Introduction

The Beloit College community is highly vaccinated against COVID-19. This commitment to health and safety on campus has served us well throughout the pandemic. Disease can spread quickly at a small residential college and the college has an interest in protecting individuals and the campus community from the devastating consequences that can result when a student contracts one of these illnesses.

We require all students to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

Policy

Proof of full vaccination and appropriate booster is required for students by the date of return to campus for the academic year.

• This documentation must include the maker of the vaccine and dates of vaccination. This documentation must be submitted to the Health and Wellness Center as part of the required student health forms.
• This requirement applies equally to those who have already had COVID-19 or have the presence of antibodies.
• Any vaccine authorized for use is acceptable, including vaccines obtained outside the United States.
• Testing will continue for those who display symptoms of COVID-19 infection and isolation will continue to be required for students who test positive for COVID-19.

Students may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement for medical reasons, religious beliefs, or strongly held philosophical objections. Students seeking an exemption should contact the Health and Wellness Center.

Weekly COVID testing is no longer required.

Members of the campus community should get tested if:

• You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
• If you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you should test for COVID-19 after five days and wear a mask at all times for 10 days.

Please report any positive test results:

• Faculty and Staff should report any positive test results to Human Resources.
• Students should report any positive test results to the Health and Wellness Center.

• General mask wearing is optional on campus.
• Masks are only required in these specific circumstances:
  
  • For 5 days after your release from isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
  • For 10 days after being exposed to or designated a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
  • If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness and must leave your room or home.
• Faculty and staff may request that masks be worn in their individual workspaces or classrooms.
• Students may also request that masks be worn in their private living spaces.
• Remember to stay home if you’re feeling sick, and wear a mask if you have a cough or other respiratory symptoms.
• We understand that not everyone has the same level of health or comfort. You are welcome to wear a mask whenever you feel inclined.
• Mask wearing is encouraged at all large gatherings and events.

COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about six feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.

Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is beneficial to physically distance yourself from others when possible, even if you — or they — do not have any symptoms.

Physical distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, those who have recently traveled, and those who are returning to campus following COVID-19 illness or exposure.

Students, faculty, and staff must self-evaluate their health status and symptoms on a daily basis. Stay home when you feel ill or experience symptoms for which you do not have an explanation.

Possible COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Cough
• Chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle aches or pain
• Loss of Smell or Taste
• Sore Throat
• Headache
• Feeling feverish or measured temperature greater than or equal to 100 ℉
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite

Individuals with any of these symptoms that cannot be explained in other ways may not work on campus or attend in-person classes until they have contacted their healthcare provider or the Health and Wellness Center for further guidance. If anyone is showing symptoms related to COVID-19 while at work or in class, they should go home or return to their residence immediately.

When employees and students are ill, they should remain home for the duration of the illness and may not work on campus or physically attend classes until symptoms have subsided.

Employees and students who experience any COVID-19 symptoms should obtain a COVID-19 test. Employees and students who have tested positive or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should follow quarantine and isolation policies.

We all share responsibility for maintaining cleanliness. Faculty, staff, and students must help maintain the cleanliness of offices, classrooms, kitchens, and other shared spaces.

Cleaning materials, including wipes, will be available in all classrooms and buildings. Unnecessary items should be removed to maintain clean counter spaces and ease cleaning efforts on common surfaces. The following practices are recommended:

• Normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease the amount of virus on surfaces and objects, reducing the risk of exposure.
• Cleaning using disinfectants can also help reduce the risk. Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is important. Disinfectant supplies are available from Housekeeping.
• Discourage people from sharing items in offices, kitchens, or other locations that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect.

One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, COVID-19, and other viruses is frequent handwashing. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Students and employees should strive to wash their hands frequently, and always:

• After you have been in a public place and touched an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people;
• Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

To operate as an in-person campus community during the pandemic, everyone must comply with practices designed to reduce the spread of the virus.

Students and employees are expected to comply with Beloit College’s protective practices as described in this policy as a condition of residence, enrollment, or employment while on campus and participating in college-sponsored activities and events.