BMCC Community,
The 2021 fall semester is coming to an end at Borough of Manhattan Community College/CUNY, and we are encountering an increase in the number of COVID-19 infections due in part to the Delta and Omicron variants.
Since March 2020, BMCC, the City University of New York (CUNY), NYC and NY State have faced challenges presented by the pandemic and continue to closely monitor this ever-changing and fluid health crisis. On December 21, 2021 CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodriguez, announced the expansion of testing at CUNY sites and other measures being taken by CUNY to further safeguard the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff.
It is imperative that everyone who hasn’t already been vaccinated and boosted do so immediately. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and members of your community against becoming seriously ill with COVID. Given the Omicron variant, boosters are even more important. To find a vaccination site near you, visit HERE or HERE.
Testing at CUNY Sites
To address the shortage of testing options and the long lines we are seeing throughout the city, CUNY has worked out an agreement with its testing provider, Applied DNA, to expand its current services so CUNY can also offer free PCR testing at CUNY testing sites beginning on Tuesday, December 28. From that day on, any CUNY student, faculty or staff member who needs to be tested for any reason will be able to walk into a site, show their CUNY ID, register in the system and get tested. Results will be available as usual within 24 to 48 hours. CUNY is also working to expand the availability of additional non-CUNY testing sites on our campuses, as well as sites to get vaccinated and boosted.
Applied DNA is using a new PCR test that captures the Omicron variant. PCR tests are considered the gold standard when it comes to COVID-19 testing. These tests provide more accurate results than rapid tests, and that’s because they use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the viral genetic material of COVID-19. A PCR test is the only accepted test to request access at any CUNY campuses.
BMCC students, faculty and staff can go to any of the 20 CUNY locations to get a FREE test with their CUNY Identification. The BMCC testing site is located at the Fiterman Hall Café, 245 Greenwich Street. Hours of operation are: Mondays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesdays, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays, CLOSED; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide updates that encourage all of us to take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and loved ones – get vaccinated, get the booster and wear a mask properly (over your nose and mouth to prevent your respiratory droplets from traveling to other people). It is EVERYONE’S responsibility to ensure that we wear masks properly. Masks are always available at BMCC building entrances with Public Safety officers. We must all do our part to protect each other from COVID.
Vaccinations at BMCC and CUNY in The Heights
BMCC plans to bring back the NYC Mobile Vaccination Van to campus on the following proposed schedule:
- Tuesday 12/28; Wednesday 12/29; and Thursday 12/30
- Tuesday, 1/4; Wednesday, 1/5; and Thursday 1/6
- Tuesday, 1/11; Wednesday, 1/12; and Thursday 1/13
The van, which will be located in front of Fiterman Hall at 245 Greenwich Street, will be in service from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will offer the Pfizer and J&J vaccines, including boosters, as well as PCR COVID testing, with no appointment necessary. Individuals getting their first dose or the booster qualify to receive a $100 incentive. For information about the vaccination van, contact the Office of Public Affairs at publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu.
CUNY in The Heights is partnering with Royal Pharmacy, located at 5030 Broadway in Inwood, to offer the Moderna vaccines and Moderna boosters; Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, contact Royal Pharmacy at (212) 567-9800.
Remain Vigilant and Flexible
As conditions evolve, we will continue to work closely with CUNY Central, health and government officials and make adjustments as needed to assure the best educational opportunities for our students, and protect the health and safety of our community. We must remember that this situation remains fluid, and we must remain flexible to adjust accordingly.
Thank you to our essential employees, which include Buildings and Grounds, Public Safety, and Information Resources and Technology, for continuing to keep our campus clean, safe and virtually operational. We appreciate your continued vigilance as we continue to navigate through this pandemic.
We must continue to be vigilant and aware of our actions and take responsibility for keeping each other healthy. This holiday season, please get vaccinated, get the booster and wear a mask properly. Continue to visit the Reimagining BMCC website for updates on our campus.
May you all be healthy and happy this holiday season. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College
