Scope

The contents of this guide applies to activities that occur within the academic, administrative, and public spaces of Harvard University. These spaces are referenced as “on campus”.

For example, on campus spaces include the buildings and open spaces within Harvard’s Cambridge and Boston campuses, Harvard’s academic, administrative and research buildings (owned by and leased by Harvard), Harvard residence halls and dormitories, and Harvard-operated vehicles. This does not apply to private apartment buildings or other real estate owned by Harvard University Real Estate (Harvard University Housing apartment buildings), nor does it apply to the spaces operated by non-Harvard entities that have a Harvard affiliation (e.g., hospitals that are affiliated with Harvard Medical School).

Instructions

Please review and follow the general guidance and Public Health within Activity-Specific and Public Health.

School and unit leadership should monitor this information for updates that are relevant to their communities and should ensure that this information is shared with those who need to know within the school/unit.

If in rare cases you feel that a specific situation offers compelling reasons to be more permissive than outlined here, consultation with HUHS and EHS is necessary.

For simplicity, this information refers to both the disease (COVID-19) and the virus (SARS-CoV-2) as COVID-19.

Massachusetts has a face mask advisory for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Per this advisory, a fully vaccinated individual should wear a mask indoors if they either:

• Have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk for severe disease because of their age or an underlying medical condition.
• If someone in their household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

The Department of Public Health particularly urges this recommendation if:

• They have a weakened immune system.
• They have an increased risk for severe disease because of age or underlying medical conditions.
• Someone in their household has a weakened immune system, an increased risk for severe disease.
• They are an unvaccinated adult.

Per Massachusetts and federal requirements, face coverings and masks are still required in healthcare facilities.

Harvard University COVID-19 Information: Quarantine and Isolation outlines quarantine requirements for individuals returning to campus and moving into on campus dorms or house residences and provides instructions for close contact quarantine.

If you are identified as a close contact of a person who tests positive for COVID-19 you are expected to follow CDC exposure guidance.

Those who were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status or a previous infection, are instructed by the CDC to:

• Take a viral COVID-19 test at least five full days after the last exposure Seek local testing options if not enrolled in Harvard's testing program.
• Wear a well-fitting mask around others for ten days in any shared or common space.
• Monitor their health over the next ten days. If any COVID-19 symptoms develop, take a viral test and isolate until the test results are known.
• Additional return-to-work testing information for Harvard healthcare and childcare workers can be found through Harvard University COVID-19 Information: Testing and Tracing.

When monitoring yourself for COVID-19, the day of exposure is considered day zero.

Anyone with symptoms needs to be evaluated and tested for COVID-19.

General use face coverings are now optional in most indoor spaces on Harvard University premises. Limited exceptions apply.

We strongly encourage individuals to consult the CDC's COVID-19 community levels for the Cambridge and Boston campuses (Middlesex and Suffolk counties respectively) to help make a personal choice on mask usage.

Wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk, is strongly encouraged in areas classified as "high". The CDC also recommends that if you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness that you wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection, even when community risk is classified as "medium".

Any persons that begin exhibiting undiagnosed symptoms of COVID-19 must mask and be tested for COVID-19. Persons should continue to mask and limit contact with others while awaiting test results. See Viral Testing for more information on testing.

Harvard University community members are encouraged to have an acceptable face covering on their persons at all times for situations in which they may be required. At this time, we also strongly recommend voluntary masking indoors and in crowded settings outdoors. High-quality disposable masks, worn with no gaps at the edges, can protect both the wearer and those around them from COVID-19.

In situations when face coverings will continue to be required, it is important to continue to comply with face covering use guidelines.

'General use' applies to faculty, staff, students, or visitors who must wear a face covering in accordance with current Harvard University policy for source control on Harvard University's premises.

Face coverings provide source control and protect others from potentially infectious droplets that might be generated by the wearer. This is particularly important because people can spread the SARS-COV-2 virus without showing symptoms.

All persons are welcome to continue wearing a mask of any type for their own protection, or to protect someone else, if they choose to do so. Nobody should be made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or marginalized because they choose to wear a mask.

In limited situations when face coverings are required, anyone on campus not adhering to the University's face coverings policy may be asked to leave campus or be subject to administrative action.

Requirement to Wear Face Coverings

Face coverings continue to be required in the following settings:

• In HUHS and other healthcare facilities and other settings hosting vulnerable populations.
• Individuals who are completing isolation or quarantine should continue to wear masks when indoors for the full 10 days following their positive test or close contact, according to existing University protocols.

Please note that schools and Central Administration Units may continue to require masking in certain settings, depending on their population, rates of infection, and other public health data.

In settings where face coverings continue to be required, individuals may remove their face covering while actively eating and drinking, unless otherwise prohibited within the space.

In certain settings, such as medical clinics and laboratories, additional PPE (e.g., N95 respirators) may be needed instead of general use face coverings.

Harvard University does not have a separate or differing mask policy for unvaccinated individuals. Harvard community and non-Harvard community members who are unvaccinated should be instructed to talk to their healthcare provider about whether they should wear a mask or respirator when indoors.

To protect the privacy of our community and visitors, vaccination status is often unknown and the decision to wear a mask in settings where it is not required is a personal one. The decision to mask should be informed by the prevalence of cases in the community, your vaccination status, and your age/medical history.

We strongly encourage indoor masking for persons with greater health risks or concerns. Masks continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of transmission regardless of vaccination status.

E.g., Hand washing, coughing/sneezing

Harvard University COVID-19 Information: Health and Wellbeing covers some requirements and resources pertaining to personal hygiene.

If you are wearing a face covering and cannot safely remove it to cough or sneeze using tissues, you should cough or sneeze into your elbow while wearing your mask. Be sure to turn away from other people and remain distanced to the extent possible.

Harvard University community members are still expected to report positive COVID-19 diagnosis to HUHS via Crimson Clear.

Per HUHS, persons must fulfill the isolation requirements set by HUHS or health professionals before returning to work or to other activities. A negative COVID-19 test is not required to return to work, except in limited circumstances for Harvard's healthcare and childcare workers.

Harvard University requires COVID-19 vaccination for all Harvard University community members and boosters for all eligible community members, including:

• Students
• Faculty
• Staff
• Researchers
• Embedded vendors (service contractors who support Harvard University on a routine basis, have an HUID, and assign one or more of their staff members to campus for an extended period of time).

Exceptions may be provided for medical or religious reasons. Note that unvaccinated individuals may be subject to additional public health measures (e.g., more frequent testing). Unvaccinated persons should ensure they take steps to plan and protect themselves while on campus, including face coverings, distancing (when possible), and avoiding locations/activities where there are unmasked people.

Visitors

Although the University's vaccination policy only applies to Harvard community members, in limited settings some schools and units may have more restrictive policies that require proof or attestation of vaccination to non-Harvard community members.

Non-Harvard community members, including non-embedded vendors, visiting scholars, speakers, students/faculty from other academic institutions, families and guests of Harvard students, alumni, and human subjects participating in research should be notified that Harvard has a vaccination and booster requirement.

Prior to arriving on campus, non-Harvard community members should check with the local school or unit they are visiting to verify specific vaccination policies that may be in place.

To be considered up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations per CDC guidelines, you must:

• Have completed a primary series of an FDA- or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
• Have received one or more COVID-19 booster doses (depending on your age and medical history).

Harvard University community members are expected to have received and verified their COVID-19 booster with HUHS by January 31, 2022. Individuals who are not yet eligible to receive a booster dose by this date must receive and verify their booster dose with HUHS within 30 days after becoming eligible.

If you are already up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations:

• Keep your vaccination card safe and make a copy for your files.
• If you have been vaccinated outside of HUHS, please follow guidance to securely verify your vaccination with HUHS.
• Viral testing is still required for anyone with symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19.
• Continue to practice healthy habits (e.g., face covering use, physical distancing, etc.) in accordance with Harvard University protocols

Schools/units may voluntarily choose to extend the University's vaccination requirement to non-Harvard community members as described previously and including members of the general public provided the following conditions are met:

• Schools/units must not keep record of vaccination cards, proof of vaccination, or COVID-19 test results.

  For members of the Harvard community, HUHS securely maintains COVID-19 vaccination records and exemption claims submitted to them.

• If schools/units require vaccination they must determine how they will handle vaccination exemption requests, as HUHS cannot review and process these exemption forms for non-Harvard community members.

  Schools/units may choose to require those not vaccinated to attest or display proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test (within the past calendar day prior to campus activity).

• Schools/units may alternatively require attestation of vaccination or vaccination exemption, rather than proof. Various attestation strategies can be used (e.g., signage at entries, inclusion in registration process or forms, and sign-in sheets).

  The following language should be used when requiring attestation:

  "I attest that I satisfy one of the following requirements:

  • I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19 using a vaccine authorized by the FDA or WHO and have received my booster (if eligible), or
  • I qualify for exemption based upon age, a medical contraindication, or firmly held religious belief.

  I also agree to immediately share with Harvard University Health Services any proof of my vaccination status if I am identified as an exposed person through public health contact tracing efforts."

• For non-Harvard community members, schools and units may choose to require proof or attestation of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result (within the past calendar day).
• Schools/units that wish to require attestations from their vendors should get in touch with their vendor relationship manager and provide the form of written attestation (following the previous language) that they would like vendor workers to sign or otherwise confirm before coming to campus.
• Schools/units may choose to require those not vaccinated to attest or display proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test (within the past calendar day prior to campus activity).
• To speed up the process of reviewing proof of vaccination, schools and units may wish to encourage the use of digital vaccine cards (available at My Vax Records for people who received their vaccine in Massachusetts).

  Please note that we do not recommend the use of any other apps for reviewing proof of vaccination beyond the one previously mentioned.

• All current and applicable University COVID-19 policies and protocols must be followed regardless of visitor and program participant vaccination status.

  Harvard community members are required to report their vaccination status to HUHS, and therefore should not be expected to further disclose vaccination status to individual schools or units. If an approved activity such as voluntary unmasking for performances or teaching specifically requires vaccination as one of the controls, schools or units choosing to verify such must not keep records or proof of vaccination.

Change Contact: Marykate Franks

After COVID-19 Exposure

The CDC no longer requires quarantine for any individuals, regardless of their vaccination status, after being exposed to COVID-19.

The CDC's recommended steps following an exposure to a COVID-19-positive individual are outlined. Take a viral COVID-19 test at least five full days after the last exposure.

Return to Work and Other Activities After Isolation

The CDC no longer requires quarantine for any individuals, regardless of their vaccination status, after being exposed to COVID-19. Language concerning quarantining individuals exposed to COVID-19 is removed.

Vaccination

The CDC now has different criteria for who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and when they can be obtained.

Viral Testing

Language on Harvard University's viral testing program is updated to reflect current testing protocols.

The University no longer requires regular surveillance testing. Antigen tests are available through private insurance. University-sponsored, optional PCR viral testing through Color is available until September 16, 2022.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Face Coverings

Although the University policy on face coverings remains unchanged, Face Coverings was updated to provide recommendations on face coverings consistent with CDC guidance for areas classified as "High" in the CDC's COVID-19 community level designation.

As our Boston and Cambridge campuses are now classified as "High" in the CDC's COVID-19 community level, we strongly encourage wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk. The CDC also recommends that if you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness you wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection.

Any persons that begin exhibiting undiagnosed symptoms of COVID-19 must mask and be tested for COVID-19. Persons should continue to mask and limit contact with others while awaiting test results. See Viral Testing for more information on testing.

Harvard University community members are encouraged to have an acceptable face covering on their persons at all times for situations in which they may be required. At this time, we also strongly recommend voluntary masking indoors and in crowded settings outdoors. High-quality disposable masks, worn with no gaps at the edges, can protect both the wearer and those around them from COVID-19.

Viral Testing

Viral Testing was updated to reiterate that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19 should test. Harvard community members may use a Color test or rapid antigen COVID-19 test. Additional information on obtaining tests, recommendations on when to test, and instructions for interpreting rapid antigen test results are included in the update.

Rapid antigen COVID-19 tests detect current infection and are sometimes also called "home tests," "at-home tests," or "over-the-counter (OTC) tests." Always read the complete manufacturer's instructions for use before using the test. If the test result is positive, the test detected the virus and you have an infection. Follow isolation instructions. Harvard community members must report positive status through Crimson Clear. A negative self-test result means that the test did not detect the virus and you may not have a COVID-19 infection, but it does not guarantee you do not have COVID-19. If you have symptoms and your first rapid test was negative, you should repeat the test within a few days, with at least 24 hours between tests, or obtain a molecular or PCR test.

If you are attending multiple events on campus, especially while unmasked, periodic testing throughout the week can help to detect and prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is strongly recommended to test immediately before the gathering, or as close to the time of the event as possible. This is especially important before gathering with individuals at risk of severe disease, older adults, those who are immunocompromised, or people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including children who cannot get vaccinated yet.

Be prepared by securing a supply of rapid antigen tests in advance. For more information on securing tests prior to arriving on campus, please see the Department of Health and Human Services free at-home COVID-19 tests or Harvard University COVID-19 Information: Testing & Tracing.

Change Contact: Marykate Franks

Federal Guidance

Federal guidance was updated to reflect current guidance concerning face covering usage on public and private transit.

Massachusetts and Local Requirements

Massachusetts and local requirements were updated to reflect current guidance concerning face covering usage on public and private transit.

Face Coverings

Consistent with current federal and local guidelines, face coverings was updated to remove the mask requirement for public and private transportation, including University shuttles and buses. Face coverings are still recommended in these settings, but are not required.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Activity & Workplace Planning

Provided an updated overview of campus COVID-19 guidance:

Campus COVID-19 guidance continues to be adjusted and many of the restrictions put in place over the past two years have been lifted. Most notably, as of March 14, 2022 the Activity Specific section of this guidance has been rescinded and schools and units shall focus on core public health principles when developing local policies and planning activities and events.

University-wide guidance may be supplemented by school or Central Administration unit policies.

As always, the situation will be closely monitored and this guidance will be updated when changes in public health conditions warrant.

Federal Guidance

This section has been updated to reflect current federal guidance.

Massachusetts and Local Requirements

This section has been updated to reflect current guidance including updates to the state face covering advisory.

Activity-Specific:

The Activity Specific sections of this guidance has been rescinded and schools and units shall focus on core public health principles when developing local policies and planning activities and events.

For example, a school planning event shall look to the Public Health vaccination, viral testing, and face covering guidance to ensure that any applicable requirements are followed.

Public Health:

Face Coverings

This section has been significantly updated to incorporate the shift to optional masking in most indoor settings on campus. Limited exceptions do apply and in such cases individuals must continue to comply with the face covering use guidelines.

See Face Coverings for additional details.

Isolation

This section has been revised to specify that only Harvard community members are required to report positive COVID-19 diagnosis to HUHS.

Visitors, non-embedded vendors, and other non-Harvard community members are no longer required to report positive diagnosis, but should identify and notify potential close-contacts as soon as possible and follow CDC, MADPH, and healthcare provider instructions for isolation.

Physical/Social Distancing

This section has been revised to specify that physical distancing is no longer required indoors or outdoors.

Added the following reminder:

To the extent feasible, unvaccinated individuals and people at higher risk for severe illness may choose to continue distancing themselves from others in addition to other precautions recommended by their healthcare provider.

Vaccination

This section has been updated to include more specific vaccination guidance for visitors to campus.

Although the University's vaccination policy only applies to Harvard community members, some schools and units may have more restrictive policies that require proof or attestation of vaccination.

Prior to arriving on campus, non-Harvard community members should check with the local school or unit they are visiting to verify specific vaccination policies that may be in place.

Viral Testing

This section has been updated to include more specific viral testing guidance for visitors to campus.

Although the University's viral testing policy only applies to Harvard community members, some schools and units may have more restrictive policies that require proof or attestation of a negative COVID test prior to on-campus activity.

Prior to arriving on campus, non-Harvard community members should check with the local school or unit they are visiting to verify specific viral testing policies that may be in place.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Activity-Specific:

Classroom, Instruction, Lecture, and Designated Study Spaces

Reinstated guidance to allow exemptions for unmasking during instruction when authorized by local school or unit and all controls listed within Classroom, Instruction, Lecture, and Designated Study Spaces are met.

Clarified that PCR testing is not required for unmasked instruction when Color testing has been paused by HUHS due to a recent positive diagnosis.

Events and Gatherings: Indoors

Removed temporary restrictions put in place during COVID-19 surge:

• Events attendees may include members of the general public.
• Event attendees are no longer required to remain stationary while actively eating and drinking.

Fitness: Recreational Facilities and Health Clubs

Removed temporary distancing requirement put in place during COVID-19 surge for swimmers on the pool deck and within the pool when all other existing controls are followed.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

February 3, 2022 Update

As COVID-19 cases in the community decline, some temporary restrictions put in place in response to the Omicron variant have been lifted. The situation will continue to be closely monitored over the next few weeks and guidance adjusted or reinstated as appropriate.

Schools and units continue to have discretion for guidance that remains a recommendation, however, unless there is a strong and compelling reason, policies should be temporarily revised to reflect all recent updates, and changes communicated to their local communities.

Activity-Specific:

Eating and Drinking

Amended guidance to allow areas designated for eating and drinking to reopen to full capacity:

Schools and units may consider reopening in-person dining spaces that have been temporarily closed or converted to all grab-n-go. Regardless, to the extent feasible schools and units should continue offering grab-and-go food service as an option and ensure designated space is available for physically distanced dining (see the following for more details).

Diners must be reminded to remain masked except while actively eating and drinking and should be encouraged to limit their time in the dining area to enable access for others.

Events and Gatherings: Indoors

Revised guidance to allow a food and beverage component at indoor events if all of the following requirements are met:

• Attendees are all Harvard community members in our viral testing program.
• Space is provided for physically distanced dining.
• Attendees remain stationary while unmasked.
• All other existing guidance within this section and eating and drinking section is followed.

Vendors

Updated guidance around vaccinations to include booster requirement (if eligible) for embedded vendors.

Visitors

Rescinded strong recommendation to exclude or limit visitors to campus:

Schools and units may resume allowing visitors on campus provided all of the requirements within this section are strictly followed.

Strongly consider requiring that all short-term visitors (defined in “Official visitors who will have short-term or limited access on campus”) attest to or demonstrate proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test if accessing non-public spaces on campus.

Public Health:

Vaccination

Updated vaccination attestation language to include booster requirement for those eligible.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Public Health:

Quarantine

This section has been updated to clarify expectations based on whether an individual is up to date on their vaccines (including boosters). Additional details for vaccination and booster requirements are provided in the vaccination section of this guidance.

Vaccination

This section has been updated to reflect the change in booster eligibility.

To be considered up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations you must:

• Have completed primary series of an FDA- or WHO-authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
• Have received a COVID-19 booster dose if it has been at least five months since getting the second Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or if it has been at least two months after receiving the Johnson and Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

For non-Harvard community members, schools and units may choose to require proof or attestation of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result (within the past calendar day). This guidance has been updated to now allow either PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. Guidance has also been shortened to require testing within one calendar day instead of 72 hours to better evaluate and detect a current infection prior to on-campus activity.

Additionally, added the following guidance regarding vaccination verification:

To speed up the process of reviewing proof of vaccination, schools and units may wish to encourage the use of digital vaccine cards (available at My Vax Records for people who received their vaccine in Massachusetts). Please note that we do not recommend the use of any other apps beyond the one mentioned above for reviewing proof of vaccination.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Added an expanded introduction to address critical updates leading into the extended winter break and January return.

December 18th, 2021 Update

Parallel to Harvard University’s December 18th, 2021 community-wide message responding to the Omicron variant and recent surge of COVID-19 cases in our community, the following updates to the Harvard University On Campus Activity Guidance supersede less stringent policies and recommendations until further notice. Unless there is a strong and compelling reason, schools and units should consider revising policies and communicating these changes to their local communities.

• Unless members of the same household, Harvard community members are strongly encouraged to resume physical distancing when unmasking indoors for activities such as eating and drinking.
• Eating and drinking areas: To the extent feasible, separate seats by six feet in designated dining areas, increase the number of seats or options for physically distanced dining, and/or pivot to grab-and-go food service.
• Events, gatherings, and celebrations that involve unmasking indoors are not advised by HUHS and EHS at this time, and at least through January of 2022. Consider cancelling, postponing, or switching to virtual options for all in-person gatherings, regardless of whether the event includes food and beverages.
• Encourage physical distancing whenever possible, regardless of vaccination status.
• Limit or exclude non-essential visitors to residential spaces and non-public buildings and spaces on campus.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Federal Guidance:

Added:

Harvard University’s On-Campus Activity Guidance is intended to comply with the Executive Order on Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors.

Activity-Specific Updates:

Performances and Rehearsals:

Expanded definitions to include performer(s) and recording crews, poetry, and other forms of entertainment as activities/settings in which the guidance applies.

Clarified that the increased viral testing requirement (at least twice weekly for performers who will unmask) applies when those performers are on campus and must always be within at least 72 hours of unmasking for a performance.

Visitors:

Added a new definition and requirements for official visitors that are minors.

For the purposes of this guidance minors are defined as anyone under the age of 18 who is not an enrolled Harvard student. New requirements/allowances/reminders for programs and activities involving minors:

• Minors are exempt from the University’s viral testing program, even if their visit exceeds seven days (within a six-week time period), if their program is not an overnight program, requires masks at all times while indoors, and physical distancing can be maintained for essential unmasking activities such as eating and drinking.
• Minors that are on campus for more than seven days (within a six-week time period) and are exempt from the University’s viral testing program, may be required to follow additional public health measures, as determined by HUHS and EHS. Programs and activities that fall under this category should reach out to HUHS/EHS in advance and as the program date approaches to discuss additional public health measures.
• All programs that involve having minors on campus more than seven days (within a six-week time period) must also include a process to verify that all participants are vaccinated. See Public Health: Vaccination for additional details.
• All programs involving minors must also be registered with the Harvard Youth Protection Office.

Updated the threshold for requiring enrollment into the University testing program from seven cumulative days throughout the year, to more than seven days (within a six-week time period) for all visitors. This eliminates the need to set up visitors who are only coming to campus once per week as a POIs.

As schools and units begin to welcome more visitors to campus, the following section was added to reiterate the importance of advanced planning and communication about procedures and expectations for visitors who test positive during their stay or visit:

Schools/units and program coordinators inviting guests on campus for overnight visits (on or off campus) of any duration, must plan and communicate the procedure in place and expectations for a visitor that tests positive during their stay. This should include information such as where the visitor will complete their isolation, how services (including food) will be handled, travel plans, and cost considerations.

The University is not equipped to provide isolation housing and services to non-Harvard community guests and visitors, which must be addressed at the school/unit level when planning for visitors.

Public Health Updates:

Vaccination:

Schools and units may choose to require proof of vaccination, rather than vaccination attestation which includes individuals who may qualify for an exemption and does not require proof.

If schools/units require vaccination, they must determine how they will handle vaccination exemption requests as HUHS cannot review and process these exemption forms for non-Harvard community members.

Schools/units may choose to require those not vaccinated to attest or display proof of a recent negative COVID-19 PCR test (within 72 hours prior to campus activity).

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

General Updates:

Added an expanded introduction to address the structure of University guidance, including minimum University-wide standards in addition to local school/unit policies that may be more restrictive to address their local needs or unique risk factors.

Activity-Specific Updates:

Events and Gatherings: Indoors:

Principle Investigator has been added to examples of school/unit officials sponsoring and supervising an event.

Added language to reiterate that schools and units may temporarily institute more restrictive requirements to address their local needs or unique risk factors. Event organizers must check in with school/unit to review current policies for events and gatherings.

Revised language around non-sponsored events to clarify that that 10-person occupancy limit only applies to private living spaces (i.e., dorm rooms) or suites within Harvard residence halls and dormitories. This does not apply to common rooms within residence halls such as study spaces, lounges, and meeting rooms. Specific schools/units may have additional requirements and restrictions concerning visitors.

Added guidance to indicate that tents are considered an indoor space if more than two sides (or half the perimeter) are enclosed and must follow all guidance for indoor events and gatherings within this section.

Public Health Updates:

Vaccination:

Added language to clarify that because Harvard Community members are required to report vaccination status to HUHS, they should not be expected to further disclose vaccination status to individual schools or units. If an approved activity such as voluntary unmasking for performances or teaching specifically requires vaccination as one of the controls, schools/units choosing to verify such must not keep records or proof of vaccination.

For non-Harvard community members, schools/units may choose to require proof or attestation of vaccination or a negative PCR test result (within the past 72 hours).

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Activity-Specific Updates:

Events and Gatherings: Indoors:

Face coverings may only be removed when attendees are actively eating and drinking. This applies to all events on campus. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Provided additional considerations for planning events when there are increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases on campus.

Classrooms, Instruction, Lecture and Designated Study Spaces: During periods of high viral transmission, and while Harvard’s indoors face covering remains, instructors and professors must continue to wear face coverings unless the school/unit has authorized an exception based on a strong pedagogical necessity for this activity.

Eating and Drinking:

Added requirement to ensure that there are “distanced dining” seats available in every designated indoor dining space associated with a licensed food establishment (e.g., dining halls, retail cafes) or there is a close, alternate location available for distanced dining.

Added in guidance to consider strategies to de-densify indoor dining (restrict non-eating and drinking activities such as studying and meetings during peak meal periods, support take-out and grab-n-go options, or encourage diners to limit their mealtimes to 30 minutes or less).

Public Health Updates:

Face Coverings:

Added the following guidance: Fully vaccinated persons should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for outdoor activities with close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated.

Added language to include requirements within reinstated city of Cambridge face covering order.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Activity-Specific Updates:

Events and Gatherings: Indoors: Per the reinstituted mask order in the City of Boston, all private events held on the Boston campuses must adhere to indoor masking requirements, unmasking only when actively eating and drinking.

Performances and Rehearsals: Provided new guidance on limited allowances for unmasking during performance arts rehearsals and performances.

Eating and Drinking Added guidance for eating and drinking spaces that are not equipped with a means for increased air exchange/flow or filtration.

Classrooms, Instruction, Lecture and Designated Study Spaces:

Clarified that unmasking allowances in this setting are not an option when classes are open to the general public.

Unmasking allowance must be approved by school/unit and any other more restrictive guidance provided by school/unit must be followed in addition to University policies.

With additional controls, including increasing viral testing to a minimum of two times per week, distance has been updated to a minimum of six feet.

Public Health Updates:

Face Coverings Added language to include requirements within the reinstated City of Boston face covering order.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Activity-Specific Updates:

Removed Room and Space Use: General Guidance, Room and Space Use: Laboratory and Laboratory Support, and Room and Space Use: Specialized Skills Teaching and Practice Areas Requiring Close Contact.

Events and Gatherings: Indoors:

Added visitor limit of 10 persons for non-sponsored indoor gatherings in Harvard residence halls and dormitories.

For private events, face coverings must be worn by all guests when in any common areas of the event venue, including restrooms, entryways and lobbies.

Off Campus Activities and Events: Added new topic to address University sponsored and non-sponsored events that would take place off campus.

Performances and Rehearsals: Revised to include information on when fully vaccinated performers may remove their face coverings during performances and instructional arts (i.e., music, dance, singing, playing brass and woodwind instruments, and theatre settings). Fully vaccinated performers may be unmasked when at least 14 feet of distance can be maintained between unmasked performers and all other persons.

Eating and Drinking: Clarified information on eating and drinking in personal workspaces to include physical distancing of at least six feet from other persons.

Language on cleaning dining tables in licensed food establishment updated to reflect Massachusetts Food Code requirements.

Classrooms, Instruction, Lecture and Designated Study Spaces:

Clarified requirements for face coverings use.

Eating and drinking are not permitted in classrooms, only in designated areas. In instructional settings, professors and lecturers may choose to remove their face covering for the purpose of instruction. The requirements for this option are now included in this topic.

Public Health Updates:

Face Coverings

The language under the CDC and Massachusetts columns was changed to reflect current federal and state guidance.

Limited instances when face coverings can be removed in instructional and performing and instructional arts settings was clarified.

Ventilation: This new topic was added to provide best management practices to optimize ventilation and improve indoor air quality. This topic replaces previous guidance listed in EHS Rooms and Space Use: General Guidance.

Cleaning and Disinfection: Environmental Control Procedure (ECP) links and descriptions for enhanced cleaning and disinfection were updated.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Updated the narrative section to consolidate current University policies and requirements to Activity-Specific and Public Health.

Existing requirements for Harvard visitors can be found in the modified topic of Activity-Specific. The decision to bring visitors on campus will rest with schools/units and their ability to successfully adhere to the current University requirements.

Activity-Specific Updates:

Travel Policy: Updated to provide guidance for domestic and international travel based on vaccination status.

Visitors: Revised the threshold for short-term visitors to seven days or less. Official visitors must abide by current University COVID-19 requirements while on campus.

General Public: Physical distancing restrictions will be lifted as of July 15, 2021 and venue capacity may return to pre-COVID-19 levels in all operations and spaces open to the general public. Visitors must continue to adhere to University face covering requirements and attest to their health (multiple strategies can be used) prior to entering Harvard buildings.

Indoor and Outdoor Events: Occupancy limits have been lifted and should be based on the school/unit’s ability to successfully adhere to University COVID-19 policies and guidance provided within Activity-Specific and Public Health.
Room and Space Use: Designated Eating and Drinking: Rooms designated for eating and drinking may now follow the Room and Space Use General Guidance. Physical distancing restrictions will be lifted as of July 15, 2021, and vaccinated persons may dine together indoors in close proximity.

Transportation: As of July 15, 2021 vaccinated persons may ride together in University vehicles.

Public Health Updates:

Physical Distancing: As of July 15, 2021 the University will no longer require that vaccinated persons observe physical distance requirements, either indoors or outdoors. Unvaccinated persons are still required to maintain physical distancing indoors.

Change Contact: Cynthia Parenteau

Updated Activity-Specific to include University changes to certain activities, including outdoor events, fitness facilities, travel, official visitors, and significant changes to Rooms and Spaces.

Change Contact: Marykate Franks

Updated Activity-Specific and Public Health to include University and Massachusetts changes to certain activities, including outdoor and indoor events, vaccination, and travel.

Change Contact: Marykate Franks

Created two new topics in Activity-Specific: Official Visitors and Buildings and Operations Open to the General Public.

Additional University interim requirements were added to Activity-Specific: Sports: Club and Intramural Amateur.

Change Contact: Marykate Franks

Updated Activity-Specific and Public Health to reflect changes to University requirements.

Change Contact: Marykate Franks

Updated Activity-Specific and Public Health to reflect changes to Massachusetts and city requirements.