Spring 2023 Update on COVID-19 University Guidance

Dear members of the Columbia community,

We write to update you on important changes to the University’s COVID-19 policies.

The University continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and to provide guidance accordingly, thanks to the continuing efforts of our Public Health Working Group. We have all benefited from their vigilance and expertise since the earliest days of the pandemic.

At this point in time, the status of the COVID-19 pandemic has improved substantially, with cases and hospitalizations continuing to decline in New York City and the US. This is due to a combination of factors, including availability of vaccines and booster doses, immune response after infection, access to effective COVID-19 treatment, and the appropriate use of other protective measures.

With the planned ending of the COVID-19 national public health emergency scheduled for May 11, 2023, the University is adjusting its COVID-19 guidance as of that date, as indicated below. Please also note the additional requirements for those in clinical and clinical research settings.  

• Vaccination: The COVID-19 vaccine mandate will no longer be in effect, and proof of vaccination will not need to be submitted. However, we strongly recommend that all affiliates follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination which recommend that everyone be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including booster doses.
• Masking: Affiliates are recommended to follow community guidance on indoor masking, which is predicated on community transmission levels. Individuals may decide to mask based on their own circumstances and their preferences. Such decisions should be respected.
• Visitor policy: Visitors, including vendors and alumni, will no longer need to show proof of vaccination.
• ReOpen CU app: The ReOpen CU app will no longer be in use by the University.
• Positive COVID-19 tests: An affiliate with a positive test does not need to report their result to the University; all affiliates should refer to the CDC for guidance after a positive test and consult with their provider for appropriate care.

Additional requirements for patient-facing faculty, staff, and students in clinical and clinical research settings:  

University clinical and clinical research settings
Masking, including an N95 when necessary, remains required in University clinical and clinical research settings, as of the present time. Additional guidance or future changes in requirements will be communicated as they occur.

Non-University clinical spaces (e.g., affiliated hospitals)
Existing vaccination and masking policies in these spaces should be adhered to.

For all settings, the University continues to strongly recommend that affiliates stay home if they feel unwell and isolate according to CDC guidelines if they test positive for COVID-19.

As always, the University will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation carefully and adjust these measures as needed.

Thank you for your past and current commitment to the safety of our community.

Sincerely,

Mary C. Boyce (she/her/hers)
Provost

Katrina Armstrong, MD (she/her/hers)
Dean of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Executive Vice President of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Gerald M. Rosberg (he/him/his)
Senior Executive Vice President