COVID-19 Response: What's Now, What's Next

A one-stop location for anyone experiencing any kind of difficulty, or just wanting to learn more about Brandeis’ resources, is the Support at Brandeis website. Follow the prompts to get connected to information about academic, health or financial services. Even though COVID-19 makes it difficult to connect in-person, there is always someone to lean on at Brandeis.

If you know what you’re looking for, you may also find it in the Directory of Campus Contacts.

A comprehensive list of academic resources is available on the School of Arts and Sciences website, and Academic Services has compiled specific collections of resources for new students and returning students.

In light of parties that have become super-spreader events in other states and on other campuses, no social gatherings of more than 10 people at any time, on or off-campus, are allowed, and all students must be masked (or wear face coverings) and remain six feet apart unless otherwise officially noted.

If a host is notified that an attendee or worker at an event has tested positive for COVID-19, the host is required to notify the local board of health (in Waltham, the Waltham Board of Health). Hosts are required to assist with contact tracing.

Exceeding the allowed number of people, or failing to report positive cases or assist with contact tracing, may result in a $500 fine per violation. Each person over the limits allowed at a gathering may count as a single violation. In other words, having 50 people at an outdoor gathering could result in a $25,000 fine.

Masks should be worn at all social gatherings.

These rules apply to gatherings held in any city or town in Massachusetts, and not just Waltham.

Any close contact with another presents a risk of infection. There is no such thing as 100 percent safe sex when it comes to COVID-19.

You are safest being intimate with an individual in your social circle or with someone with whom you have an existing relationship.

Please be aware:

• Kissing, close-talking, the exchange of saliva, and breathing and panting within close range of someone can transmit the virus.
• You will be safest with a consistent sex partner.
• Do not have sexual activity with someone who has COVID-19 or is showing symptoms associated with COVID-19, including fever, cough and shortness of breath.
• A recent negative result on a COVID-19 test is not a guarantee someone isn’t infected. Individuals can become infected immediately following the test.
• Public displays of affection that involve removing your mask or exposing your mouth or nose pose a health risk to those around you. Brandeis requires anyone on campus to wear face coverings while on campus in all areas, indoors and out, with the exceptions of private spaces such as a residence hall room.
• Though it is unlikely, it is not known with certainty whether intercourse can transmit the virus or whether the virus is present in semen or vaginal fluids.
• Consider wearing a face mask. It will reduce the chance of transmission.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sexual activity.

More information on sexual and reproductive health can be found on the Health Center website.

The New York City Department of Health has provided a comprehensive guide to sexual activity and COVID-19.

The Hiatt Career Center has a number of virtual events, panels and recruiting sessions planned with Brandeis alumni. Students should look in Handshake for upcoming events and networking opportunities, and join the Brandeis University Career Connections group on LinkedIn to ask career questions and meet other alumni.