessary to use them.

All rooms in each of the buildings associated with the critical on-campus instruction were visited and surveyed for the purpose of determining adequacy to conduct in-person instruction while at the same time follow six-foot social distancing protocols as determined by the CDC. In order to accomplish the six-foot rule, it becomes necessary to reduce the number of people in nearly every active classroom / lab by an average of 50%.  Extra seating or furniture that will not be needed will be stored in vacant classrooms, and in some cases in the warehouse. 

To assist the student in following the six-foot distance rule, there will be a marker on the table or desk designating that they are to only sit where the marker is located.  This requires instruction and oversight by the instructor at the start and, throughout the semester.

Techniques employed to ensure safety are:

• Require students and employees to wear masks at all times on both campuses, and provide PPE to students and employees who do not have their own.
• Rearrange instructional space, furniture, and lab stations to ensure distancing requirements.
• Move lab activities to alternate larger space in which adequate distancing can be maintained.
• Reduce capacity in each existing lab / learning space.
  • Schedule time spent in labs to ensure an equitable rotation of student lab time with instructors; e.g. Group A, Group B.
  • If resources are available, outfit additional spaces with critical lab furniture and equipment to provide more space in which to operate.
• In disciplines that require work in pairs, full PPE will be utilized and provided to employees and students..
• Where possible, content moved to online formats and / or create video recordings to communicate with students remotely (Lecture Capture).
• When classes need to be addressed as a large group, use largest classroom spaces available (Reference: Seating Capacities Analysis).

Phase 1: Reopening of Limited On-Campus Instruction – Fall 2020.  On campus instruction will be limited to prioritized academic activities requiring in-person, lab-based instruction. Disciplines in which on-campus instruction will take place are: Health Professions, Lab Sciences, Specialized computer hardware and software, Art and Media studio. There will be severely limited access for students to work stations in Libraries to address equity and access issues.

Phase 2: In addition to Phase 1 prioritized academic activities, the second tier priority of in person instructional activities would be allowed on campus. These include: Education, Communication, Performing Arts, and limited in-person tutoring and academic support services.

Phase 3: All instructional spaces open but used according to limited capacities (requires a college-wide A week, B week schedule and/or Hyflex instructional mode). All academic support services open with social distancing. 

i.     Residence Halls – n/a

There are no residence halls at SUNY Orange.

ii.     Dining Services

SUNY Orange operates dining services through Micro Markets managed by a third-party vendor. The College will reopen these markets in stages based on the number of staff, faculty, and students on each campus in concert with a Phase 1, 2 and 3 above. In order to achieve proper social distancing, we may need to move or remove some coolers. Any loss of coolers will result in less product available for sale. Though the Micro Markets do not have assigned seating areas, there is public-space seating nearby. The College will ensure the public seating meets social distancing guidelines. The College has augmented the Micro Markets with a food truck per the Micro Market contract. A food truck will not be utilized during Phase 1 and 2 of our Re-Start plan.  

iii.     PPE

SUNY Orange will follow CDC, State DOH, and local health department recommendations regarding the use of personal protective equipment. Masks will be required (and additional PPE as needed) when on SUNY Orange campuses, and PPE will be provided by the College to students and employees who arrive without masks. Signage outlining protective measures, including the requirement that masks must be worn in all buildings will be posted in high visibility locations (e.g. building entrances, restrooms, and hallways). The College maintains an inventory of soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, masks, gloves, aprons, and face shields. Once SUNY Orange’s re-opening plan is approved inventory levels will be increased to meet projected needs at the start of the Fall semester. The longest lead-time items are hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Trash receptacles will be designated for used PPE and available throughout campus buildings in use during each phase of the reopening plan. Distribution of PPE will be through the work order process (to departments for further distribution to students and employees), and via the Safety and Security Offices (for ad-hoc pickup by students and employees as needed). The College delivery van will also maintain a stockpile of PPE for emergent needs as it makes its rounds on campus).

iv.     Screening, Testing, & Tracing

Campus-wide approaches to safety and the practice of physical distancing are essential as individuals can be without symptoms and still be COVID-19 positive. Staff and students who have been authorized to return to campus must conduct symptom monitoring every day before coming to campus to work or attending classes. It is the responsibility of the staff and students to comply with guidelines and protocols. It is a shared duty as a community to act responsibly. Students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct.

Health screening process: the use of simple tests and/or questionnaires in order to identify individuals who have risk factors or early stages of disease, but do not yet have symptoms All employees and students will be required to complete a health screening prior to entering any campus locations. If any of the screenings indicate the need for COVID-19 testing the person will be referred to their PMD / local testing sites. Once on campus, individuals will be restricted as to what buildings and/or areas they are permitted to access. 

• Health screening will be required before an individual can gain access to campus.
• Authorized individuals will be sent a health questionnaire to review before coming to campus. The individual may not be permitted on campus based upon results of daily screening and should remain at home
• Education will be provided by the Wellness Center on the proper use of masks, gloves, and proper disposal of PPE as well as assessing early signs and symptoms.
• If any screenings indicate the need for COVID-19 testing, the person will be referred to their PMD / local testing sites.

• The person exhibiting symptoms will be advised to go for testing immediately, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing. No one exhibiting symptoms should be permitted to remain on campus. Frequent cleaning & sanitizing of occupied spaces will occur to maintain the health and safety of the community. In a situation where an employee/student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, the Facilities staff should be immediately notified, and the area disinfected using CDC-approved cleaning measures. In the event an employee/student cannot report to a testing site immediately, they should be encouraged to go home and not remain on campus.
• The Wellness Center RN’s will be responsible for triage protocols and incorporating telehealth options for staff and students. This will include all CDC, DOH updates and referral information

Testing frequency and protocols: Testing will be recommended for symptomatic individuals and close contacts of an individual that has a positive test result.

• The College will follow testing directives and protocols based on NYSDOH, OCDOH and CDC guidance.
• SUNY Orange does not have the capacity to provide onsite testing. However, we will apply a robust monitoring system that includes pre-screening (questionnaire) and symptom surveillance. If a student or employee requests a COVID-19 test, they will be referred to any of the test sites below. They will be instructed not to come to campus, to wear a mask and follow all infection control recommendations.
• If any screenings indicate the need for COVID-19 testing, the person will be referred to their PMD / local testing sites. These include within the immediate area the following approved testing locations:

1. Orange Urgent Care, 75 Crystal Run Road, Middletown, NY
   (845)703-2273 (No appointment required)
2. Middletown Medical, 2 Edgewater Drive, Middletown, NY
   (845) 342-4774 (appointment required)
3. Crystal Run Healthcare, 155 Crystal Run Road, Middletown, NY
   (845) 703-6999 (appointment required )
4. Excel Urgent Care, 1 Hatfield Lane, Goshen, NY
   (845) 360-5530 (No appointment required)
5. Emergency One, 306 Windsor Hwy, New Windsor, NY
   (845)787-1400 ( no appointment required)
6. Excel Urgent Care,992 Main Street, Fishkill, NY
   ( 845)765-2240 (No appointment required )

• Diagnostic Testing Access: Individuals who do not currently have access to testing can call the New York State COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit the NYS DOH website https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov/ to have an appointment set up at one of the State’s Testing Sites.
• Serologic Testing Access: Individuals seeking serologic (antibody) testing should speak with their health care provider

Tracing, tracking and reporting of cases: reports from employees and students, that have been on campus, that they have been exposed, infected or presumed positive to COVID19 shall be reported immediately to the Orange County Department of Health  and necessary information from College records shared with OCDOH upon request.

• The College will assist the local and state Health Departments with tracing, tracking and reporting of cases.
  • Self-quarantine at home for a period of 14 days is required for any employee/ student who has a confirmed exposure to a positive COVID-19 individual per DOH protocols. They will be notified by the OCDOH.
  • SUNY Orange Wellness Center will be notified by the Orange County DOH of all confirmed student cases that have been on campus during their infectious period per contact tracing investigation.
• SUNY Orange liaison’s designated to maintain communication with the OCDOH as follows:
• Employee Contact: Iris Davis- Martinez AVP of Human Resources
  Title IX Coordinator (845) 341- 4662
• Student Contact: Susan Corbett, RN
  Wellness Center (845) 341-4870

Additional mitigation efforts will include:

• Return to work will be phased in. Increases in workforce levels will coincide with the College’s ability to monitor employee and student health.
• Hours will be staggered in all departments.
• Faculty, staff, and students will be educated on best practices for hygiene, physical distancing, and proper cough/sneeze etiquette. Human Resources will monitor compliance with best practices throughout the institution.
• SUNY Orange will provide students and employees personal protective items and training on their use. (See section 3 above).
• Sanitizing supplies will be provided for communal equipment (e.g. copiers, vehicles, etc.)
• Employee work-related travel and student travel will be limited.
• Operations continuity plans will be developed by all departments. Those who can work effectively from home will be the last to return to campus.

v.     Custodial Services

Custodial services are a critical component of the College’s reopening plan. All the CDC’s cleaning and disinfecting guidelines will be followed. The custodial staff will assist in making the College’s facilities compliant with social distancing guidelines. Staff will be required to wear PPE, which will be provided by the College as needed. To prepare the College for a reduced capacity fall semester, furniture removed from classrooms being utilized will be stored in classrooms not scheduled for use. 

All areas of the college that have been in regular use during the shutdown period will be carefully cleaned and disinfected prior to reopening. Other areas scheduled for use during the Fall semester will also be cleaned and disinfected (instructional spaces, labs, restrooms, hallways, handrails, doorknobs, light switches, stairwells, etc.).

Once the College reopens, a schedule of disinfecting high-touch areas a minimum of once daily or once per shift will be implemented in addition to normal cleaning protocols. The details of the cleaning and disinfecting schedule will follow CDC guidelines. Custodial staff will be available to respond to unscheduled clean-ups and/or disinfecting tasks.

vi.     Student Health Services 

The Wellness Center is open to all students, free of charge. Its programs are designed to promote health education and wellness for our campus community. The College’s mental health and nursing services are also available to all students. 

The Wellness Center will follow and monitor the guidance of the American College Health Association, CDC, the New York State Department of Health, SUNY, and the local health department. The Wellness Center will provide multiple means of educating the College community on how to stay safe and on infection control procedures. Mental health efforts will be aligned with ACHA COVID-19 reopening guidelines. Mental health resources will be shifted to tele-mental health and wellness programming.

CDC compliant protocols will be followed for the referral, tracing, and isolation of students and staff who are exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms or with confirmed diagnoses. The protocols will, at minimum, include:

• Direct and immediate communication with the DOH regarding cases and the College’s response.
• Collaboration among the Wellness Center staff and the local health department to resolve issues arising from students testing positive for COVID-19.
• The establishment of clear directions for communicating with students and staff who have come into close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
• The creation and utilization of campus public health teams to evaluate and recommend action to address problem areas on campus and to improve the College’s capacity for testing and tracing.

vii     Remote Academic Supports for Students

Online and remote learning support and resources will be available and communicated to students via video, live Zoom sessions, and through a new Student Success Toolkit in the Blackboard Learning Management System, in which all students are enrolled. 

In the event that a student must be quarantined, student supports will be accessible and delivered remotely. College services and offices will be accessible to quarantined students by phone, email, and via live Zoom calls.  All student services, academic support, library services, tutoring, technology support, accessibility services, wellness support, business office functions, and financial aid services will be accessible remotely to students under quarantine.

i.  - Vision for Town & Gown Interactions

SUNY Orange’s president and key administrative leaders will keep the Orange County Executive and County Legislature appraised of the College’s plans for repopulating its campuses. Similar communications will be maintained with municipal leadership within the cities of Middletown and Newburgh, which house the College’s two campuses.

Whereas many community organizations seek to use on-campus spaces for meetings and other gatherings, SUNY Orange will attempt to welcome the community back to its campuses in accordance with social distancing and population density guidelines set forth by New York State. It is clear to SUNY Orange that our ability to provide “open campuses” as we have in the past will be limited in the short term as we will prioritize resuming academic and student support operations. As we are able to expand access for students and staff, we will determine appropriate levels of “openness” for the general community.

The College’s robust Cultural Affairs programming, traditionally its largest driver of visitors to the campuses, will likewise adhere to density guidance in scheduling and offering lectures, workshops, master classes, concerts, exhibits and presentations.

ii. - Transportation, Mail, and General Delivery Services

The College provides a shuttle bus several times per day for students traveling between Newburgh and Middletown Campuses.  The College will work with the contract bus company to determine seating capacity and size of the bus to insure social distancing.  The College will direct the contractor to follow CDC guidelines for proper personal protective equipment (PPE) of driver and passengers.  The College will also ensure sanitizing procedures are in place by the bus company. When two people are in a College vehicle, masks must be worn. Masks will be provided by the College as needed for employees who utilize College vehicles. Vehicles will be equipped with disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.

Mail will be distributed to the Central Mail Room for pickup and drop-off.  A pickup schedule will be developed to reduce interaction.  Signage for the entrance to the mail room will indicate that a mask is required for entry. Occupancy to the mail room will be limited to two people at a time.  Disinfectant wipes will be provided as well.

The Central Store Room is for all general delivery services (drop-offs and shipping).  Employees will wear proper PPE while receiving and shipping and, shall practice social distancing while in the store room. The delivery van will be equipped with masks, vinyl gloves and wipes.  PPE will be used while deliveries are made.

SUNY Orange will follow and monitor the guidance of the American College Health Association (ACHA), CDC, and our local health department and implement a screening software platform that requires daily self-disclosure of COVID-19 symptoms.

Tracing, tracking and reporting of cases: reports from employees and students, that have been on campus, that they have been exposed, infected or presumed positive to COVID19 shall be reported immediately to the Orange County Department of Health  and necessary information from College records shared with OCDOH upon request.

• The College will assist the local and state Health Departments with tracing, tracking and reporting of cases.
  • Self-quarantine at home for a period of 14 days is required for any employee/ student who has a confirmed exposure to a positive COVID-19 individual per DOH protocols. They will be notified by the OCDOH.
  • SUNY Orange Wellness Center will be notified by the Orange County DOH of all confirmed student cases that have been on campus during their infectious period per contact tracing investigation.
• SUNY Orange liaison’s designated to maintain communication with the OCDOH as follows:
• Employee Contact: Iris Davis- Martinez AVP of Human Resources
  Title IX Coordinator (845) 341- 4662
• Student Contact: Susan Corbett, RN
  Wellness Center (845) 341-4870

CDC Guidelines include the following:

The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary.  Symptoms range from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Cough, fever, chills, or sore throat
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue, muscle, or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste of smell
• Congestion or runny nose
• Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Protocols in the Event an Employee Reports Illness 

• Employees presenting COVID-19 symptoms will be instructed not to report to the workplace. Employees will be directed to report illness to their supervisor and human resources department.  Employees will be advised to immediately seek medical guidance. Returning to the worksite will only be possible once the symptoms have significantly improved and the employee has been fever-free for 72 consecutive hours without any anti-fever medications.   
• SUNY Orange will implement a non-punitive leave policy for those impacted by Covid-19.
• Employees presenting COVID-19 symptoms and having been tested for COVID-19, will be advised not to report to work. Return to on-site work will be possible once symptoms have significantly improved and there is no fever for 72 consecutive hours without any anti-fever medications.  Human Resources will advise employees who have been in close proximity with an individual that exhibits symptoms to work remotely until test results are confirmed. 
• Employees who test positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate for 14 calendar days or until the Department of Health or their physician clears them to return to the workplace. Human resources will immediately inform the supervisor that the employee will not be reporting to work.  However, supervisors should not share this information with others. 
• Employees that are quarantined by the Orange County Health Department will not be permitted to report to work but will be allowed to work remotely if their work allows it.  If quarantined is extended beyond 14 calendar days, the employee should contact Human Resources. 
• Human Resources will communicate with local health department regarding positive Covid-19 test results or suspected cases
• Human Resources will gather preliminary case investigation data, including possible contacts and provide this information to public health department 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) assistance information will be provided to all employees  
• Human Resources will partner with public health to ensure that students and employees adhere to recommended quarantine timelines
• Human Resources will ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, record-keeping, and reporting obligations.

Online and remote learning support and resources will be communicated to students via video, live Zoom sessions, and through a new Student Success Toolkit in the Blackboard Learning Management System, in which all students are enrolled. 

In the event that a student must be quarantined, student supports will be accessible and delivered remotely.  College services and offices will be accessible to quarantined students by phone, email, and via live Zoom calls.  All student services, academic support, library services, tutoring, technology support, accessibility services, wellness support, business office functions, and financial aid services will be accessible remotely to students under quarantine.

Student Protocols in Event of a Reported Illness

• The Wellness Center team will adhere to protocols for the referral, tracing and isolation of students and staff who are exhibiting COVID-19-related symptoms or with confirmed diagnoses. Any plan should, at minimum, include:
• Direct and immediate communication with the DOH and community regarding cases and how the college responded
• The Wellness Center staff collaborating with the local health department to resolve any issues related to students who test positive for COVID-19 and currently attend classes
• The College will follow Orange County Department of Health protocols for communicating with students and staff who have come into close/sustained contact with confirmed case
• Creating and utilizing campus public health teams to evaluate and recommend action on potential problem areas on campus, and to assess and improve the college’s capacity for testing and tracing
• Faculty and support staff will work with students who become ill and / or quarantined to support the student’s resumed / continued participation in instructional activities; students may request a medical withdrawal from one or more courses if they are unable to continue participating in instructional activities
• College services and offices will be accessible to ill and /or quarantined students by phone, email, and via live Zoom calls.  All student services, academic support, library services, tutoring, technology support, accessibility services, wellness support, business office functions, and financial aid services will be accessible to students remotely. 

With respect to repopulating the SUNY Orange campuses this Fall and providing information related to the academic formats for Fall classes, the College will continue the COVID-19 communication plan it instituted at the outset of the pandemic.

The College has established a COVID-19 webpage, accessible from an alert message on all pages of the www.sunyorange.edu website, which houses timely information and resources for employees, students and community members. Additional links connect visitors to student FAQs; student resources; employee telecommuting guidance; protocols for reporting virus symptoms; and content from local, state and national health organizations. In addition, this section serves as a “news feed” by collecting COVID-related internal and external communications from the College in one centralized location.

Essential messages from the College will also be distributed internally with employees and students via @sunyorange.edu email accounts, as well as in two internal email newsletters (Campus Grapevine for employees and Student Grapevine for students) that are shared via email each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Content from the two Grapevine newsletters is also available on the College website.

As appropriate, updated content will also be disseminated on the College’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), for widest dissemination, and also circulated to local and regional media outlets in the form of press releases and announcements. COVID-specific videos (from sources such as the CDC and other health organizations) will be placed within the MySUNYOrange portal for additional outreach to students and employees regarding healthy practices and proper social distancing techniques.

Online and remote learning support and resources will be available and communicated to students via video, live Zoom sessions, and through a new Student Success Toolkit in the Blackboard Learning Management System, in which all students are enrolled. 

The College’s Communications team will partner with SUNY’s Communications Office, as needed, regarding broader system-wide messaging, and will collaborate with colleagues within Orange County Government to share College plans.

SUNY Orange administration will keep SUNY leadership, Orange County’s Executive and Legislature, and our state and federal elected officials apprised of plans, adjustments and messaging so that all parties are in lockstep as we move to re-open our communities.

Due to the limited time available to create this report, we will not be presenting a detailed cost analysis of the projected resources required to meet the College’s reopening plan. The purpose of this document is to identify the major elements of our plan that will have costs associated with them. More detailed analysis will be conducted once the basic concept of OCCC’s reopening plan have been approved.

• Signage.
• Personal protective equipment
  • Masks, gloves, aprons, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, face shields.
• Additional bus to travel between campuses (may not be necessary).
• 3rd party storage space for furniture removed from classroom due to social distancing requirements (will not be necessary until the College fully reopens).
• Plastic shields and other physical barrier materials and installation costs.
• COVID tests and supplies.
• Health monitoring equipment
• Increased 3rd party custodial services at Newburgh campus.
• Furniture and equipment for new lab spaces.
• Software costs – primarily for screening protocols.
• Hardware costs – primarily laptops for off-campus employees.
• AV equipment for classrooms.
• Designated trash receptacles for used PPE.
• Physical reorganization of the Student Services area to meet social distancing requirements and still serve students.
• Postage costs for community mass-mailings, etc.

• Increased cost of instruction due to reduced section sizes as a result of social distancing requirements in classrooms and labs.
• Custodial and maintenance overtime.
• Increased 3rd party custodial presence at Newburgh
• COVID patient contact tracers (hopefully this will be a government expense)
• Possible need for additional bus drivers if we have to add a second bus or more frequent trips.
• Possible increase in security staff hours at both Middletown and Newburgh campuses.

The longest lead-times are for:

• Physical renovations to classroom and other instructional spaces.
• Delivery and installation of signage.
• Delivery and installation of plastic shields and other barriers.
• PE deliveries (particularly hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes).
   

Best estimate for time required to restart: Six to eight weeks from date of plan approval.

Capacity to Maintain Social Distancing

To prepare the College for a reduced capacity fall semester and to ensure proper social distancing, furniture will be removed from classrooms being utilized and will be stored in classrooms not scheduled for use. 

Classroom Population Density and Laboratory Protocols Work to Date –   The following buildings were determined to be critical for on-campus instruction for classes and laboratory work in the Fall 2020 semester: Middletown Campus - Bio Tech (BT), Rowley Center for Science and Engineering (RCSE), Harriman Hall (HA) and Newburgh Campus - Kaplan Hall (KAP).  Additionally, the Edward Diana Physical Education building (PE), the Student Shepard Center (SSC), Orange Hall (OH) and Hudson Hall (HUD) were evaluated for large available spaces in the event that it becomes necessary to use them.

All rooms in each of the buildings associated with the critical on-campus instruction were visited and surveyed for the purpose of determining adequacy to conduct in-person instruction while at the same time follow six-foot social distancing protocols as determined by the CDC. In order to accomplish the six-foot rule, it becomes necessary to reduce the number of people in nearly every active classroom / lab by an average of 50%.  Extra seating or furniture that will not be needed will be stored in vacant classrooms, and in some cases in the warehouse. 

To assist the student in following the six-foot distance rule, there will be a marker on the table or desk designating that they are to only sit where the marker is located.  This requires instruction and oversight by the instructor at the start and, throughout the semester.

Techniques employed to ensure safety are:

• Require students and employees to wear masks at all times on both campuses, and provide PPE to students and employees.
• Rearrange instructional space, furniture, and lab stations to ensure distancing requirements.
• Move lab activities to alternate larger space in which adequate distancing can be maintained.
• Reduce capacity in each existing lab / learning space.
  • Schedule time spent in labs to ensure an equitable rotation of student lab time with instructors; e.g. Group A, Group B.
  • If resources are available, outfit additional spaces with critical lab furniture and equipment to provide more space in which to operate.
• In disciplines that require work in pairs, full PPE will be utilized and provided to employees and students.
• Where possible, content moved to online formats and / or create video recordings to communicate with students remotely (Lecture Capture).
• When classes need to be addressed as a large group, use largest classroom spaces available (Reference: Seating Capacities Analysis).

PPE

SUNY Orange will follow CDC, State DOH, and local health department recommendations regarding the use of personal protective equipment. Masks will be required (and additional PPE as needed) when on SUNY Orange campuses, and PPE will be provided by the College to students and employees who arrive without masks.

Distribution of PPE will be through the work order process (to departments for further distribution to students and employees), and via the Safety and Security Offices (for ad-hoc pickup by students and employees as needed). The College delivery van will also maintain a stockpile of PPE for response to emergent needs as it makes its rounds on campus).

Signage outlining protective measures, including the requirement that masks must be worn in all buildings will be posted in high visibility locations (e.g. building entrances, restrooms, and hallways). The College maintains an inventory of soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, masks, gloves, aprons, and face shields.

Once SUNY Orange’s re-opening plan is approved inventory levels will be increased to meet projected needs at the start of the Fall semester. The longest lead-time items are hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Distribution will be through the work order process. Trash receptacles will be designated for used PPE and available throughout campus buildings in use during each phase of the reopening plan.

Screening and Testing

SUNY Orange will follow and monitor the guidance of the American College Health Association (ACHA), CDC, and our local health department and implement a screening software platform that requires daily self-disclosure of COVID-19 symptoms.

Health screening process: the use of simple tests and/or questionnaires in order to identify individuals who have risk factors or early stages of disease, but do not yet have symptoms All employees and students will be required to complete a health screening prior to entering any campus locations. If any of the screenings indicate the need for COVID-19 testing the person will be referred to their PMD / local testing sites. Once on campus, individuals will be restricted as to what buildings and/or areas they are permitted to access. 

Testing frequency and protocols: Testing will be recommended for symptomatic individuals and close contacts of an individual that has a positive test result.

• The College will follow testing directives and protocols based on NYSDOH, OCDOH and CDC guidance.
• SUNY Orange does not have the capacity to provide onsite testing. However, we will apply a robust monitoring system that includes pre-screening (questionnaire) and symptom surveillance. If a student or employee requests a COVID-19 test, they will be referred to any of the test sites below. They will be instructed not to come to campus, to wear a mask and follow all infection control recommendations.
• If any screenings indicate the need for COVID-19 testing, the person will be referred to their PMD / local testing sites. These include within the immediate area the following approved testing locations:

1. Orange Urgent Care, 75 Crystal Run Road, Middletown, NY
   (845)703-2273 (No appointment required)
2. Middletown Medical, 2 Edgewater Drive, Middletown, NY
   (845) 342-4774 (appointment required)
3. Crystal Run Healthcare, 155 Crystal Run Road, Middletown, NY
   (845) 703-6999 (appointment required )
4. Excel Urgent Care, 1 Hatfield Lane, Goshen, NY
   (845) 360-5530 (No appointment required)
5. Emergency One, 306 Windsor Hwy, New Windsor, NY
   (845)787-1400 ( no appointment required)
6. Excel Urgent Care,992 Main Street, Fishkill, NY
   ( 845)765-2240 (No appointment required )
   • Any person exhibiting symptoms will be advised to go for testing immediately, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing. No one exhibiting symptoms should be permitted to remain on campus. Frequent cleaning & sanitizing of occupied spaces will occur to maintain the health and safety of the community. In a situation where an employee/student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, College Facilities staff should be immediately notified, and the area disinfected using CDC approved cleaning measures. In the event an employee/student cannot report to a testing site immediately, they should be encouraged to go home and not remain on campus.

• Diagnostic Testing Access: Individuals who do not currently have access to testing can call the New York State COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit the NYS DOH website https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov/ to have an appointment set up at one of the State’s Testing Sites.
• Serologic Testing Access: Individuals seeking serologic (antibody) testing should speak with their health care provider
• The Wellness Center RN’s will be responsible for triage protocols and incorporating telehealth options for staff and students. This will include all CDC, DOH updates and referral information

Residential Living

This section does not apply as SUNY Orange does not have dormitories.

Operational Activity

In support of the phased restart plan being developed, as noted in the Restart Operations subsection below, SUNY Orange will implement the following practices to re-start campus operations:

• Return to work will be phased in. Increases in workforce levels will coincide with the College’s ability to monitor employee and student health.
• Hours will be staggered in all departments.
• Faculty, staff, and students will be educated on best practices for hygiene, physical distancing, and proper cough/sneeze etiquette. Human Resources will monitor compliance with best practices throughout the institution.
• A daily health screening platform will be implemented for students and employees; all will be required to self-disclose any symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone self-disclosing symptoms will be instructed not to come to campus.
• SUNY Orange will provide personal protective items and training on their use. (See section 3 above).
• Operations continuity plans will be developed by all departments. Those who can work effectively from home will be the last to return to campus.

All areas of the college that have been in regular use during the shutdown period will be carefully cleaned and disinfected prior to reopening. Other areas scheduled for use during the Fall semester will also be cleaned and disinfected (instructional spaces, labs, restrooms, hallways, handrails, doorknobs, light switches, stairwells, etc.).

SUNY Orange operates dining services through Micro Markets managed by a third-party vendor. The College will reopen these markets in stages based on the number of staff, faculty, and students on each campus in concert with a Phase 1, 2 and 3 above. In order to achieve proper social distancing, we may need to move or remove some coolers. Any loss of coolers will result in less product available for sale. Though the Micro Markets do not have assigned seating areas, there is public-space seating nearby. The College will ensure the public seating meets social distancing guidelines. The College has augmented the Micro Markets with a food truck per the Micro Market contract. A food truck will not be utilized during Phase 1 and 2 of our Re-Start plan.  

The College provides a shuttle bus several times per day for students traveling between Newburgh and Middletown Campuses.  The College will work with the contract bus company to determine seating capacity and size of the bus to insure social distancing.  The College will direct the contractor to follow CDC guidelines for proper personal protective equipment (PPE) of driver and passengers.  The College will also ensure sanitizing procedures are in place by the bus company. When two people are in a College vehicle, masks must be worn. Masks will be provided by the College as needed for employees who utilize College vehicles. Vehicles will be equipped with disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.

Mail will be distributed to the Central Mail Room for pickup and drop-off.  A pickup schedule will be developed to reduce interaction.  Signage for the entrance to the mail room will indicate that a mask is required for entry. Occupancy to the mail room will be limited to two people at a time.  Disinfectant wipes will be provided as well.

The Central Store Room is for all general delivery services (drop-offs and shipping).  Employees will wear proper PPE while receiving and shipping and, shall practice social distancing while in the store room. PPE will be provided to employees accessing the mailroom, as needed. The delivery van will be equipped with masks, vinyl gloves and wipes. PPE will be used while deliveries are made.

Restart Operations

SUNY Orange is developing a Phased Re-Start Plan consisting of 3 phases, each of which slowly increases density and on-campus instruction and services on both physical campuses. 

Planning Phase (occurring now):

• Use the CICU report as the basis of our comprehensive checklist for reopening physical campus settings.
• Create master list of spaces with revised capacities programmed into Central Scheduling software and posted in each space; Temporary space utilization plan developed (e.g. furniture and equipment storage plan, screening and isolation areas established, etc.).
• Establish traffic flow – movement patterns into and through active buildings (both campuses).
• Plan for public announcement made regarding format of Fall 2020 semester (June/July TBD).
• Announce Virtual “Transition Days” will be held to provide additional student advising and schedule adjustments.

Phase 1: Reopening of Limited On-Campus Instruction – Fall 2020.  On campus instruction will be limited to prioritized academic activities requiring in-person, lab-based instruction. Disciplines in which on-campus instruction will take place are: Health Professions, Lab Sciences, Specialized computer hardware and software, Art and Media studio. There will be severely limited access for students to work stations in Libraries to address equity and access issues.

Phase 2: In addition to Phase 1 prioritized academic activities, the second tier priority of in person instructional activities would be allowed on campus. These include: Education, Communication, Performing Arts, and limited in-person tutoring and academic support services.

Phase 3: All instructional spaces open but used according to limited capacities (requires a college-wide A week, B week schedule and/or Hyflex instructional mode). All academic support services open with social distancing.

Extracurricular Activities Including Intramurals and Student Performances

Whereas many community organizations seek to use on-campus spaces for meetings and other gatherings, SUNY Orange will attempt to welcome the community back to its campuses in accordance with social distancing and population density guidelines set forth by New York State. It is clear to SUNY Orange that our ability to provide “open campuses” as we have in the past will be limited in the short term as we will prioritize resuming academic and student support operations. As we are able to expand access for students and staff, we will determine appropriate levels of “openness” for the general community.

The College’s robust Cultural Affairs programming, traditionally its largest driver of visitors to the campuses, will likewise adhere to density guidance in scheduling and offering lectures, workshops, master classes, concerts, exhibits and presentations. All social distancing and large-group gathering protocols established by New York State will be enforced for those very limited student activities and events that will be necessary as the College moves through its planned phased repopulating of its campuses.

Vulnerable Populations

By developing a phased repopulation plan for SUNY Orange’s two campuses, the College will be in position to accommodate, to the best extent practicable, those employees who are members of vulnerable populations or those who may feel unsafe returning to their on-campus roles/offices. Most of those folks continue to work remotely, with various levels of efficiency, as of this submission. With limited student access to our campuses, we will be able to more adeptly work with those students who may feel vulnerable or unsafe while enrolled in those limited labs and hands-on learning courses that will be held in-person. Withholding access to campus from the general public in Phase 1 should also minimize contact opportunities between students, employees and community members of all constituent groups.

Hygiene, Cleaning and Disinfection

Custodial services are a critical component of the College’s reopening plan. All the CDC’s cleaning and disinfecting guidelines will be followed. The custodial staff will assist in making the College’s facilities compliant with social distancing guidelines. Staff will be required to wear PPE, which will be provided by the College in the event staff do not furnish their own mask. To prepare the College for a reduced capacity fall semester, furniture removed from classrooms being utilized will be stored in classrooms not scheduled for use. 

Once the College reopens, a schedule of disinfecting high-touch areas a minimum of once daily or once per shift will be implemented in addition to normal cleaning protocols. The details of the cleaning and disinfecting schedule will follow CDC guidelines. Custodial staff will be available to respond to unscheduled clean-ups and/or disinfecting tasks.

Sanitizing supplies will be provided for communal equipment (e.g. copiers, vehicles, etc.)

Testing Responsibility

SUNY Orange does not have testing capacity; however, the College remains in close relationship with GARNET Health Medical Center (ORMC) and the Greater Hudson Valley Health Care Systems about testing possibilities and referrals. 

• Students enrolled in the Allied Health programs requiring internships in local healthcare facilities may be required to seek testing for entrance to the clinical sites. Any students whose symptoms or program indicate a need for testing will be referred to local testing facilities.

Testing Frequency and Protocols

• Testing will be recommended for symptomatic individuals and close contacts of an individual that has a positive test result.
• The College will follow testing directives and protocols based on NYSDOH, OCDOH and CDC guidance.
• SUNY Orange does not have the capacity to provide onsite testing. However, we will apply a robust monitoring system that includes pre-screening (questionnaire) and symptom surveillance. If a student or employee requests a COVID-19 test, they will be referred to any of the test sites below. They will be instructed not to come to campus, to wear a mask and follow all infection control recommendations.
• If any screenings indicate the need for COVID-19 testing, the person will be referred to their PMD / local testing sites. These include within the immediate area the following approved testing locations:

1. Orange Urgent Care, 75 Crystal Run Road, Middletown, NY
   (845)703-2273 (No appointment required)
2. Middletown Medical, 2 Edgewater Drive, Middletown, NY
   (845) 342-4774 (appointment required)
3. Crystal Run Healthcare, 155 Crystal Run Road, Middletown, NY
   (845) 703-6999 (appointment required )
4. Excel Urgent Care, 1 Hatfield Lane, Goshen, NY
   (845) 360-5530 (No appointment required)
5. Emergency One, 306 Windsor Hwy, New Windsor, NY
   (845)787-1400 ( no appointment required)
6. Excel Urgent Care,992 Main Street, Fishkill, NY
   ( 845)765-2240 (No appointment required )
   • Any person exhibiting symptoms will be advised to go for testing immediately, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing. No one exhibiting symptoms should be permitted to remain on campus. Frequent cleaning & sanitizing of occupied spaces will occur to maintain the health and safety of the community. In a situation where an employee/student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, College Facilities staff should be immediately notified, and the area disinfected using CDC approved cleaning measures. In the event an employee/student cannot report to a testing site immediately, they should be encouraged to go home and not remain on campus.

• Diagnostic Testing Access: Individuals who do not currently have access to testing can call the New York State COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit the NYS DOH website https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov/ to have an appointment set up at one of the State’s Testing Sites.
• Serologic Testing Access: Individuals seeking serologic (antibody) testing should speak with their health care provider

Early Warning Signs

Staff and students who have been authorized to return to campus must conduct symptom monitoring every day before coming to campus to work or attend classes. It is the responsibility of the staff and students to comply with guidelines and protocols. It is a shared duty as a community to act responsibly. Students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct.

Individuals are asked to report if they test positive for COVID-19 to either the Wellness Center (students) or Human Resources (employees). Any and all reports of exposures on campus will be closely monitored and immediately reported to the Orange County Department of Health at (845) 294-2332.

The College will share reporting data with the Orange County Department of Health and work with DOH to access related data from our region to monitor outbreaks or surges from those areas where our students live, work and visit. This will help the College adapt to changing situations within our nearby communities that may impact our on-campus operations and public health/safety.

CDC Guidelines include the following:

The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary.  Symptoms range from mild to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Cough, fever, chills, or sore throat
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue, muscle, or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste of smell
• Congestion or runny nose
• Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Tracing

Tracing, tracking and reporting of cases: reports from employees and students, that have been on campus, that they have been exposed, infected or presumed positive to COVID19 shall be reported immediately to the Orange County Department of Health and necessary information from College records shared with OCDOH upon request.

• The College will assist the local and state Health Departments with tracing, tracking and reporting of cases.
  • Self-quarantine at home for a period of 14 days is required for any employee/ student who has a confirmed exposure to a positive COVID-19 individual per DOH protocols. They will be notified by the OCDOH.
  • SUNY Orange Wellness Center will be notified by the Orange County DOH of all confirmed student cases that have been on campus during their infectious period per contact tracing investigation.
• SUNY Orange liaison’s designated to maintain communication with the OCDOH as follows:
• Employee Contact: Iris Davis- Martinez AVP of Human Resources
  Title IX Coordinator (845) 341- 4662
• Student Contact: Susan Corbett, RN
  Wellness Center (845) 341-4870

Human Resources will gather preliminary case investigation data related to employees, including possible contacts and provide this information to public health department 

The Wellness Center team, in partnership with the local department of health and other key stakeholders, and the College will follow Orange County Department of Health protocols for the referral, tracing and isolation of students and staff who are exhibiting COVID-19-related symptoms or with confirmed diagnoses, including:

• The College will follow  clear health department protocols for communicating with students and staff who have come into close/sustained contact with confirmed case
• Utilizing campus public health teams to evaluate and recommend action on potential problem areas on campus, and to assess and improve the college’s capacity for testing and tracing

Screening

Health screening process: the use of simple tests and/or questionnaires in order to identify individuals who have risk factors or early stages of disease, but do not yet have symptoms All employees and students will be required to complete a health screening prior to entering any campus locations. If any of the screenings indicate the need for COVID-19 testing the person will be referred to their PMD / local testing sites. Once on campus, individuals will be restricted as to what buildings and/or areas they are permitted to access. 

• Health screening will be required before an individual can gain access to campus.
• Authorized individuals will be sent a health questionnaire to review before coming to campus. The individual may not be permitted on campus based upon results of daily screening and should remain at home
• Education will be provided by the Wellness Center on the proper use of masks, gloves, and proper disposal of PPE as well as assessing early signs and symptoms.
• If any screenings indicate the need for COVID-19 testing, the person will be referred to their PMD / local testing sites.

Isolation

Protocols in the Event an Employee Reports Illness:

• Employees presenting COVID-19 symptoms will be instructed not to report to the workplace. Employees will be directed to report illness to their supervisor and human resources department.  Employees will be advised to immediately seek medical guidance. Returning to the worksite will only be possible once the symptoms have significantly improved and the employee has been fever-free for 72 consecutive hours without any anti-fever medications.   
• SUNY Orange will implement a non-punitive leave policy for those impacted by Covid-19.
• Employees presenting COVID-19 symptoms and having been tested for COVID-19, will be advised not to report to work. Return to on-site work will be possible once symptoms have significantly improved and there is no fever for 72 consecutive hours without any anti-fever medications.  Human Resources will advise employees who have been in close proximity with an individual that exhibits symptoms to work remotely until test results are confirmed. 
• Employees who test positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate for 14 calendar days or until the Department of Health or their physician clears them to return to the workplace. Human resources will immediately inform the supervisor that the employee will not be reporting to work.  However, supervisors should not share this information with others. 
• Human Resources will communicate with local health department regarding positive COVID-19 test results or suspected cases
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) assistance information will be provided to all employees  
• Human Resources will ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, record-keeping, and reporting obligations.

Student Protocols in Event of a Reported Illness:

• The Wellness Center will follow Orange County Department of Health protocols for the referral, tracing and isolation of students and staff who are exhibiting COVID-19-related symptoms or with confirmed diagnoses. Any plan should, at minimum, include:
• Direct and immediate communication with the DOH and community regarding cases and how the college responded
• The Wellness Center staff collaborating with the local health department to resolve any issues related to students who test positive for COVID-19 and currently attend classes
• The College will follow Orange County Department of Health protocols for communicating with students and staff who have come into close/sustained contact with confirmed case
• Utilizing campus public health teams to evaluate and recommend action on potential problem areas on campus, and to assess and improve the college’s capacity for testing and tracing
• Faculty and support staff will work with students who become ill and / or quarantined to support the student’s resumed / continued participation in instructional activities; students may request a medical withdrawal from one or more courses if they are unable to continue participating in instructional activities
• College services and offices will be accessible to ill and /or quarantined students by phone, email, and via live Zoom calls.  All student services, academic support, library services, tutoring, technology support, accessibility services, wellness support, business office functions, and financial aid services will be accessible to students remotely. 

Quarantine

Employees that are quarantined by the Orange County Health Department will not be permitted to report to work but will be allowed to work remotely if their work allows it.  If quarantined is extended beyond 14 calendar days, the employee should contact Human Resources. 

Human Resources will partner with public health to ensure that students and employees adhere to recommended quarantine timelines.

Human Resources will communicate with local health department regarding positive COVID-19 test results or suspected cases.

Student Confirmed or Suspected to Have COVID-19

Student Protocols in Event of a Reported Illness

• The Wellness Center team, in partnership with the local department of health and other key stakeholders, and the College will develop protocols for the referral, tracing and isolation of students and staff who are exhibiting COVID-19-related symptoms or with confirmed diagnoses. Any plan should, at minimum, include:
• Direct and immediate communication with the DOH and community regarding cases and how the college responded
• The Wellness Center staff collaborating with the local health department to resolve any issues related to students who test positive for COVID-19 and currently attend classes
• The College will follow OCDOH protocols for communicating with students and staff who have come into close/sustained contact with confirmed case
• Utilizing campus public health teams to evaluate and recommend action on potential problem areas on campus, and to assess and improve the college’s capacity for testing and tracing
• Faculty and support staff will work with students who become ill and / or quarantined to support the student’s resumed / continued participation in instructional activities; students may request a medical withdrawal from one or more courses if they are unable to continue participating in instructional activities
• College services and offices will be accessible to ill and /or quarantined students by phone, email, and via live Zoom calls.  All student services, academic support, library services, tutoring, technology support, accessibility services, wellness support, business office functions, and financial aid services will be accessible to students remotely.

Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection

Custodial services are a critical component of the College’s reopening plan. All the CDC’s cleaning and disinfecting guidelines will be followed. The custodial staff will assist in making the College’s facilities compliant with social distancing guidelines. Staff will be required to wear PPE, which will be provided by the College for those who do not furnish their own mask. To prepare the College for a reduced capacity fall semester, furniture removed from classrooms being utilized will be stored in classrooms not scheduled for use. 

Once the College reopens, a schedule of disinfecting high-touch areas a minimum of once daily or once per shift will be implemented in addition to normal cleaning protocols. The details of the cleaning and disinfecting schedule will follow CDC guidelines. Custodial staff will be available to respond to unscheduled clean-ups and/or disinfecting tasks.

Sanitizing supplies will be provided for communal equipment (e.g. copiers, vehicles, etc.)

Communication

With respect to repopulating the SUNY Orange campuses and providing information related to the academic formats for Fall classes, the College will continue the COVID-19 communication plan it instituted at the outset of the pandemic.

The College has established a COVID-19 webpage, accessible from an alert message on all pages of the www.sunyorange.edu website, which houses timely information and resources for employees, students and community members. Additional links connect visitors to student FAQs; student resources; employee telecommuting guidance; protocols for reporting virus symptoms; and content from local, state and national health organizations. In addition, this section serves as a “news feed” by collecting COVID-related internal and external communications from the College in one centralized location.

Essential messages from the College will also be distributed internally with employees and students via @sunyorange.edu email accounts, as well as in two internal email newsletters (Campus Grapevine for employees and Student Grapevine for students) that are shared via email each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Content from the two Grapevine newsletters is also available on the College website.

As appropriate, updated content will also be disseminated on the College’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), for widest dissemination, and also circulated to local and regional media outlets in the form of press releases and announcements. COVID-specific videos (from sources such as the CDC and other health organizations) will be placed within the MySUNYOrange portal for additional outreach to students and employees regarding healthy practices and proper social distancing techniques.

Online and remote learning support and resources will be available and communicated to students via video, live Zoom sessions, and through a new Student Success Toolkit in the Blackboard Learning Management System, in which all students are enrolled. 

The College’s Communications team will partner with SUNY’s Communications Office, as needed, regarding broader system-wide messaging, and will collaborate with colleagues within Orange County Government to share College plans.

SUNY Orange administration will keep SUNY leadership, Orange County’s Executive and Legislature, and our state and federal elected officials apprised of plans, adjustments and messaging so that all parties are in lockstep as we move to re-open our communities.

Operational Activity

Operational continuity plans will be developed by all departments. Those who can work effectively from home will be the last to return to campus.

SUNY Orange’s phased re-opening plan is designed to slowly and methodically return people to our campuses. In the event that ramp-down or shutdown procedures must be enacted, the College will be easily able to revert to a more stringent operational mindset. Departments and buildings will be closed as needed, in reaction to the situations at that time. In the event that a sudden halt to all in-person operations is needed, the College will follow the processes it implemented for the initial shutdown in March.

Move-out

This section is not applicable as SUNY Orange does not operate residence halls.

Communication

The College established a COVID-19 webpage, accessible from an alert message on all pages of the www.sunyorange.edu website, which houses timely information and resources for employees, students and community members. Additional links connect visitors to student FAQs; student resources; employee telecommuting guidance; protocols for reporting virus symptoms; and content from local, state and national health organizations. In addition, this section serves as a “news feed” by collecting COVID-related internal and external communications from the College in one centralized location.

Essential messages from the College will also be distributed internally with employees and students via @sunyorange.edu email accounts, as well as in two internal email newsletters (Campus Grapevine for employees and Student Grapevine for students) that are shared via email each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Content from the two Grapevine newsletters is also available on the College website.

As appropriate, updated content will also be disseminated on the College’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), for widest dissemination, and also circulated to local and regional media outlets in the form of press releases and announcements. COVID-specific videos (from sources such as the CDC and other health organizations) will be placed within the MySUNYOrange portal for additional outreach to students and employees regarding healthy practices and proper social distancing techniques.

The College’s Communications team will partner with SUNY’s Communications Office, as needed, regarding broader system-wide messaging, and will collaborate with colleagues within Orange County Government to share College plans.

SUNY Orange administration will keep SUNY leadership, Orange County’s Executive and Legislature, and our state and federal elected officials apprised of plans, adjustments and messaging so that all parties are in lockstep as we move to re-open our communities.

This plan and its implementation remain subject to change due to new information, guidance and/or direction from the State of New York and the Governor’s Office.

New York State Travel Ban, Quarantine Guidance, Self-Reporting Form

In coordination with New York State, SUNY Orange will follow guidance on mandatory 14-day quarantines when a person travels to either of the College’s campuses from a region or country experiencing heightened prevalence of COVID-19. Students, faculty, staff and visitors arriving in New York State from designated states that have significant community spread of COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for 14 days before coming onto a SUNY Orange campus. This requirement does not apply to any individual passing through designated states for a limited duration (i.e., less than 24 hours) through the course of travel.

Before accessing either campus, any SUNY Orange employee or student who has travelled out of state for any reason on or after Aug. 1, 2020 must complete an online health form, as required by New York State, which can be found here: https://forms.ny.gov/s3/Welcome-to-New-York-State-Traveler-Health-Form. This health form has to be completed online but the traveler can take a screen shot of the last page and submit a copy to the College.

Employees shall submit a screen of their completed form to the Human Resources office (occchr@sunyorange.edu) and students may submit their form to the Wellness Center (wellnesscenter@sunyorange.edu).

As the College’s campuses remained closed to community access, visitors to campus who arrive without an appointment will be assisted in making an appointment so as to be able to comply with campus health and safety protocols.

Once an appointment is made, information on campus health protocols and the travel advisory will be shared.  All visitors will be expected to complete and submit their health clearance before coming to campus or to provide the documentation upon their arrival.

This addendum augments or supersedes the following sections of the SUNY Orange Restart Plan and Appendix:

Chapter 1

• c. Restarting On-Campus Operations
• iv. Screening, Testing, & Tracing
• vi. Student Health Services

Chapter 2: Tracing and Monitoring

Chapter 3: Communication Outreach Plan

Appendix Section 1. Repopulation of the Campus

• Quarantine pg. 22
• Communication pg. 24

Considerations for students required to self-isolate in New York

From a public health perspective, international students who have stayed in the US since spring semester are subject to the same travel restrictions as other US citizens and residents, regarding other U.S. states. International students who arrive from overseas locations are subject to the rules that govern all arrivals from abroad, as stipulated by the Centers for Disease Control (see link below).

For any person arriving from overseas, the following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control applies:

• Stay home for 14 days from the time you returned home from international travel.

During this 14-day period, take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:

• Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing. Use this temperature log to monitor your temperature.
• Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school.
• Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
• Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

For any person arriving from another state in the United States for which travel restrictions apply, please consult guidance from the NYS Department of Health.

• The individual must not be in public or otherwise leave the quarters that they have identified as suitable for their quarantine.

• The individual must be situated in separate quarters with a separate bathroom facility for each individual or family group. Access to a sink with soap, water, and paper towels is necessary. Cleaning supplies (e.g. household cleaning wipes, bleach) must be provided in any shared bathroom.
• The individual must have a way to self-quarantine from household members as soon as fever or other symptoms develop, in a separate room(s) with a separate door. Given that an exposed person might become ill while sleeping, the exposed person must sleep in a separate bedroom from household members.
• Food must be delivered to the person’s quarters.
• Quarters must have a supply of face masks for individuals to put on if they become symptomatic.
• Garbage must be bagged and left outside for routine pick up. Special handling is not required.
• A system for temperature and symptom monitoring must be implemented to provide assessment in-place for the quarantined persons in their separate quarters.
• Nearby medical facilities must be notified, if the individual begins to experience more than mild symptoms and may require medical assistance.
• The quarters must be secure against unauthorized access.

Self-isolation guidance is subject to change. For up-to-date guidance, consult the NYS Department of Health website at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.

SPECIAL note for International Students: The rules for international arrivals are actually DIFFERENT than the mandatory quarantine requirement for students from the designated states. There is no New York State directive for international travelers unless they have also visited a restricted state. They are not under a mandated quarantine order and can be outside and in public as long as they maintain safe distancing and use face coverings where needed. Specific protocols are subject to change pursuant to CDC guidelines. 

UPDATE: When international travelers complete the NYS online health form they will receive a message from the NYS DOH saying they DO NOT need to quarantine unless they have also visited a restricted state.

appended to plan Aug. 5, 2020

On Aug. 27, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued guidance for infection rates on college campuses and mitigation actions schools must take when the infection rate rises above certain levels. 

The guidance can be found here.