Announcement from VP Marie Williams and AVP Vanessa Britto 

In early March, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance on how people can best protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Based on those recommendations, we write today to share updated guidance from the University based on a unified approach to preventing and managing common respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).

Although these and other respiratory viruses do not present in precisely the same ways, they share many common elements. Employing proven measures to limit exposure to and protect against the transmission of respiratory illness makes the recommendations that support and care for people with respiratory illness easier to understand and follow. These unified measures safeguard both individual and community health. Brown’s updated guidance maintains alignment with recommendations from both the CDC and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).

Current University guidance is outlined below and on the Healthy Brown website (https://healthy.brown.edu). For more information about its updated recommendations, you can read the CDC’s full announcement (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0301-respiratory-virus.html).

PREVENTATIVE CARE
As always, the best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases include regular hand-washing, covering your cough, avoiding sharing personal items, physical distancing when possible, and minimizing close contact with persons who have symptoms of respiratory illness.

MASKING
Masks continue to be optional on Brown’s campus. However, wearing a mask is recommended when an individual has active respiratory symptoms, is not up to date with vaccinations and has recently had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, flu, or RSV. Clinicians, faculty, staff, or student instructors may continue to require masking at their discretion.

TESTING AND REPORTING
Testing for the source of respiratory illness is only necessary for individuals with risk factors for severe illness, for whom specific treatment may be indicated. Reporting COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses to the University is no longer required.

MASK AND COVID-19 TEST AVAILABILITY
The University will continue to provide high-quality KN95 masks and COVID-19 test kits at no cost for all students at the Key Office in Grad Center E. Faculty and staff can continue to obtain a personal supply from local markets and pharmacies.

ISOLATION
Brown no longer requires an isolation period for COVID-19 or other respiratory infections. However, all campus community members should continue to self-isolate if they have a fever (a temperature greater than 100.5 degrees) due to any respiratory illness until they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. Additionally, all individuals are advised to wear a tight-fitting mask for five days after the onset of symptoms.

VACCINATION
Brown does not require the COVID-19 vaccination for most students, faculty, staff and visitors. However, we encourage community members to stay up to date with vaccination standards as published through national, local and campus guidelines and speak with a healthcare professional if they have underlying health conditions that may place them at notably increased risk of severe illness from respiratory tract infections.

SUPPORT RESOURCES
Brown provides a variety of resources to support students, faculty and staff. Resources that may be particularly helpful for those who are experiencing illness and seeking support include:
-- Healthy Brown website: https://healthy.brown.edu
-- Brown University Health Services: https://healthservices.brown.edu or 401-863-3953
-- Student Support Services: https://go.brown.edu/StudentSupport or 401-863-3145
-- Administrator on Call (24/7 support for all students): https://go.brown.edu/Administrator-on-Call or call 401-863-3322 and ask to speak to the AOC
-- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): https://caps.brown.edu/ or 401-863-3476
-- University Human Resources website for Brown faculty and staff: https://go.brown.edu/UHR
-- Additional guidance for instructors can be found on the provost’s website: https://go.brown.edu/FacultyFAQ_2023

Brown’s approach to managing respiratory illness has evolved to maintain alignment with public health guidelines over the last four years, and the health and safety of our community have always been, and remain, our top priority. We appreciate your ongoing support for the health and well-being of our Brown community.

Sincerely,

Marie Williams
Vice President for Human Resources

Vanessa Britto, MD, MSc
Associate Vice President for Campus Life
Executive Director of Health and Wellness