COVID-19 Response COVID-19 Response

CornellAlert: Moving to COVID-19 Alert Level Yellow

March 23, 2022

COVID-19 cases on the Ithaca campus are increasing beyond the university’s predictions, indicating a substantial prevalence of the virus on campus. As a result, the Ithaca campus will move to COVID-19 Alert Level Yellow, effective immediately.

Students, faculty or staff who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should visit one of Cornell’s symptomatic testing sites to pick up a Symptomatic Test Kit. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms (i.e., difficulty breathing, high fever) should stay home and seek medical attention at Cornell Health (for students) or their primary care physician (for employees). Do not go to a surveillance testing location if you are experiencing symptoms.

Public health officials advise the following actions to protect yourself and others:

  • Wear a high-quality face mask when inside and not alone in an office or cubicle, or outside when physical distancing is not possible. Visit the university’s COVID-19 website for additional guidance on masking.
  • Face masks should completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against your face.
  • Obtain a COVID-19 booster as soon as you are eligible to do so.
  • Avoid unmasked gatherings; limit close contact among groups of people.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if washing is not an option.
  • Stay home and avoid contact with others when you are sick; call ahead before seeking medical care at Cornell Health or elsewhere.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Visit Cornell’s COVID-19 website for additional information related to prevention and care. The website also includes the university’s COVID-19 tracking dashboard, which is updated Monday through Friday to include information about testing and positive cases within the campus community.

This message is being sent to the campus community pursuant to the university’s emergency response procedures and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act.