COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions – Spring 2022

Yes—with a change. After careful consultation with Reid Health and the Indiana State Health Department, we have determined that cloth masks are no longer an acceptable option as they do not sufficiently protect wearers from the Omicron variant of COVID-19. As such, we are requiring all students and employees to use a surgical mask, N95, KN95, KF94, or approved equivalents in all indoor public locations on campus. This includes all academic spaces, public common spaces in residence halls, the dining hall, shared spaces in administrative offices, Runyan Center, Athletic and Wellness Center and Libraries.

Given the airborne delivery of this variant and speed of infection, we encourage students in residence to be particularly mindful of shared spaces without masks.

Surgical masks, N95, KN95, KF94, and other options are proven to be much more effective at viral filtration, are better-fitting, and will be much more helpful to our mitigation efforts than cloth masks. Please note that we may revisit this requirement as employee and student testing results become available and if public health guidance changes.

The CDC recommends that the masks we are requiring can be reused up to five times, but should not be washed.

For students: We will provide several masks to students upon arrival for the first week and will continue to have them available for as long as needed. We will distribute several masks at a time in order to make them available to everyone, as our inventory will be dependent upon our vendors’ abilities to fulfill orders. If you are able to provide your own masks, we encourage you to do so.

For employees: We will have a starter pack of masks available to employees who need one. If you are able to provide your own masks, we encourage you to do so.

For students: Masks will be distributed upon arrival at residence check-in.

Yes. Please report your information to our Contact Tracing team or Health Services (students) or Human Resources (employees) so they can be in touch with you about your status and future testing.

For students: No. You should remain at home for the 10-day isolation period. Students who test positive will be required to have a negative rapid antigen test before they can come to campus. Please make sure you report any positive test results via the online test reporting form so the College can assist you in the timeline for a safe arrival on campus. We assist you in communicating with your faculty for a class-materials so you can begin course work while home.

For employees: No. You should remain at home for the 5-day isolation period as outlined in the CDC’s revised guidelines. Employees who test positive will be required to have a negative rapid antigen test before they can return to campus. Please make sure you report any positive test results via the online test reporting form so the College can assist you in the timeline for a safe arrival on campus.

Students who test positive will be sent to isolation housing for the required period. Please review definitions and time frames at the pdf attached and on the COVID webpage.

We encourage students to be fully vaccinated against, and to have received boosters for COVID before beginning or continuing their college careers. However, as of May 2023, proof of vaccination will no longer be a prerequisite for attending classes at Earlham College. This updated guidance is in line with other higher education institutions, and aligns with the end of the federal Covid-19 public health emergency declaration.

We recognize that areas with surges are limiting testing to only those who are symptomatic, and that some people may only have access to rapid tests/at-home tests. We also understand that some people don’t have access to boosters. Students should send an email to [email protected] if they are unable to attain a negative PCR test or a booster prior to arrival. Employees should email [email protected] if they are unable to attain a negative PCR test or a booster prior Monday, Jan. 24.

Students will be provided with a rapid test upon arrival and then expected to test at the Wayne County Health Department as soon as possible. We also plan to offer a booster clinic in the third week of the semester (see next answer).

Students: We will have a required testing and booster clinic week three of the semester. All students are expected to be tested Feb. 16 and 17. We will test first- and second-year students on Wednesday, Feb. 16 and third-year, fourth-year and graduate students on Thursday, Feb. 17 in the Athletic and Wellness Center. More details will be made available after arrival on campus.

Employees: We will have a testing window early in the spring semester, as we have done in prior semesters. As in past semesters, employees will be asked to test off-campus and we will have an on-campus testing site for students.

The Comstock Room, May Crossen and lobby areas will be available for those who prefer to eat outside of the Dining Hall. We strongly encourage students to eat meals in a shared space in Runyan Center. There will be additional waste containers to manage efficient collection throughout Runyan.

Students: For additional information on testing, contact [email protected] or 765-983-1369 or [email protected] or 765-983-1311.

Employees: [email protected]