COVID-19 Resources

Social Distancing is an important part of keeping you healthy and slows the spread of the virus. Here are some tips for practicing social distancing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

When going out in public, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a cloth face covering to slow the spread of COVID-19. Consider the following tips for practicing social distancing when you decide to go out.

• Know Before You Go: Before going out, know and follow the guidance from local public health authorities where you live.
   
• Prepare for Transportation: Consider social distancing options to travel safely when running errands or commuting to and from work, whether walking, bicycling, wheelchair rolling, or using public transit, rideshares, or taxis. When using public transit, try to keep at least 6 feet from other passengers or transit operators – for example, when you are waiting at a bus station or selecting seats on a bus or train. When using rideshares or taxis, avoid pooled rides where multiple passengers are picked up, and sit in the back seat in larger vehicles so you can remain at least 6 feet away from the driver. Follow these additional tips to protect yourself while using transportation.
   
• Limit Contact When Running Errands: Only visit stores selling household essentials in person when you absolutely need to, and stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household while shopping and in lines. If possible, use drive-thru, curbside pick-up, or delivery services to limit face-to-face contact with others. Maintain physical distance between yourself and delivery service providers during exchanges and wear a cloth face covering.
   
• Choose Safe Social Activities: It is possible to stay socially connected with friends and family who don’t live in your home by calling, using video chat, or staying connected through social media. If meeting others in person (e.g., at small outdoor gatherings, yard or driveway gathering with a small group of friends or family members), stay at least 6 feet from others who are not from your household. Follow these steps to stay safe if you will be participating in personal and social activities outside of your home.
   
• Keep Distance at Events and Gatherings: It is safest to avoid crowded places and gatherings where it may be difficult to stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household. If you are in a crowded space, try to keep 6 feet of space between yourself and others at all times, and wear a cloth face covering. Cloth face coverings are especially important in times when physical distancing is difficult. Pay attention to any physical guides, such as tape markings on floors or signs on walls, directing attendees to remain at least 6 feet apart from each other in lines or at other times. Allow other people 6 feet of space when you pass by them in both indoor and outdoor settings.
   
• Stay Distanced While Being Active: Consider going for a walk, bike ride, or wheelchair roll in your neighborhood or in another safe location where you can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other pedestrians and cyclists. If you decide to visit a nearby park, trail, or recreational facility, first check for closures or restrictions. If open, consider how many other people might be there and choose a location where it will be possible to keep at least 6 feet of space between yourself and other people who are not from your household.

Many people have personal circumstances or situations that present challenges with practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please see the following guidance for additional recommendations and considerations:

• Know When to Delay your Travel to Avoid Spreading COVID-19
• Households Living in Close Quarters: How to Protect Those Who Are Most Vulnerable
• Living in Shared Housing
• People with Disabilities

Detailed information on self-isolation, isolation and quarantine is available on the Columbia University COVID-19 Resources page.

Meet Alma, Columbia's COVID-19 Chat Information Service

Got a question about COVID-19 and the academic year? Columbia's COVID-19 Resource Guide for the Community now features Alma, an interactive chat information service. Ask Alma a Question.

COVID-19 Resources Guide for Columbia Community:

COVID-19 resources guide published by the University. 

COVID-19 Public Health Protocols:

This web page contains COVID-19 Public Health guidance including symptom screening, use of face coverings and social and physical distancing. 

COVID-19 Initial Testing Implementation Process:

This website contains information on COVID-19 initial testing required for Columbia community.

COVID-19 Test and Trace Program:

This website contains information on Columbia University Test and Trace Program. Detailed information and guidelines on diagnostic testing, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation are available on this page. 

Columbia Health Medical Services:

Columbia Health offers in-person appointments, virtual appointments, same day service and 24/7 urgent medical support. Details on hours and operations for Spring 2021 semester are available on the website.

For clinical questions, including symptoms, please call the Columbia Health hotline on 212-854-9355 or email at [email protected].

Columbia Health Quarantine and Isolation Support

Columbia Health has designed a series of programs and services to support your well-being needs while in quarantine or isolation in New York. Visit the page to learn more. 

COVID-19 Fact Sheets and Guidelines: 
This web page contains following fact sheets and guidelines published by the University

• Face Covering and Fever Monitoring
• How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19
• Masks and Face Coverings in Public
• Social Distancing to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
• Workplace Hygiene
• Advisory for Essential Work in University Research Labs
• Quarantine Guide for Morningside Students
• Quarantine Guide for Faculty and Staff