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Protocols for a Positive COVID-19 Test Result for Students

The following guidelines identify the process that Spelman College will follow in the event a residential or a commuter student tests positive for COVID-19. It also includes guidance for students exposed to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Isolation Protocol

Isolation pertains to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status. The length of isolation is determined by the first date of symptoms or date of the positive test. Individuals who test positive must:
Quarantine

Isolate for a minimum of five (5) days.
If fever free for at least 24 hours and symptoms have improved, take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test on day six (6).
If test results are negative, submit proof of negative results. Students should send the results to Student Health Services and Faculty & Staff to Yemi Brown, PharmD.
If test results are positive, continue to isolate for 10 days or until a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test result is received. Submit proof of negative test results as noted above.
Wear a KN95 mask when around others for 10 days.
Students are encouraged to have conversations with their parents and roommates to discuss a plan in the event of a positive COVID-19 test.

COVID-19 Isolation Guidance for Students Who Test Positive

Students who test positive must notify Student Health Services at 404-270-5249. A member of the Student Health Services staff will monitor students while they are in isolation. All students must be cleared by Student Health Services before they can return to normal campus activities.

Commuter students :

Must isolate off campus.

Residential students must adhere to the following:

Isolate at home if permanent residence is within a 100-mile radius of the College.
Temporarily isolate in designated isolation housing if permanent residence exceeds a 100-mile radius of the College. Due to limited isolation spaces, double occupancy units may be utilized.
When isolation housing is full or unavailable, the student will be asked to isolate off-campus or follow an isolation in place protocol.
When following an isolation in place protocol, a student must adhere to instructions provided by Student Health Services and must not leave their room except for meal retrieval, cases of emergency or an essential need.

COVID-19 Exposure Guidance

If you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, here are the steps you should take regardless of your vaccination status:

Take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test on day one (1) and day five (5) following your exposure.
If you test positive or experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you must follow the isolation protocol.
Continue normal activity if COVID-19 negative.
Wear a KN95 mask for ten (10) days from the date of exposure.
If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 exposure contact COVID-19 Operations at 404-270-5407.

Roommate Exposure Guidance

In addition to following the exposure guidance above, if your roommate tests positive for COVID-19 and is under an isolation in place protocol, here are the steps you should take:

Wear a KN95 mask when in your room except while eating, sleeping or in the shower.
Use hand sanitizer often.
Wipe down your personal space as often as possible.
Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, cups, and utensils.
Do not invite visitors in your room until your roommate has ended isolation in place.
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and contact Student Health Services if you test positive or experience COVID-19 symptoms.

Student Academic Support

The College is committed to providing support to all students absent from in-person classes due to COVID-19. Students should be aware of the following:

COVID-19 related absences fall under the College’s excused absence policy.
When a student tests positive, it is the student’s responsibility to contact Student Health Services and follow the isolation protocol in order to receive an excused absence.
Upon entry into isolation an academic liaison will notify the respective instructors of the student’s excused absence from in-person classes.
It is the student’s responsibility to contact their professors or academic advisor for extra assistance upon return to class.
Students will receive notification from Student Health Services when they are cleared to return to in-person classes and resume regular activities.

Specific Responsibilities

Spelman Student Health Services

Spelman Student Health Services will:

Initiate and manage isolation protocol for students who test positive.
Inform students and other appropriate offices when students are cleared to leave isolation.

COVID Operations will:

Inform and educate exposed students of exposure guidance
Provide access to masks, disinfecting hand sanitizers and rapid COVID self-test kits to students.

Spelman Housing & Residence Life

Spelman Housing and Residence Life will:

Manage isolation room assignments, including card access.
Provide student with a copy of resource information related to processes while in isolation.
Coordinate notification about student in isolation to Aramark Dining Services for meal delivery and Facilities and Management Services for cleaning and maintenance needs.

Spelman Facilities and Management Services

Spelman College Facilities and Management Services will:

Coordinate cleaning and supplies in all isolation spaces.
Manage trash removal for occupied isolation rooms.

Aramark Dining Services

Aramark Dining Services will:

Provide Snack Pack to students with non-perishable items, water, juice etc. that will be provided with the first meal delivery.
Provide meals to students in isolation.
Because the weekend meal schedule is a brunch/dinner schedule, dining staff will provide additional items such as fruit, danish, etc., with dinner to satisfy the student until the brunch is delivered the next day.