COVID-19 Updates

Sept. 9, 2022

The following information describes Providence College’s COVID-19 guidelines at the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester. PC’s senior leadership, in consultation with staff healthcare personnel and Rhode Island public health authorities, continue 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 exposed to COVID-19, according to CDC guidelines updated last week, should wear a mask around others at all times for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status. Accordingly, students are advised to bring with them a supply of N95, KN94, or surgical masks.

TESTING

At the outset of the fall semester, the availability of on-campus testing will be limited to symptomatic students (in a clinical setting at the Student Health Center). 

STUDENTS WHO TEST POSITIVE

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

• Call Student Health Services at x2422 (weekdays 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or Public Safety at x2391 (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 very 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 updated last week. This means wearing a mask around others for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status, and self-monitoring for symptoms. A test at least 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 of the past two-plus years 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.