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Coronavirus Updates: Keep HDS Healthy

Harvard Divinity School continues to closely monitor the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and the progress of the vaccination and booster effort. As always, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff are of paramount importance.

Latest News: COVID Update–Spring Semester

Classes resume in-person January 24. In preparation for the semester, please keep the following in mind:

  • Testing: You will return to your regular testing cadence once back on campus.
    • Students should test 3 times your first week back (ideally on day 1, day 4 or 5, and day 7 or 8); then follow your Color notifications.
    • Faculty and staff should test prior to their first day on campus if they are in the area or immediately after arrival to campus; then follow your Color notifications.
  • Submit Your Booster Verification: Verification of your COVID-19 booster is required by January 31. If you are not yet eligible to receive the booster, your deadline will be 30 days after you become eligible. You can verify your booster dose by visiting the HUHS Patient Portal as you did for your vaccine verification. Detailed directions for submitting your COVID-19 booster verification to HUHS appear on the University’s Verify Your Vaccination webpage.
     
  • Masking: Masks remain critical in reducing the spread of COVID-19. We encourage the use of high-quality disposable masks, worn in a way that minimizes air gaps around the edges. Surgical-style masks (which are effective and used widely in hospital settings) or cup-style protective masks such as KN-95, layered under a form-fitting fabric mask, can ensure good filtration as well as an effective seal. Face coverings that are worn loosely will not offer strong protection.
     
  • Card Access: HDS buildings will remain card access only, so please remember to bring your HUID.

Additional resources:

Return to Campus Testing Checklist:

Verifying Your Vaccination: Harvard is requiring COVID vaccination for all community members who will have any on-campus presences this fall, including students, faculty, staff, and researchers. For faculty, staff, and researchers, we advise vaccination as soon as possible, and verification of vaccination must be submitted to Harvard University Health Services. Once you are vaccinated, you must submit verification of your completed vaccination card received from your vaccination provider.  

Submit Your Booster Verification: Verification of your COVID-19 booster is required by January 31, 2022. If you are not yet eligible to receive the booster, your deadline will be 30 days after you become eligible. You can verify your booster dose by visiting the HUHS Patient Portal as you did for your vaccine verification. Detailed directions for submitting your COVID-19 booster verification to HUHS appear on the University’s Verify Your Vaccination webpage.

Spring Campus Photo

Resources for Students, Staff, and Faculty

Members of the HDS community are encouraged to learn about and take advantage of the numerous resources HDS and Harvard University have developed around virtual learning, teaching, and working remotely.

Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Harvard is requiring COVID vaccination for all community members who will have any on-campus presences this fall, including students, faculty, staff, and researchers.

Harvard Coronavirus Resources

Harvard COVID-19 Updates and Info.

Harvard has gathered a number of resources and help guides for use by students, staff, faculty, and the University community. Keep Harvard Healthy includes useful and current information on campus access, tracing and testing, travel guidance, and health and wellbeing.


Together as a Community

Compliance with Harvard University, state, and federal guidelines is critical to resuming activity on campus, and HDS will continue to adhere to public health information and guidance. School leadership is doing all it can to preserve the integrity of our institution and its educational mission, and to communicate forthrightly and in a timely fashion with our community on the specific challenges at hand. Please continue practicing the preventive behaviors that have helped to keep our communities safe to this point.

May we continue to draw strength from each other and support one another during these challenging times.