Fall 2022 Health Protocols

We will continue to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for students and employees. The standard for being compliant for all students and employees is to meet the CDC definition of being “fully vaccinated.” We also recommend that all students and employees (a) get booster shots and (b) strongly consider getting one of the newer vaccines that we expect will be introduced in the near future to specifically target the highly contagious omicron variant when those vaccines become available. Students should continue to update their vaccine status in the health portal. Students and employees with approved medical or religious exemptions do not need to reapply for those exemptions.

Bailey Health Center will continue to perform free diagnostic testing of students. In addition, free self-test kits are available at the health center for students who are concerned about close contacts or having mild symptoms. The CDC does not recommend, and we are not performing, population-level arrival testing or surveillance testing. As many colleges and universities have done, Lafayette also concluded its COVID-19 dashboard following the spring semester.

Students who are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention and take precautions, including masking if they feel ill. Employees who are exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive should follow the employee COVID-19 action guidelines shared by Human Resources. 

Students who test positive within five days of scheduled arrival on campus for the fall semester should isolate at home and contact the health center for additional guidance before returning to campus.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 while on campus will still be required to isolate in place. This is the same protocol we transitioned to during the spring semester. Specifically, students who test positive should isolate themselves in their assigned rooms or off-campus apartments for a period of at least five days, until they are fever-free and their symptoms are improving. Wearing a mask for an additional five days is also recommended. There may be a small subset of students who have roommates with an elevated risk profile. We understand that for these students, sharing living spaces with a roommate who has a contagious respiratory virus is a concern. In these cases, students should contact the health center to discuss the possibility of alternative living arrangements. 

Students isolating in place should make arrangements with a “flu buddy” so that food and other essentials can be brought to your assigned room.

The College will adhere to a mask-optional policy for most spaces on campus. Individual faculty members may require masking for their class meetings, laboratories, and studio sessions. In keeping with our commitment to respecting our community values, we expect everyone on campus to support the decisions others may make to wear a mask at any time. Free KN95 and surgical masks remain available for students and employees at Feather House.

For students who test positive for COVID-19:

• Isolate for a minimum of five days.
• Mask for 10 days.
• A standard Dean’s Excuse will be given and the Office of Advising & Co-Curricular Programs will be notified.

For students exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (close contact):

• If asymptomatic, attend classes.
• Wear a mask for a full 10 days.
• Watch for symptoms. If feeling ill, isolate immediately except to get tested at Bailey Health Center. Students may also use self-supplied, at-home test kits. A minimum of two, preferably three, negative tests taken at least 24 hours apart is recommended.

Employees who are exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive should follow the employee COVID-19 action guidelines shared by Human Resources.