COVID-19 Info

Safety Is Our Priority

International House is deeply committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community. Updates will be posted here as well as the precautionary measures and protocols we are implementing to minimize the risk of exposure among our in-House population of Residents and Staff.

ALL RESIDENT MEMBERS AND GUESTS MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF VACCINATION BEFORE JOINING THE COMMUNITY.

COVID-19 Protocols

International House is following a “isolate in place” COVID-19 Policy for all Resident Members. Please review the important takeaways of this policy:

Inform I-House.

It is strongly encouraged for resident members who test positive to immediately notify the Claremont Desk by calling 212.316.8448. Informing staff enables I-House to track case numbers and provide relevant information and timely updates as needed. The Claremont Desk will provide resident members with the Isolate in Place guidelines.

Isolate in Place.

If a Resident Member tests positive for COVID-19, they are required to isolate in place in accordance with COVID-19 Guidelines.

  • Isolating in place means isolating within the Resident Member’s room in I-House South, within the member’s individual room in a multi-bedroom suite in the North Building, or in the member’s studio or one-bedroom apartment in the North Building.
  • Resident Members in isolation should not leave their space except for essential tasks such as to use the bathroom, obtain medical care, or to obtain food or medicine. Masks are required to be worn during these essential tasks. No exceptions.
  • Resident Members in isolation are not allowed to attend any I-House programs or events.
  • Failure to comply with active COVID-19 policies is a violation of the I-House Code of Conduct and can result in a disciplinary action.

What to Expect During the Pandemic

I-House is committed to continuing to fulfill the mission of I-House by providing a meaningful living and learning experience for the postgraduate students, interns and trainees who join our global community. We will continue to follow city, state and federal guidance and will update the community as needed with changes in protocols. These protocols include:

  • Masks are optional for all Resident Members and Staff. All community members are expected to respect the personal choice to wear or not wear a mask within I-House.
  • All Resident Members must submit proof of vaccination during the admissions process.
  • All guests must show proof of vaccination at the Claremont Desk upon entry.
  • Hand Sanitizer stations have been placed throughout I-House.
  • All high-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected multiple times daily.

What to do if I test positive for COVID-19 while living at I-House

  • I tested positive for COVID – 19 and I am isolating at I-House. What are my responsibilities while isolating?
    • Check in with your medical provider if you have any questions about your health or COVID-19 treatments. During the isolation period, you must not leave your room except for essential tasks such as to use the bathroom, obtain medical care, or to obtain food or medicine.
    • If you must leave your room, wear a well-fitting mask while you are out. Please refer to the I-House COVID-19 Isolate in Place Policy.
    • If you are isolating in a shared suite, you should remain in your room unless you need to use the suite facilities (kitchen, bathroom, etc.), and be sure to maintain physical distance and wear a mask outside your room. Please do not leave to exercise, go shopping, or even take a walk.
  • If I am in isolation, who will be responsible for my meals, trash, mail, and package deliveries?
    Resident Members are responsible for obtaining their own meals, emptying trash, and picking up mail/packages while in isolation. The following are suggested options:
    • Order through a food or grocery delivery service (e.g., Grub Hub, Seamless, Instacart, Fresh Direct, etc.). You will be able to leave your room briefly to pick up your food in the lobby.
    • Ask a friend or roommate to pick up food for you in the Dining Hall or elsewhere.
    • If this is not an option, you can leave your room briefly to pick up a Grab & Go meal yourself in the Dining Hall. It is recommended that you stock up to minimize multiple trips and possible exposure during isolation.
    • You must wear a mask the entire time you are out, including while you are in your building’s common spaces (hallways, elevators, stairwells, bathrooms, etc.). You must immediately return to your room after picking up your delivery.
    • I-House staff are not available for meal or package delivery.
  • What are some tips so that I may respect my fellow Resident Members, if I have to isolate in the South Building or a multi-bedroom suite?
    I-House members who have isolated in the past offer this advice to get what you need while still respecting others:
    • Ask a friend to pick up a desired item from the front desk, mailroom, cafeteria, or elsewhere, and drop it outside the apartment door or your room, communicating when it can be retrieved, via text. Do NOT allow anyone to come into your isolation space or leave something at your interior door (other than roommates) while you are in isolation.
    • Many members have found the Alto pharmacy “app” useful which offers home delivery of prescriptions. You may transfer prescriptions to this pharmacy to take advantage of this free benefit. Choose the Park Avenue location in Manhattan when registering or directing your medical provider about where to call in the prescription. Download the free Alto pharmacy “app” here.
    • If you would like to talk to someone for emotional support in confidence, you may request that Global Health and Wellness Services contact you by notifying the Claremont Desk or by contacting the Director at lpirro@ihouse-nyc.org or via mobile, 914.673.9010, or desk direct line (non-emergency during business hours only) 212.316.7184).
  • Why does I-House not isolate positive cases any longer?
    • The latest changes to I-House policy consider the proven effectiveness of vaccines (including booster shots) against serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 and the degree of acquired immunity (through prior infection, or vaccines) within the broader community. As a result of these measures, members of the community are rarely getting severely ill from COVID.
    • These reasons make I-House well-positioned to switch to an isolate-in-place protocol.
    • I-House updates its policies, in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local guidelines but may also adapt these guidelines to the unique requirements of I-House members and its facilities.
    • We reserve the right to adjust our policies should the public health situation change.
  • I just found out my roommate is isolating, and we were in close contact for a meal and a movie 2 days ago. What should I do?
    • If you develop symptoms, start wearing a mask around others.
    • Take a COVID-19 test 5 days after your last exposure with the exposure day being day 0. Note the last day of exposure is the last day you were (or will be) exposed to them during their isolation period (I don’t understand this sentence or its relevance).
  • What precautions should I take to protect myself if I am living in a shared suite with someone who is isolating?
    • You should avoid close contact with the person who is isolating and wear a well-fitting mask when you are around other people in your suite. You should not share any personal household items.
    • You should take steps to maximize the ventilation in the apartment by opening windows if it is safe to do so.
    • Increase your testing frequency. The only way to distinguish COVID-19 from any other illness, such as the flu or the common cold, is to test.
  • If I live in a suite with someone who is isolating in the apartment, will they still be able to use the kitchen and bathroom?
    Yes. The person isolating may exit their room to use the bathroom and kitchen, to cook, or to briefly pick up a food delivery from the Claremont Desk. Although members in isolation may use the kitchen for essential tasks, they may not use any shared food utensils, pots, pans, or cups. Members who are isolating in a suite may not utilize any other shared living space, such as the living room or dining area for the duration of their isolation. Members in isolation should limit their time outside their room to essential tasks such as using the kitchen or bathroom and must wear a well-fitting mask when outside their room.

Please contact the Admissions Office team for more information at admissions@ihouse-nyc.org.