Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Health Information

CDC Health Information Links in Chinese and Spanish:  中文 | Español

Boston Public Health Commission

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Suffolk recommends individuals follow CDC guidance regarding when to contact a healthcare provider over the telephone.

NOTE: it is essential, in the interest of maintaining your health and safety as well as decreasing the potential spread of communicable disease, that you call a healthcare provider to discuss next steps rather than proceeding to a healthcare facility on your own.

Please call a healthcare provider if you are experiencing:

1. Fever
2. New sore throat
3. New cough
4. New runny nose or nasal congestion
5. New shortness of breath
6. New muscle aches
7. New loss of sense of smell

AND/OR

if you have had close contact with someone who is sick and being evaluated for COVID-19 or who has received a laboratory confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.

• Students should call Counseling, Health and Wellness (CHW) at 617-573-8226 during business hours (M-F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to consult with a CHW Nurse Practitioner.
• Employees should call their personal medical provider.
• Anyone can call the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) COVID-19 Hotline 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week with COVID-19 questions or concerns at 617-724-7000.
• Anyone experiencing emergency symptoms, or seeking COVID-19 information after 8 p.m. should call the MGH Emergency Department at 617-724-4100.

The CDC and Boston Public Health Commission have recommended the following precautionary measures to decrease the spread of coronavirus.

Note: many of these preventive measures are recommended to decrease the spread of other types of viruses as well, including common colds and influenza.

• Create social distance/space between people of 6-10 feet when outside of your home (including when outdoors).
• Do not gather in groups and stay out of crowded places.
• Wear cloth face coverings (i.e.: multiple layers of fabric - not surgical masks or N-95 masks) when outside of your home and especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.  It is important to launder the mask between uses.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm, running water for at least 20 seconds; if soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow/sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Do not share food, drink, or eating utensils.
• Have no contact with bodily fluids of an ill person.
• Stay hydrated.
• Stay home when ill until fever-free for 72 hours.

Updated 4/4/2020

As of April 3, 2020, the CDC changed its recommendation regarding the wearing of face cover for asymptomatic persons (persons not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms) when they are in public settings, especially settings in which public distancing is difficult to maintain. The CDC now recommends that cloth face cover be worn in public settings by all individuals without COVID-19 symptoms. 

This revised recommendation is based upon evidence that “a significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”), and that individuals who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.” People can transmit the COVID-19 virus before showing symptoms when interacting in close proximity to others (e.g., speaking, coughing, sneezing). Therefore, wearing cloth face cover in public settings is a prevention step for the transmission of COVID-19 by asymptomatic individuals.

It is important to note that recommended cloth face cover is NOT surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Surgical masks and N-95 respirators are critical supplies needed for healthcare workers and medical first responders. The CDC states that cloth face cover can be fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost.

Face cover should:

• cover your nose and mouth
• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

The CDC cautions to NOT place face cover on:

• children under the age of 2
• anyone having trouble breathing
• anyone unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the face cover

For more information about wearing, making and cleaning face cover, see the CDC website.

Quarantine is the separation of a person or group of people reasonably believed to have been exposed to a communicable disease but is not symptomatic. The person is separated from others to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease.

Isolation is the separation of a person or group of people reasonably believed to be infected with a communicable disease and to be potentially infectious. The isolation is intended to prevent the spread of the communicable disease. The isolation may be voluntary or compelled by federal, state, or local public health order.

• CDC information for travelers returning from high risk countries.

The Quarantine Requirement and Testing Options

All individuals arriving in Massachusetts by any means or mode, including Massachusetts residents who have left the state for anything more than transitory travel, are covered by the Massachusetts travel rule. Accordingly, even travelers not required to complete the form should act in compliance with the rule.

The rule requires that you MUST quarantine for 14 days unless you:

1. are coming from a lower-risk state,
2. can produce, on request, proof of a negative test result for COVID-19 from a test administered on a sample taken not longer than 72 hours before your arrival in Massachusetts, or
3. meet the exemption criteria.

If you took a test prior to your arrival but have not received your negative result, you MUST quarantine until you receive the negative result. You may obtain a test at your own expense after your arrival in Massachusetts but you MUST quarantine until you obtain a negative result. Individuals who fail to quarantine are subject to a $500 fine per day.

Detailed information about the quarantine requirement and a list of exceptions can be found here. By completing this form, you consent to receive text messages from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

As a result, Suffolk students are required to follow the Commonwealth’s requirement for quarantining. Students coming to Massachusetts from out of the US, or from a state not considered low risk, must move into University-sponsored housing on August 20. Upon arrival, students will be tested for COVID-19 at no cost. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, they must remain in quarantine for 14 days. If students test negative for COVID-19, they may leave quarantine.

Students may quarantine in the residence halls (if they are residence students), with family in MA or in their off-campus apartments. There will be no additional cost for residence students to self-quarantine in the residence halls and food will be provided at no cost.

Programming will be available for students in quarantine and after they leave quarantine before school starts.

Suffolk strongly advises such individuals to follow Self-Quarantine instructions described here. Should a student require immediate administrative assistance regarding implementation of University quarantine guidelines, they should:

• Boston Campus CAS/SBS students: call the Office of Student Affairs (617-573-8239) during business hours or call Suffolk Police (617-573-8333) after business hours and request to receive a call from the Dean on Call.
• School of Law students: call the Law School Dean of Students Office (617-573-8157) during business hours or call Suffolk Police (617-573-8333) and request to receive a call from the Law School Dean of Students.
• Madrid Campus students: call the Madrid Campus (+34) 91-533-5935 during business hours, or call Madrid Staff on Call at (+34) 628-294-290 after business hours to speak with a Madrid campus staff member.

Self-Quarantine Steps – COVID-19

The purpose of self-quarantine is to separate and prevent the movement of asymptomatic people who have been exposed to or at higher risk of having been exposed to an infectious disease, in this case, COVID-19.

“Self-quarantine” means that you will have to stay home and monitor yourself for any potential signs of infection—coughing, fever, chills or muscle aches—for the duration of the incubation period (14 days), checking your temperature in the morning and evening,

Stay at home means you cannot go to work or school, attend social activities, or visit any public places.

• If possible, you should stay in a well-ventilated room that is your own living space in a home or apartment setting.
• Do not spend time with family or friends in person.
• Do keep in touch with friends, significant others, and family via phone or text as this is important to supporting your well-being.
• Do not have contact with family pets or animals.
• If you live with others, it’s recommended to have separate sleeping quarters (sleeping alone in a separate room).
• It’s also preferable to have your own bathroom. If you must share one, it’s vital to clean it after every use, using disinfectants that contain at least 60-90% alcohol or bleach-based cleaning wipes.
• Use your own dishes, drinking glasses and eating utensils; do not share with others.
• Meal delivery is acceptable, but it must be left outside your door or room.
• Hand washing is paramount. Frequent hand-washing with soap and warm, running water for at least 20 seconds is important; if soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• If you develop a fever or a cough and/or breathing difficulties, contact a medical provider or hospital ER by phone.
• If you develop a fever or a cough and/or breathing difficulties, wear a mask if others need to enter your room for emergency care.

Consult CDC recommendations for more details for implementing both” self-quarantine” and “self-isolation” in the setting of potential exposure, or if you test positive for COVID-19.

Please consult the CDC recommendations above for any updates or changes.

Adapted from https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2020/03/02/what-does-it-mean-if-you-are-asked-to-self-quarantine-for-the-coronavirus/#7073f9327def

We hope this message finds you and your family well. Recently, we sent you an email communication outlining our plans for fall of 2020 amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic situation. We included information that guided by then the most recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) guidelines. Since then, there have been developments on that set of guidelines. Essentially, ICE has reversed their guidance to a directive they sent out in March at the onset of the pandemic shutdown.

Suffolk’s Office of general counsel and ISSO office has reviewed this action and its current significance for incoming new International Students. As a result, we have new guidelines for you outlined in the attached FAQ. Please read it carefully. Specifically the section that pertains to attempting to enter the US as a new international student.

We are sending you again two documents:

• Fall 2020 SEVP FAQ for International Students - Here we have provided detailed answers to your most frequently asked questions.
• Fall 2020 Course Definitions - This document provides additional information about the different types of courses Suffolk will offer this fall.

There may be further developments that may change the situation. We will certainly let you know about them as we find out, so nothing is definite right now. Nonetheless, even now we feel strongly that we will still be able to offer you an education of the highest quality.

If, after reviewing these documents, you still have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. The International Student Services Office (ISSO) is available to assist and your questions. You can also contact the Admission office. We stand ready to help you navigate this difficult situation.

Sincerely,

Sebastián Royo
Vice President of International Affairs

Suffolk University's Response to New ICE/SEVP Guidance

Dear Students and Families,

We know that the last week has been incredibly stressful for you. This was, already, an extremely challenging time for all international students across the United States and around the world. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) new guidance has only served to increase uncertainty and raise anxiety. Please know that at Suffolk, you remain integral members of our global community, and we are committed to supporting you now and always.

Since early spring, we have been working tirelessly to develop flexible options for the fall semester that take into account your health and safety, your academic plans, and your personal circumstances. Even now, we feel strongly that we will still be able to offer you an education of the highest quality.

We understand that you have many questions about the new ICE/Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance and Suffolk's response to it. After a careful analysis of the policy, we have developed the following resources to help address your concerns:

• Fall 2020 SEVP FAQ for International Students - Here we have provided detailed answers to your most frequently asked questions.
• Fall 2020 Course Definitions - This document provides additional information about the different types of courses Suffolk will offer this fall.

If, after reviewing these documents, you still have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We stand ready to help you navigate this difficult situation.

Sincerely,

Sebastián Royo
Vice President of International Affairs

Gregory J. Jabaut, Director
Center for International Programs & Services

Dear Members of the Suffolk Community,

On Monday, July 6, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that international students studying in the coming academic year must leave the country (or may not enter or reenter the country) if all of their coursework is delivered remotely. Suffolk University opposes this decision and considers it punitive, arbitrary, capricious, and mean-spirited, as it will cause irreparable harm to many of our international students. Institutions must have the flexibility to deliver educational programs in the way that best fits their particular situations during this ongoing public health crisis without being penalized for those decisions.

Suffolk University has a long history of welcoming international students and an unwavering commitment to providing a global education to all of our students. International students bring a wealth of experiences, backgrounds, and diversity that fundamentally enrich the education and the experience of all members of the Suffolk community. We stand firmly behind them.

Suffolk fully supports our international students, and our intent is to do everything possible to try to accommodate their preferences within the ICE guidelines, and all subject to change depending upon guidance and requirements from local and state officials. We are fortunate that we have already planned that all new international students will have two of their courses delivered in a face-to-face format unless they stay in their home countries and decide to do their coursework fully online. In addition, we are now working to ensure that to the greatest extent possible all continuing international students also will have at least one face-to-face course as part of their program during the upcoming academic year should they choose to stay in or be able to travel to the United States. We are committed to ensuring international students have access to the transformational learning opportunities that Suffolk provides.

We believe that our community's strength stems from its diversity, and we uphold the fundamental values of fairness, justice, liberty, and individual worth. This arbitrary rule is an affront to those values. We have a responsibility to honor and uphold the fundamental values that make our institution strong, and we proudly stand in support of our international students.

Sincerely,

Marisa Kelly
President

Sebastián Royo
Vice President of International Affair

All previous Suffolk Advisories can be found on the Advisory webpage.

University-Sponsored Travel Policy During the COVID-19 Crisis

Effective August 1, 2020

Policy

Suffolk University prohibits University-sponsored travel for faculty, staff and students to locations directly affected by a health, safety, or security incident or crisis as determined by the University after reviewing respective international, federal, state, and local authorities, with limited exceptions for approved academic, co-curricular and revenue generating travel.  Both domestic and international travel must be petitioned through the process outlined in this policy.

Study Abroad

Only the following locations are currently authorized for SU study abroad semester and academic year programs: Madrid, Spain; Prague, Czech Republic; and Seoul, South Korea.  All other international study abroad locations are currently suspended based on the latest guidance from international public health organizations, Drum Cussac (the University’s global risk manager), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the US Department of State. All shorter term academic and co-curricular programs involving travel to international destinations along with all University-sponsored domestic travel by employees and students are covered by the remaining sections of this policy.

Process

Prior to petitioning, when considering travel during the COVID-19 crisis, faculty and staff should consider the academic or revenue generating need for the travel while carefully considering whether the proposed travel is appropriate given the current stage of the pandemic and the potential isolation and quarantine measures that may be required as a result of the travel. Further consideration should be given to how the traveler(s) will comply with medical, safety and security assessments for the area(s) of intended travel.

A Petition for Travel Form [PDF] must be completed by one of the following:

• the supervisor for a group of employees traveling together
• the faculty member or staff member who assumes oversight responsibility for University-sponsored travel by an individual student or a group of students
• the individual employee seeking approval for University-sponsored travel if not traveling as part of a group

Individual students may not petition for approval for University-sponsored travel; such travel must be overseen by a faculty or staff member who seeks approval for each student’s travel. University-sponsored travel arrangements must only be booked by the university.

NOTE: Approval for University-sponsored travel must be obtained before travel is booked. If approval has not been granted in advance, employees will need to reimburse the University for any incurred expenses, and employees and students will not be reimbursed if they have booked travel using personal resources.

Review and Approval Path

A completed Petition for Travel Form [PDF] must be returned to:

• For individual employees not traveling as part of a group, the final approver is the Provost for faculty or the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration (SVPFA) for all other employees. The Provost or the SVPFA will determine with consultative input from the Office of Risk Management whether to approve the travel requested.
• For academic credit programs, the final approver is the Provost, who will determine with consultative input from the Office of Risk Management whether to approve the travel requested.
• For co-curricular programs, the final approver is the Office of Risk Management, which will consult with the Suffolk Dean of Students Office for programs including CAS or SBS students, or with the Law School Dean of Students Office for programs including Law students, to determine whether to approve the travel requested.
• Once approved, all students authorized to travel on the program must sign the COVID19 Internship Waiver and Release [PDF]. Signed forms are to be retained by:
  • the supervisor for a group of employees traveling together
  • the faculty member or staff member who assumes oversight responsibility for University-sponsored travel by an individual student or a group of students

Exception to Standard Review and Approval Path

If the requested travel meets all of the following criteria, the Petition for Travel Form [PDF] should still be completed, but travel may be approved by the division head:

• Travel will use an automobile owned or rented by the traveler
• The destination is one of the states currently included by Massachusetts in the category that does not require quarantine upon return
• The travel does not include an overnight stay

After Approval

If approval is granted, travelers must comply with all applicable Suffolk University policies, procedures, and guidelines relating to their travel. Travelers must also comply with all applicable jurisdictional laws, regulations, and guidance, including but not limited to those established by international, federal, state, and local authorities such as Homeland Security, CDC, World Health Organization, and local health departments, as well as all guidelines and rules set forth by partner organizations.

Revisions

This Policy may be revised at the discretion of the Provost or SVP for Finance and Administration at any time in response to changing conditions.

These guidelines are intended to help Suffolk University students, faculty, and staff stay informed and safe during approved academic and work-related travel. Please email the Suffolk University Office of Risk Management with questions.

Suffolk University prohibits University-sponsored travel by faculty, staff and students to locations directly affected by a health, safety or security incident or crisis as determined by the University after reviewing guidance of respective international, federal, state, and local authorities, except for essential travel that is petitioned for and granted permission by the University based on an individualized risk assessment taken in context with the necessity of the proposed travel.

The Petition for Travel Form [PDF] must be completed, and necessary travel approved, prior to booking or undertaking any University-sponsored travel.

General travel guidance

• Stay informed of any current travel restrictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as any federal, state or local agencies.
• Make a packing list. Include any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe travel supplies:
  • Cloth face masks
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
  • Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces
  • Thermometer
  • Consider packing extra supplies in case of unexpected delays
• Verify any requirements for isolation after travel to or from your destination.
• Verify routes and facilities that you will use are open, including gas stations, hotels and restaurants.
• Do not touch your face or face covering without first disinfecting your hands.
• Do not travel if you are sick or awaiting COVID-19 test results.
• If you consider yourself at higher risk, the CDC recommends avoiding crowds, cruise travel and nonessential air travel. If you must travel, talk with your doctor and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.
• Maintain social distancing, if possible, when you enter and exit airplanes, buses, trains, or any area with crowds or lines.
• Apply hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds upon exiting airplanes, buses, trains or vehicles.
• Use touchless payment methods when possible, such as Apple Pay and Venmo.
• Avoid touch surfaces commonly touched by others.

Public transit

• Avoid traveling during peak hours when possible.
• Apply hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds upon exiting.
• Maintain a 6-foot distance from others when possible while waiting at pickup locations and while riding.
• Always wear a face covering while riding public transit.

Taxi or ride-share services

• Avoid riding with drivers or passengers that are showing COVID-19 symptoms.
• Request ventilation in the vehicle, such as opening windows or not recirculating air from the air conditioner.
• Ride with the fewest passengers possible. Sit in the rear of the vehicle to increase the social distance from the driver.
• Consider handling your own bags during pickup and drop-off.

Vehicles

• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces before and after vehicle use, including cup holders, door handles, gearshift, lock and window controls, mirrors, seatbelts, steering wheel, stereo, and air conditioning controls, etc.
• Check the rental agency’s website for information on how they are protecting their staff and guests.
• Limit the number of occupants so that social distancing can be maintained. When social distancing cannot be maintained, each individual should wear a face covering.
• Increase ventilation through the vehicle by opening windows or not recirculating air from the air conditioner.
• Use disinfecting wipes on all surfaces that will be touched before performing tasks, such as filling the vehicle with gas.
• Use touchless options for parking fees and tolls when possible. If not possible, wipe down surfaces with a disinfecting wipe before using meters or pay stations. Disinfect hands after interactions with toll or parking booth operators who handle cash or credit cards.
• When traveling out of state or on longer trips, use a curbside pickup or drive-thru options for meals. Before meals, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or apply hand sanitizer.

Airplanes

• Note: TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags.
• Whenever possible, use airlines that are keeping the middle seat empty.
• Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, including directly before and after completing the security screening process.
• Wear a face covering during the screening process. You may be asked to adjust your mask for ID verification or to remove it for secondary screening.
• Avoid sitting next to another passenger when possible. In open-seating situations, select a seat to maintain social distancing when possible. If seat selection is minimal, try to sit where social distancing can be maintained.
• Disinfect all surfaces of the seating area with disinfecting wipes. Disinfect all surfaces you will touch, including armrests, tray tables, seats and airflow controls.
• Limit the number of carry-on items that will be removed for security checkpoints. Disinfect any items that are removed from bags and placed in bins before returning to your carry-on luggage.
• Maintain social distancing from others when checking in for flights, especially in security checkpoint lines, open waiting areas, and lines for boarding the flight.
• Upon claiming checked baggage, disinfect handles and exterior surfaces with disinfecting wipes.
• Use electronic tickets to check in when possible. If not possible, clean kiosks with disinfecting wipes before use and apply hand sanitizer following use.
• Verify requirements for face coverings when visiting airports and with your airline for their requirement while on the plan.

Overnight travel

• Call the hotel and ask to be put in a room that has been vacant for at least 24 hours.
• Once you arrive at your room or rental, clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, tables, desks, phones, remote controls, toilets, sinks and faucets. Wash plates, glasses, cups and silverware (other than prewrapped plastic items) before using.
• Check the hotel’s website for information on how they are protecting their staff and guests.
• Avoid restaurant dine-in service. Use curbside pickup or drive-thru takeout when possible.
• If you must dine-in, check in advance to see if reservations are required due to limited capacity.
• Maintain social distancing while traveling and staying overnight. Use the stairs when elevators are crowded or wait for the next elevator.

References

• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Considerations for Travelers - Coronavirus in the US
  • How to Protect Yourself and Others
  • Use of Cloth Coverings
• TSA Response to COVID-19
• Mayo Clinic Coronavirus travel advice
• Massachusetts Travel Guidance target="_blank", including rules for MA residents who return from travel out of state

The Quarantine Requirement and Testing Options

All individuals arriving in Massachusetts by any means or mode, including Massachusetts residents who have left the state for anything more than transitory travel, are covered by the Massachusetts travel rule. Accordingly, even travelers not required to complete the form should act in compliance with the rule.

The rule requires that you MUST quarantine for 14 days unless you:

1. are coming from a lower-risk state,
2. can produce, on request, proof of a negative test result for COVID-19 from a test administered on a sample taken not longer than 72 hours before your arrival in Massachusetts, or
3. meet the exemption criteria.

If you took a test prior to your arrival but have not received your negative result, you MUST quarantine until you receive the negative result. You may obtain a test at your own expense after your arrival in Massachusetts but you MUST quarantine until you obtain a negative result. Individuals who fail to quarantine are subject to a $500 fine per day.

Detailed information about the quarantine requirement and a list of exceptions can be found here. By completing this form, you consent to receive text messages from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

As a result, Suffolk students are required to follow the Commonwealth’s requirement for quarantining. Students coming to Massachusetts from out of the US, or from a state not considered low risk, must move into University-sponsored housing on August 20. Upon arrival, students will be tested for COVID-19 at no cost. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, they must remain in isolation for a minimum of 10 days. If they are 24 hours fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications and their symptoms have significantly improved by the end of 10 days, their isolation period will be considered complete. If students test negative for COVID-19, they may leave quarantine.

Students may quarantine in the residence halls (if they are residence students), with family in MA or in their off-campus apartments. There will be no additional cost for residence students to self-quarantine in the residence halls and food will be provided at no cost.

Programming will be available for students in quarantine and after they leave quarantine before school starts.

Any CAS/SBS undergraduate or graduate student with international travel questions should contact Greg Jabaut, Director of International Student Programs. Any law students with international travel questions should contact Laura Ferrari, Law School Dean of Students.

All Suffolk-sponsored group events of any size that bring visitors to our campus are canceled until further notice. One-on-one meetings with visitors may continue. We will continue to monitor the situation and will lift this restriction when warranted.

This includes:

• admitted student events
• campus tours for more than one student
• conferences
• events planned by faculty, staff, and students in all three schools
• events planned by central units such as Admissions, CTSE, Human Resources and others

Organizers are encouraged to develop virtual alternatives where possible, as our central Admissions team is already doing for their events.

All Suffolk-sponsored group events that take place outside our campus should be canceled. We will continue to monitor the situation and will lift this restriction when warranted.

Although the advisability of Suffolk-sponsored domestic travel will continue to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the cancelation of all Suffolk-sponsored group events that take place outside our campus will greatly reduce the number of domestic travelers and help to prevent the spread of the virus.

In consultation with the Boston Public Health Commission, internal group meetings of Suffolk faculty, students and staff must be no larger than 25 people.

• Meeting organizers are urged to develop online alternatives to internal group meetings.
• For face-to-face internal group meetings of fewer than 25 Suffolk community members, we recommend following the CDC guidance about groups, which include social distancing for those meetings that are not held online, i.e., holding the meeting in a space that is large enough to allow a significant distance between participants.
• We encourage the use of Zoom meetings, which can be held virtually and scheduled directly from Outlook.

In the event of a disruption, we want to do our best to ensure that students are still learning, faculty are teaching, and services remain available. Faculty and staff can find a number of resources and tools on the following pages to help guide their work during a disruption of any kind.

• Continuity of Learning
• Continuity of Learning Services at Sawyer Library
• Off Campus Tools
• Business Continuity Planning and Suffolk Ready
• Division of Student Success Spring 2020 FAQs
• LinkedIn Learning - Recommended Videos & Learning Paths for Working Remotely

The Off-Campus Housing Office (OCHO) has received inquiries from students and family members about continuing to live in an off-campus apartment or ending their lease since the University has moved to virtual learning. We have prepared the following information to assist you in considering your options.

Your Tenant Responsibilities

Students are legally responsible for complying with the terms of the rental lease signed including ensuring they pay their rent in full and on time. Failure to pay the rent can result in the landlord taking you to Small Claims Court. Students who wish end the apartment lease early should contact the landlord or property manager to discuss options. More information about tenant responsibilities may be found at the Mass Legal Help Website.

Subletting

Students who wish to move out of their apartment but not end the lease, might consider subletting the apartment if permitted in the lease or through discussions with the landlord, but you should note that many leases do not allow for subleasing.  If subleasing is allowed under the lease, OCHO can help. You may list sublets or find roommates on the OCHO on-line housing website.

• Post an apartment or room: You can list an apartment or room for free online.  Once you log into the website using your Suffolk University email credentials, you have the ability to post pictures and details of the room or unit. You can find this under "My Account" page, under the Housing header, "Add Listing."
• Post a roommate profile: You can create a roommate profile under the "Roommate" tab, noting that they are "Looking for a Roommate."  Profiles can be viewed by the Suffolk community as well as neighboring institutions. You can also email the Off-Campus Housing Office for additional options as management companies are sharing March and April openings.

Moving & Storage Information

A list of moving and storage companies is included here [PDF]. Suffolk University does not endorse any of the companies listed.

If You Need Medical Assistance while Living in a Local Off-Campus Apartment

As communicated in previous COVID-19 Suffolk health advisories, you should consult with a medical provider:

• If you develop symptoms of a fever AND a cough OR shortness of breath AND you have recently traveled in China, Iran, Italy, OR South Korea OR
• If you have had exposure to a person diagnosed with COVID-19 OR
• If you have had exposure to a person who is being evaluated for COVID-19.

You may call Counseling, Health and Wellness at 617-573-8260 during business hours or your medical provider at home. Do not go to the offices before calling and speaking with someone. After business hours, please call Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Emergency Department at 617-724-4100 or your local hospital emergency room.

Off-Campus Student Behavior

OCHO encourages students living in off-campus apartments to practice social distancing and limit contact with large crowds. Also, please continue to demonstrate responsible citizenship in your local neighborhoods.

Contacting OCHO

If you have any questions, please contact OCHO. The office is open and operating and is available for in-person and virtual meetings with students. Please call OCHO at 617-573-8647 to schedule a convenient appointment.

Boston Campus Students

Counseling, Health & Wellness
5^th floor, 73 Tremont Street
617-573-8226

Suffolk CARES
12^th floor, 73 Tremont Street, Student Affairs Office
617-573-8239

Dean of Students Office/Law School (Law Students only)
4^th floor, Sargent Hall
617-573-8329
lawdeanofstudents@suffolk.edu

Center for International Programs and Services
9^th floor, 73 Tremont Street
617-725-4151

Interfaith Center
8^th floor, Sawyer Building, 8 Ashburton Place, room 823
617-573-8325

INTO Suffolk (INTO Students Only)
4^th floor, 73 Tremont Street
617-573-8700

COVID-19 Job Search Resources

Madrid Campus Students

Madrid Campus
(+34) 91-533-5935

Comunidad de Madrid
Dedicated line for Madrid COVID-19 concerns at: 900 102 112

What should employees do if they think they have been exposed to the Coronavirus?

1. The employee should stay home or go home and immediately seek medical guidance.
2. The employee should consult with their healthcare provider and follow their healthcare provider’s guidance OR call a COVID-19 health resource and follow their guidance:
   1. The Massachusetts General COVID-19 hotline at 617-724-7000 is open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week. After 8 p.m., call your local hospital ER.
   2. The Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5050.
3. The employee should notify their manager about how medical guidance will impact their work attendance, if this is the case. Please note: If medical guidance indicates that your concern about coronavirus exposure does not warrant self-quarantine or self-isolation, you can return to work if you are not ill, or contact your manager about work from home options.
4. If an employee needs to remain home from work per medical guidance, they should contact our 3rd party administrator, Sedgwick, at 888-436-9530.  Sedgwick is our third-party absence management administrator providing consultation and administrative support.
5. The Suffolk HR Benefit Leave Administrator will be notified by Sedgwick and will follow up with the employee’s manager and the employee to review next steps. For any questions about this or leave of absence, email Human Resources.

Concerns about Students

Faculty and staff responding to questions from students about coronavirus are encouraged to refer students to these advisory pages for more information.  Faculty and staff should also instruct students who are concerned about their own health related to coronavirus to call CHW (617-573-8260) to speak with a Nurse Practitioner.

Employee Support

Suffolk employees with questions about their health related to coronavirus should contact their personal health providers.  We are aware some employees may have family or loved ones impacted by coronavirus, and others may be experiencing increased distress or worry related to the outbreak.  Employees in need of emotional support are encouraged to contact EAP resources for assistance. For more information visit their website, enter “Suffolk University” for company name, and “guest” for the password, or call them at 1-800-828-6025.