Purpose

As we continue to respond to the presence of COVID-19, we realize that it will remain a reality, requiring us to continue our health and safety measures. We are confident that Beloit’s spirit of “self-care is community care” will allow us to succeed in keeping our community safe, in-person, and as close to “normal” as possible.

The newest CDC guidelines make it crystal clear that the way we continue to have a more normal on-campus experience is to require all Beloit College students, faculty, and staff to receive vaccinations and boosters. Our goal is for a vaccinated and boosted community to allow us to resume the activities we did prior to the pandemic.

Policy

• Students: Proof of full vaccination and booster, including maker and dates is required by Jan. 28, 2022, and should be sent to healthcenter@beloit.edu.
• Faculty and Staff: Proof of full vaccination and booster, including the maker of the vaccine and dates, must be sent to dahlt@beloit.edu by Jan. 28.

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.

If fully vaccinated (vaccines + booster) by Jan. 28, students, faculty, and staff will not need to submit regular testing results nor will they have to quarantine if designated a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Testing and quarantine will continue for those who display symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Mask requirements may periodically change depending upon CDC guidelines and COVID-19 infection rates.

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

Students, faculty and staff who have not received vaccinations and, when available, a booster, will be required to weekly test and submit negative COVID results to continue to be on campus.

Masks are optional in indoor spaces on campus for students, faculty, staff and emeriti faculty and staff (effective Monday, March 28).

Some details:

• Students, faculty, staff and emeriti faculty and staff are no longer required to wear masks indoors but should continue to carry a mask with them.
• 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.
• All campus visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask while in indoor spaces on campus, except when eating or drinking.

We understand that not everyone has the same level of health or comfort, so you are welcome to wear a mask whenever you feel inclined. We encourage everyone on campus to respect the wishes of others regarding mask-wearing and keep a mask on them at all times, so when you encounter a situation where you need a mask, you have one.

Why Masks?

Masks help prevent people with COVID-19 from spreading it to others. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice (e.g., while shouting, chanting, or singing). Wearing a mask will help protect you and people around you, including those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

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.