COVID-19 Updates

Jan. 11, 2023

The following information describes Providence College’s COVID-19 guidelines. PC’s senior leadership, in consultation with staff healthcare personnel and Rhode Island public health authorities, continues to monitor coronavirus conditions and will adjust these guidelines as may become necessary.

VACCINE DOCUMENTATION

Vaccinated students are asked to be sure that the college has a record of their current vaccination status by uploading a photo or scan of their vaccine card to the college’s secure database. 

Returning students who documented vaccination during the 2021-2022 academic year only need to provide new documentation if their status has changed.

MASKS

While masks are currently optional inside Providence College buildings (except the Student Health Center, where they are required), faculty members have the authority to require masks in classrooms. Persons who test positive for COVID-19 and those who have been exposed to it, according to CDC guidelines, should wear a mask around others at all times for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status. Accordingly, students are advised to have access to a supply of N95, KN94, or surgical masks.

TESTING

The availability of on-campus testing is limited to symptomatic students. Call Student Health Services at 401.865.2422 (weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) if you are experiencing symptoms to arrange for testing. To arrange for symptomatic rapid testing nights and weekends, call 401.865.2391.

STUDENTS WHO TEST POSITIVE

Any student who tests positive using a home/rapid test must take the following steps:

• Call Student Health Services at 401.865.2422 (weekdays 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or Public Safety at 401.865.2391 (nights and weekends) to report the positive test
• Upload a photo of the positive test result to the secure database
• Begin isolation

On-campus resident students who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to return home to isolate unless their circumstances are extraordinary, because the availability of on-campus or off-campus space for this purpose is limited. Off-campus students are also advised to return home for isolation, to limit the possibility of spreading the virus to others in the PC community.

STUDENTS EXPOSED TO COVID-19

Students exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19 should begin precautions immediately, in accordance with CDC guidelines. This means wearing a mask around others for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status, and self-monitoring for symptoms. A test five full days after last exposure to the person with COVID-19 is also recommended.

Roommates should consider themselves to have been exposed to the person who tests positive. Student Health Center personnel will contact others who may be advised to begin precautions, based on information provided by the student who recorded a positive test.

While COVID-19 remains a concern, the experiences since 2020 leave Providence College well positioned to mitigate its impact, prioritizing community health and safety while maintaining as much of the student academic and campus life experience as possible. Thank you.

Questions? Email continuity@providence.edu

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Questions? Email continuity@providence.edu.