{"id":10399,"date":"2021-07-21T09:11:06","date_gmt":"2021-07-21T13:11:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/earlham.edu\/?page_id=10399"},"modified":"2023-06-12T16:31:24","modified_gmt":"2023-06-12T20:31:24","slug":"covid-19-policy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/earlham.edu\/policies-handbooks\/covid-19-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Please note: <\/strong>COVID-19 policies will be added here as needed.

View the latest updates regarding COVID-19.<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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May 2023: Vaccination policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We encourage students to be fully vaccinated against, and to have received boosters for\u00a0COVID\u00a0before beginning or continuing their college careers. However, as of\u00a0May 2023, proof of\u00a0vaccination\u00a0will 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\u00a0Covid-19 public health emergency declaration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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November 2022: Testing and leave protocols<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To ensure the continued health and safety of our community as flu season arrives and COVID cases rise, we encourage all members of the Earlham community to receive a COVID booster and a flu shot. If you are feeling sick, please get tested for the flu and\/or COVID and stay home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In accordance with current CDC guidelines, employees who test positive for the flu<\/a> or COVID<\/a> should stay home for the recommended time (five days for COVID, four to five days for the flu). After that period, employees can return to work if they are symptom-free without medication and should wear a surgical mask for five days upon their return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who still feel ill after five days, continue to isolate until you are fever-free without medication. Wear a high-quality mask for five days upon your return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following are our current protocols for testing and leave for employees, along with guidance for students who test positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teaching faculty protocol for testing and leave<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consult with your department and then Academic Affairs on a case by case basis. Please work with your students and your department to adjust as you see prudent. The general College policy follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staff and administrative faculty<\/strong> protocol for testing and leav<\/strong>e<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For employees who test positive for the flu or COVID and are required to stay home, the college will provide paid leave to cover those days that fall on a business day.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The employee may use up to five paid leave days provided by the College. This time can be used for an employee\u2019s own recovery or to care for a dependent who is ill with COVID or the flu. If additional leave is needed, the employee will be required to use either sick or vacation leave until they can safely return to work. Employees may return to work wearing a mask and symptom-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If testing positive for a second time within the fiscal year (July 1\u2013June 30) the employee must provide documentation to Human Resources and work out an arrangement with their direct supervisor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please consult with Human Resources for a situation not covered above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*If testing positive on a Monday the leave will cover Monday through Friday. If testing positive on a Saturday leave will be provided Monday through Wednesday.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students<\/strong> protocol for testing<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please continue to wash your hands, cover your cough, and refrain from sharing food or drink. If you think you are ill, contact Health Services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID still exists but is not the threat that it was two years ago, in large part due to the high numbers of students and employees who are fully vaccinated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students who test positive for COVID or the flu should isolate for five days \u2014 in their own room or an isolation room \u2014 and wear a mask. Students are allowed to pick up meals in a to-go container from Metz and should wear a mask when doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are ill, please go to Health Services to pick up a \u201cbe well kit\u201d with Lysol wipes, masks, hand sanitizer and other items to prevent the spread of the virus.  Health and Counseling Services will also contact you daily to check on your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note that those who are fully vaccinated can still contract COVID or the flu, but are less at risk of severe illness or death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We ask all visitors to campus to self-evaluate for COVID and flu symptoms prior to their arrival. For those who have been exposed to COVID or are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID or the flu, please refrain from traveling to campus and plan to reschedule your visit at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aug. 12, 2022: Fall semester COVID protocols<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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We continue to require full vaccination and boosting for employees and students, except for those with documented exemptions. We will remain mask-optional on campus; in classrooms, faculty and students will determine whether to mask, and we encourage masking during large indoor gatherings. Please be mindful of any COVID-related symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students should consult with Health Services if they need testing. Self-tests and Wayne County Health Department are also testing options, and we encourage you to order free self-tests at https:\/\/www.covid.gov\/tests<\/a>. We will not require reporting of test results as we expect those within our community to act with the best interests of all in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will continue to monitor local trends of viral spread and respond accordingly. We are moving from a pandemic response to an endemic response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Jan. 15, 2022: Updated definitions, schedule of testing and quarantine information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Definition of vaccination status<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n