Coronavirus response information

January 2021 

What are the testing dates and procedures for employees during winter break? 

Between Nov. 26, 2020, and Jan. 31, 2021, employees who follow safety guidelines while traveling outside of their normal activities will not have to quarantine before returning to work. Employees will instead be tested over the break at four intervals; two that coincide with holidays when travel in and out of the region is common, and two at the beginning of Spring Term 1. 

The intervals for employee testing are:

• Nov. 30-Dec. 7*
• Jan. 4-11*
• Jan. 25 to Feb. 1
• Feb. 8-15

* Employees who will not be on campus during the months of December and January do not need to be tested during the first two intervals. 

Where to submit results:  Negative tests can be submitted here while positive tests can be submitted here. 

Testing centers: A list of local testing centers is available from the Indiana coronavirus website. Please note that the testing site at the former Elder Beerman building (601 Main Street) is now being operated by the Wayne County Health Department. Please call (765) 973-9245 or visit www.co.wayne.in.us/web/dept/health/ to schedule your test. 


Are flu shots required for students and employees?

All employees and students are required to get a flu shot unless there is a medical exemption that has been approved by a physician. 


Will COVID-19 testing continue throughout Spring 1 and Spring 2?

In an effort to lower risk, all students, faculty and staff are required to be tested periodically for COVID-19. 

Students should follow the instructions for testing given to them via email from Vice President for Student Life Bonita Washington-Lacey.  Current plans are for two rounds of on-campus testing for students,  Feb. 10-11 and April 7-8.

All Earlham employees should likewise follow directives for testing as communicated by President Anne Houtman.  

When does College housing reopen for Spring 1 and Spring 2? 

College housing re-opens on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 9 a.m. Students requesting to return prior to this time will need to email reslife@earlham.edu and receive approval in advance. 

What are the travel-related policies for employees during Spring 1 and Spring 2 terms? 

Employees who travel beyond the scope of their normal day-to-day routines are required to quarantine for 10 calendar days per CDC guidelines after returning home and submit a negative test result to the College before returning to work. 

Employees placed in quarantine will work remotely, as possible. Employees who cannot work remotely are placed on paid leave as a provision of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. 


Where should employees submit negative results?

Employees are asked to submit their negative test result at Earlham.edu/coronavirus/submit.


What about positive test results? How does Earlham track positive tests and what happens to those individuals who have been around a person who has tested positive on campus? 

Individuals with a positive test result should submit their information via the contact tracing portal set up by the contact tracing team. By submitting a positive test result, the College’s contact tracing team will be automatically notified to begin a new investigation.

If a person has been identified as having been in ongoing close contact with an infected individual on campus, they will receive an e-mail and/or phone call from our contact tracing team. They may also be contacted by contact tracers with the Indiana State Department of Health. Teaching faculty will also receive an e-mail notification if one of their students must isolate or quarantine for COVID-related reasons.

Anyone identified by the contact tracing team will need to self-isolate for a period of at least 10 days, regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms, before returning to class or work. After 10 days, and once they are free from a fever for more than 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing drugs and your other symptoms have improved, they must obtain a negative test result, if testing remains available, near the end of their self-isolation.


What if I have tested positive, feel symptomatic or am rooming with someone who is symptomatic?

Please carefully follow the procedures developed by Earlham's Contact Tracing Team. 

 

More information

Please review the Earlham COVID-19 Response FAQ for more information.

• Access to campus
• Health and safety of students as they return for classes 
• Campus events, travel and sports
• Housing for students
• Costs: Fees, room and board and tuition for students
• Academics and registration 
• Faculty hours, use of technology and face cover 
• Visa compliance and related issues 
• Student employment

Prevention

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. Closely following recommended prevention measures is the best method for protecting yourself from sickness.

Symptoms? Need to reach a medical professional?

Be mindful of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

According to the CDC, "Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases." 

For more information about symptoms, please visit the CDC COVID-19 Symptoms page.

Need to talk with a medical professional?

General questions from the public or healthcare provider inquiries about COVID-19 may be directed to the Indiana State Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center at the toll-free number 877-826-0011 (available 24/7) or email epiresource@isdh.in.gov.

The campus health services information hotline is still available at 756-983-1328.

Reid Health offers virtual screenings through mobile app

Reid Health has made a free virtual COVID-19 screening tool available through its "Reid HealthNOW" urgent care app.

"This is an ideal tool for people who suspect exposure and/or have mild symptoms as a way to get medical attention without risking travel to a healthcare facility," Craig Kinyon, Reid Health president/CEO, said in a statement.

The app allows people to use a smartphone or computer to connect with a nurse. Reid began using the virtual urgent care option several years ago.

"This potentially eliminates the need for people to go to their doctor, an urgent care or an emergency room, or possibly get help determining if they need to seek care," Kinyon said, "thus also helping reduce spread of infection."

Because of high demand, wait times might be longer than normal.

To access and create an account:

Download the free app through Google Play or Apple's App Store or enroll on your computer through the reidhealthnow.org site.

• Create a free login and complete your personal profile
• Connect with the virtual hub, select "Coronavirus Screen" and find the appropriate pathway for care;
• Be sure to allow access to your camera and microphone if you are using the app.
• If you connect through a computer, be sure to test your settings.

If the screening determines you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you'll be instructed what to do next.

Further information

COVID-19 is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring.

Where is it spreading?

• Locations with Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Global Map
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.
• Indiana Health Department's Novel Coronavirus Map (Earlham is in Wayne County)
• Travel Health Notices

Here are the links to organizations that we continue to monitor:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• New York State County Health Department
• New York City Health Department
• Indiana State Department of Health 

The New York Times created a graphic to compare coronavirus with the seasonal flu: