Covid-19 Updates and Safety Guidelines

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration was ended by Federal government, as well as the State of New Hampshire, on May 11, 2023.

You can find complete information regarding what this means for the federal COVID-19 response at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-phe.html

NH COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 Testing

BinaxNOW Test Kits

PSU will continue to offer BinaxNOW test kits for all students, staff, and faculty. These will continue to be provided until the current inventory is depleted, or the test kits hit their expiration date. We will notify you when test kits are no longer available.
Employees and students (both residential and nonresidential) may pick up BinaxNOW tests in Speare 201A during regular business hours. This is a self-service option; test kits will be (and are currently) available to take from the office.

Health Services Testing

PSU Health Services will also provide testing for symptomatic students during its regular hours (by appointment only), which can be found on their website.
Please call (603) 535-2350 to schedule an appointment.

Masks   

Masks are not required on the PSU campus but are always welcome. Individual faculty and staff may require masks in their offices or classrooms.   
Please remember that while PSU is not mandating masks currently, it is vital that we are respectful to those wearing them. Please comply if you are asked to wear a mask in an office, classroom, or other campus location.   


Vaccinations   

PSU encourages but does not require everyone to stay protected against COVID-19 by getting their primary vaccine series and staying up to date with a booster dose if they are eligible to receive one. If you are interested in receiving your first dose or an eligible booster, you can find information on where to obtain the vaccine in your home area or Plymouth. Students and employees are not required to verify or update their vaccination status with the University.   


Disinfection Materials & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The PPE Request form is no longer in use. Please plan on purchasing any protective equipment and disinfection needs through your individual office or department.

Notifications, Isolation, and Class Attendance Policies 

Quick Reminder on Terminology:

  • Isolation is required when an individual tests positive for COVID-19. Isolation is used to separate people with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 from those without COVID-19.
  • Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick.

As you are reading the information below, it is important to remember that isolation requirements are for those who have tested positive for COVID-19.


Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19—regardless of vaccination status—should isolate from others and follow full isolation recommendations. PSU follows NH Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS) guidance in conjunction with CDC recommendations. For further information and reference on isolation requirements please refer to the CDC’s Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19.

While a negative rapid (antigen) test is no longer required before leaving isolation, we recommend you take a rapid antigen test for your safety and the safety of others.

Residential students who test positive are strongly recommended to return home or isolate in place, leaving only for food or medical care. It is required that you wear a mask at all times during your isolation period. There are no isolation locations available on campus.

The NHDHHS and CDC no longer recommend quarantine for individuals exposed to COVID-19; therefore, PSU will not be conducting contact tracing.

Students will be responsible for reaching out to instructors and working with them on a plan for missed classes and course work. There are no plans or requirements to provide a virtual or Zoom option for students during their isolation period. Faculty will still be expected to provide remote access for qualified students who have an ADA or Section 504 accommodation through Campus Accessibility Services.

Employees who contract COVID-19 will be responsible for alerting their supervisors and working on plans for their isolation period.

Questions?  

As a result of the public health emergency ending (as noted above), PSU’s COVID-19 specific email, and hotline, have been deactivated. If you have questions, there are still campus personnel available to help!

For any health-related concerns, contact your primary healthcare provider or Health Services

For University specific questions, contact:
Katie Caron
Director of Health and Environmental Safety
krcaron@plymouth.edu
603-535-2244