Eligible Columbia affiliates now have until February 28 to receive and document a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to an email sent to Columbia community members Monday morning. 

Provost Boyce announced via email today that the start of the Spring 2022 semester will be virtual amid COVID-19 developments. 

As the Omicron variant spreads and COVID-19 cases rise, the University is now going to require a COVID-19 booster shot, as well as require masks to be worn indoors through mid-March 2022.

Starting next semester, Barnard will require all eligible students, faculty, and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster. Additionally, beginning tomorrow, all Barnard dining halls will move to grab-and-go service entirely.

Columbia University health officials held a forum to update faculty, researchers, and staff on the status of the pandemic, as well as the Omicron variant and guidelines for travel during the holiday season.

In an announcement Monday morning, the commissioner of New York City’s health department announced that all New Yorkers 18 and over would be eligible to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.