Back to Pratt: Event Guidelines Update, Masks, Long COVID Support, and What’s Going On? (February 18, 2022)

From: Back to Pratt
​Date: February 18, 2022
Subject: Event Guidelines Update, Masks, Long COVID Support, and What’s Going On?

Current campus conditions are yellow. Here’s how we’re staying safe and in person through Commencement!

• Event Guidelines Update: Beginning Monday, February 21, additional external guests and pre-packaged or grab-and-go food will be allowed at events. As promised, event and gathering guidelines will be reviewed and, if necessary, adjusted every two weeks. The next update will be announced in the March 4 Back to Pratt newsletter. 
• Mask Policy: Masks are still required indoors on campus and may only be removed briefly for eating and drinking. Pratt will continue to follow NYC and CDC guidance to keep the community safe and in person!
• COVID-19 Testing: Pratt’s administrative offices are closed for Presidents Day, which includes no on-campus COVID testing. Testing will resume Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 AM–4 PM, as scheduled.
• Expanded Testing: Pratt’s expanded testing program returns the week of February 21. A randomized sampling of community members who access Pratt’s campuses will be selected each week to participate. Please watch for notification in your email and the Pratt Safe app, and respond as directed, if you are selected. 
• COVID-19 Boosters: All eligible community members are required to get a COVID-19 booster. Find a booster near you at www.vaccines.gov and submit proof through the online form. Pratt is currently not accepting any international boosters, until they are approved in the United States. If you received an international booster, please wait for additional guidance. 
• Long COVID Support: Long-term COVID-19 effects, such as persistent fatigue, brain fog, loss of function, or other significant impacts on major life activities, qualify as disabling conditions under the ADA. Students should contact the Learning/Access Center about setting up accommodations, and faculty and staff should contact HR.

What’s Going On? 
Exciting spring semester work, lectures, and exhibitions are happening everywhere. 

• This Week at Pratt: See all events posted on the Pratt.edu events calendar!
• Research Open House: Students, faculty, and staff are invited to submit projects for this year’s showcase of Pratt research. Learn more about the Research Open House and submit entries this week by February 23. 
• Pratt Presents: Don’t miss this special evening, on Monday February 28, featuring legendary photographer and Pratt alumna Sylvia Plachy. Topics range from Plachy’s childhood in Hungary to her early influences and the changing landscape of New York City.
• From Forces to Forms: The interdisciplinary, multi-artist exhibition From Forces to Forms is now open in the newly renovated Pratt Manhattan Gallery through April 24.
• Reflections of Resistance: Ananda Ray, BFA Digital Arts ’24, created an interactive, augmented reality installation celebrating Black women’s leadership in activism in the windows of the Film/Video Building as part of Black Artstory Month on Myrtle Avenue.
• New Website Update: Read the Q&A for an update on the current rebuild of Pratt.edu as Pratt’s new website moves into the next phase.

Be mindful of your responsibilities during the pandemic and watch for a new email update from Back to Pratt each Friday.