Public Health Updates
Summer 2023 Air Quality Information
Air quality is deteriorating very quickly in New York State as a result of the Canadian wildfires.
New Yorkers should be prepared for Air Quality Index levels ranging from 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' to 'Unhealthy' throughout the state today and tomorrow.
But as we saw a few weeks ago, conditions can change very quickly — with potential for temporary spikes to reach 'very unhealthy' or 'hazardous' levels.
As we continue to closely monitor conditions, we’re getting the word out to commuters from Buffalo to Brooklyn on air quality conditions and how they can protect themselves. From PSA messages on freeways to working with transit companies across the state to share audio and visual messages with riders, we’re making sure New Yorkers can get prepared.
Earlier this month, we made one million masks available for New Yorkers, and we are distributing these high-quality, N95-style masks again to make sure everyone can protect themselves from the smoke and haze.
If you live outside the New York City metro area, check with your county for more information on where you can get a free mask.
As we continue to closely monitor conditions, please stay up to date on the latest information and take appropriate steps to protect their health — especially if you are in a vulnerable group.
Vulnerable groups include children under 18, adults 65 and older, and those with cardiovascular disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attach) or lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
How to keep track of air quality:
- Use your phone's weather app
- Visit airnow.gov
- Visit the DEC website
- Call the air quality hotline: 800-535-1345
Take steps to protect yourself if air quality becomes unhealthy:
- Limit time outdoors
- Close windows
- Consider wearing a high-quality, well-fitted mask
Spring 2023 COVID-19 Information
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to perform daily self-health screenings
for infectious
illnesses, including COVID-19. Anyone with signs or symptoms of infectious illness
should stay
home when sick, seek medical care if necessary, and take measures to avoid contact
with others.
The College recommends using the CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker available online. If you test positive for COVID – 19 either with a home test or PCR test, please contact the Wellness Center by phone ( 845) 341-4870 or email wellnescenter@sunyorange.edu as soon as possible for guidance and follow up on isolation protocols.
Any student, faculty, or staff testing positive for COVID-19 must isolate in accordance
with Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) guidelines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to provide these
guidelines in the event you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Visit our website for complete COVID resources
MPX (Monkeypox): What You Need to Know
What You Need to Know about Monkeypox if You are a Teen or Young Adult
Safer Sex, Social Gatherings, and Monkeypox
Polio Information