Coronavirus response information
January 2021
What are the most recent COVID-19-related policies shared with the Earlham community?
On Jan. 21, the Office of Student Life shared two documents: Special Policies for Spring 2021 and the Commitment to Care and Community. These documents specify the considerations and expectations for life together to lessen the risk of virus spread COVID-19. All students, faculty and staff are expected to review and be in compliance with these guidelines. Please note that these policies and protocols may change at any given time based on guidance from the CDC, the state of Indiana and our county health department.
Where can I find information about the number of COVID-19 cases on campus and in the Richmond area (Wayne County, Indiana)?
Visit Earlham's COVID-19 dashboard for related information about the College.
Visit Wayne County, Indiana Health Department for information regarding Richmond and the surrounding area.
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.