COVID-19 prevention
Receiving negative results from a COVID-19 test is reassuring, but remember, it is only a snapshot in time. A negative test today doesn’t mean a negative test tomorrow. Always follow all public health and safety guidelines. Students, faculty and staff can reduce their risk for contracting and spreading this virus by:
- Wearing a mask or cloth face covering inside all public areas in campus facilities and outdoors when six feet of social distancing is not possible.
- Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Staying home when you are sick
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Avoiding large gatherings
Post-exposure plan
If you have been the close contact of someone with COVID-19, please follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidance.
Medical Care for COVID-19
The Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC) remains available to students who are ill and wish to be evaluated to see if their symptoms are related to COVID-19 through diagnostic testing.
If you feel ill, do not leave your on-campus room or come to campus if you are an off-campus residing student. All students with ANY symptom of COVID-19, even mild or minimal ones, should isolate themselves and get a diagnostic test.
If you have performed a home test and it is positive, you do not need a “confirmatory test” to see if you are truly positive. A positive result means you have COVID-19. Save the time and expense of further medical visits and testing.
All students who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate
Isolating is non-negotiable, and failure to comply may result in University sanctions.
Reporting positive test results
All Binghamton University community members are recommended to report positive COVID tests to the Broome County Department of Health.
Additionally, students who test positive on a home test or at an off-campus location should report results through the student health portal.
Make an isolation plan now
Before anyone becomes ill, discuss what you and those you live with will do if one or more of you test positive for COVID-19. On-campus residing students are required to isolate at home or in their residential hall room. Talking through how you will handle this situation now will clarify expectations and will avoid you having to make decisions under pressure or while feeling ill. Think about:
- Where will you be most comfortable and supported during your isolation?
- Will you remain isolated in your room/apartment or will you go home? What if circumstances prevent you from being able to leave?
- If your ill roommate must stay in your room/apartment, will you be uncomfortable staying with them? If so, where will you stay?
More information for students isolating is available on the isolation webpage.
Important contact information
Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC)
- 607-777-2221
- Hours: 8 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Monday–Friday
- After hours: Speak to a registered nurse through by calling DSHSC and following the directions in the recorded message.
- 607-777-2772 (dial ext. 2 after hours)
- Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday
CARE Team
Consultation | Advocacy | Referrals | Education
- Phone: 607-777-2804
- Email: dos@binghamton.edu
Emergency: 607-777-2222
Harpur's Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Squad
Emergency: 607-777-3333
