Important COVID-19 information for students and employees

It is the responsibility of students, faculty and staff, as members of the broader Rider community, to be familiar with this information, monitor their symptoms and exercise their best judgment to help minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection and spread.

CDC guidance: March 6, 2024

The updated Respiratory Virus Guidance from the CDC recommends that people with respiratory virus symptoms that are not better explained by another cause stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both resolution of fever AND the overall symptoms are improving. This recommendation addresses the period of greatest infectiousness and highest viral load for most people, which is typically in the first few days of illness and when symptoms, including fever, are worst. This is similar to longstanding recommendations for other respiratory illnesses, including influenza.

Five additional days of masking reduces harm during later stages of illness and protects people at higher risk of severe illness. After testing positive for COVID, Rider requires an additional five days of mask-wearing after you are out of the infectious period.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus strain first detected in late fall 2019. Most of those who contract COVID-19 have relatively mild symptoms and can care for themselves at home. Others may require hospitalization if symptoms worsen. 

Common signs of infection include:

  • Fever (100.4 °F or greater) or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

"I don't feel well. What should I do?"

Guidance for students:

If you feel unwell, contact the Student Health Center at 609-896-5060 or [email protected] for an appointment to be seen. The Student Health Center will provide testing and information and answer questions you may have.
If you have to miss assignments or class due to illness, report your absence to your professor and  to the Dean of Students (609-896-5101 or [email protected]) who will issue standard class absence emails to your faculty. Remember that you are responsible for reaching out to your faculty to make up any missed work.

Guidance for employees:

If you feel unwell, avoid contact with others by not coming to campus until your symptoms have subsided or are improving as per CDC. You may also consider reaching out to your primary healthcare provider with any questions.  Also, reach out to your supervisor to inform them of your absence.  There is no need to report your illness to Human Resources as was required during the height of the pandemic.

How you can take care of yourself:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Take Tylenol or Motrin for fever or muscle aches (Read and follow the instructions on the label)
  • Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing
  • Wear a cloth face covering when you are around others
  • Monitor for any new or worsening symptoms. Students should contact the Student Health Center. Employees should contact their primary healthcare provider.

COVID-19 vaccination

Rider recommends all students, faculty and staff to be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.