Student Prevention, Testing and Treatment Protocols for COVID-19
Prepared by the Campus Community Health and Safety Sub-Committee and approved by the Return to the Hill Committee.
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (Call 911 if you experience this)
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or more
- Chills
- Repeating shaking with chills
- Running nose or new sinus congestion
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- New GI symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or stomach pain
- New loss of taste or smell
- Wash hands before handling the face covering
- Ensure that the face covering fits over the nose and under the chin
- Avoid touching the front of the face covering
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth when removing the face covering
- Wash hands after removing the face covering
- Cloth face coverings should be laundered regularly
Prevention of COVID-19
To maintain a healthy and safe campus community, all members have a responsibility to engage in behaviors that prevent the spread of COVID-19. To that end, students are expected to adhere to the following preventative measures:
Coughing/Sneezing Hygiene:
If you are in a private setting and do not have a cloth face covering/mask, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing. If you used a tissue, immediately throw it into the trash. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, then clean your hands with hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
Daily Symptoms Check
Students are expected to complete a daily symptoms check for COVID-19 before they engage in their daily activities outside of their residential room if they live on campus or before coming on campus as a commuting student. Students should complete this daily symptom check using the Campus Clear app. The Campus Clear app can be downloaded by searching for Campus Clear in the App Store by searching for Campus Clear or by creating an account online at www.campusclear.com.
If they are not experiencing symptoms, they can continue with their daily routines. If they affirm that they are experiencing any symptoms, they should follow the Procedures for a Potential Exposure outlined below.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the following symptoms to be COVID-19 related:
Use of Face Covering/Disposable Masks
Face coverings can include double layer cloth masks, double layer neck gaiters, and disposable masks. Face coverings are required to be worn at all times while in campus buildings independent of whether social distancing can be maintained (e.g. must be worn in hallways, in shared work areas, in common areas, etc.). Face coverings do not need to be worn when in the student’s assigned bedroom, alone or with a roommate, bathroom when showering or brushing teeth or while eating. If individuals have respiratory illnesses or disease such as asthma or COPD, a physician should be consulted before using a face covering or mask. If a student cannot safely wear a mask, remote learning should be requested. Face coverings are not required to be worn outside unless social distancing cannot be maintained. Refer to the chart below to determine which type of face covering is best for you. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to further disciplinary action.
Face coverings can be a fun accessory that fits one’s personality. However, face coverings should be appropriate for a positive learning environment.
Use and Care of Face Coverings
Face Covering/Mask Types
Face coverings are a critical preventive measure used to help protect others in our community. Whether disposable or reusable, it is important to understand what is defined as an acceptable face covering on our campus. All face coverings, with the exception of Humanity Shields, must:
- be made with at least two layers of breathable material;
- fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin;
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; and
- be secured with ties or ear loops, allowing one to remain hands-free.
The following are not acceptable face coverings: open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing one-way valves, mesh material or holes of any kind. Face coverings with two-way filtering valves are acceptable. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, face shields cannot be used as a substitute for an acceptable face covering.
| Type | Cloth Mask or Neck Gaiter | Disposable Mask |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Description |
Hand-made or commercially manufactured double layered face covering that is washable and helps to contain respiratory emissions of the wearer. Examples include cloth masks and neck gaiters. |
Commercially manufactured mask that helps to contain the respiratory emissions of the wearer.
|
| Intended Use |
Required for campus community use in a non-healthcare setting while in campus buildings or if 6-foot social distancing cannot be maintained outdoors. |
Required for campus community use in a non-healthcare setting while in campus buildings or if 6-foot social distancing cannot be maintained outdoors. |
| Duration of Use |
Must be washed daily. |
Must be changed daily. |
| Care/Storage |
Laundered with regular clothing detergent after each use |
Must be discarded in trash after one use. |
| Supply |
May be supplied by student or College. |
May be supplied by student or College. |
Handwashing
Frequent handwashing and/or the use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is an important strategy in preventing the spread of disease. Handwashing should be done after one has been in a public place, worked directly with another individual, blowing your nose, sneezing, touching your face, before eating and after eating, have touched an object that is identified as a “high-touch” area such as door knobs, light switches, handrails, etc. A good handwashing technique includes rubbing hands vigorously together for at least 20 seconds with soap and water addressing the front and back of hand as well as each individual finger.
Personal Cleaning of Common Spaces Following Use
While the Housekeeping staff will continue to clean common spaces in accordance with CDC guidelines, additional care should be taken to wipe down hard surfaces after each use where possible. This includes but is not limited to desks, keyboards, mouse, AV/electrical equipment, chairs, tables, etc.. Supplies will be available in each location. If you also reside on campus, please refer to COVID-19 Housing Agreement for more information regarding personal cleaning expectations.
Sneeze Guard/Plexiglass Barriers:
- Maintaining at least six feet of distance from others at any given time
- Always avoid groups of 10 or more
- Use video meeting technology or conference calls instead of in-person meetings, where possible
- Avoid traveling in vehicles with others, when possible
- Avoid remaining in a location for long periods of time where social distancing is not possible
- Avoid any type of physical contact with others
- Strongly consider remaining on campus when possible
Social Distancing
The CDC has advised that keeping at least six feet between individuals is one of the best tools to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Since individuals can spread the virus before they know they are ill or may never develop any of the recognized symptoms, physical separation from everyone is a critical component. Social distancing practices include:
Thermal Scanning
In addition to use of personal thermometers, students also have the option to use a touch-less thermal scanners to check their temperatures at any time. The thermal scanners are placed at various locations throughout campus. If a student’s temperature reading is 100.4 or higher, they should immediately follow the steps listed in Procedures for Potential Exposure outlined below. The thermal scanner will also send a notification to the Wellness Center as well.