#New York college students must pass a COVID-19 test to enter campus

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Coronavirus hospital tents were previously set up on the Stony Brook University Campus in April.

Dennis A. Clark / NYPost

Students enrolled at New York’s public colleges must first pass a COVID-19 test in order to get access to campus in a bid to prevent the spread of the contagious virus.

The State University at Albany and Stony Brook University sent notices to students saying they have to provide proof of having tested negative for the coronavirus before arrival on campus later this month for the fall semester.

“Given reported delays for COVID-19 test results and lack of testing availability in some areas, all University at Albany students should be tested as soon as possible in order to have results prior to the beginning of fall classes,” Michael Christakis, vice president of student affairs, said in a “Dear Great Dane” letter to students.

“If a student living on campus fails to provide the University proof of a negative test or NYS Department of Health clearance document (for students who have had documented COVID-19) before their arrival on campus, they will not be permitted to check in to their residence hall or apartment,” warned Christakis.

“Until students have a negative test result in hand, they should remain at home.”

Stony Brook officials said passing the COVID-19 test is just the first step during the fall semester to keep the killer bug at bay.

“YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO MOVE INTO CAMPUS HOUSING UNLESS YOU PRODUCE A COVID-19 PCR NEGATIVE TEST RESULT AND PROVIDE THAT TEST RESULT AT CHECK-IN,” the letter to Stony Brook students said.

The letter said private health insurance should cover the costs of testing, which is also offered free of charge by local health departments.

Stony Brook students will also be monitored and required to complete a “daily electronic screener” to track COVID-19 related symptoms during the semester.

“If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or a temperature that is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius, you will be directed to contact Student Health Services for an evaluation and a determination if you need to have a COVID-19 PCR test,” said the letter to students sent by Rick Gatteau, Stony Brook’s vice president for student affairs.

“In addition to testing that is required as a result of symptoms, we will conduct ongoing testing during the semester to ensure our community remains safe and healthy.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order in March that emptied the college campuses and required students to take online courses from home for the remainder of the spring semester to help stem the spread of COVID-19 as the pandemic hit New York hard. Space at Stony Brook and other SUNY and CUNY campuses was also set aside for the public health emergency.

The crisis has receded in New York. But college officials have a tricky challenge of welcoming thousands of students back to campus without triggering another outbreak.