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 Guidance for Students Who Test Positive
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.
Students who test positive must notify Student Health Services at 404-270-5249. 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:
- Notify Student Health Services at 404-270-5249.
- Isolate in place for a minimum of five (5) days.
- If fever free for at least 24 hours and symptoms have improved, take a COVID-19 self-test on day six (6).
- If test results are negative, submit proof of negative results to Student Health Services for clearance to resume normal activities.
- If test results are positive, continue to isolate until a negative COVID-19 self-test is received or up to 10 days, then submit proof of negative test results as noted above.
- Wear a KN95 mask when around others for 10 days.
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 COVID-19 self-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
All students should review the Residential Isolation in Place Protocol, which contains important instructions in the event of a positive COVID-19 test for both the student and roommate.
If your roommate tests positive for COVID-19 and is under an isolation in place protocol, here are the steps you should take regardless of your vaccination status:
- Take a COVID-19 self-test on day one (1) and day five (5) following your exposure.
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. If you test positive or experience symptoms, you must follow the isolation protocol and contact Student Health Services at 404-270-5249 for evaluation and testing.
- 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.
- Use hand sanitizer often.
- Wipe down your personal space as often as possible.
- Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, cups, and utensils.
- Take steps to increase ventilation in your room by periodically opening a window (if it is possible to do so).
- Do not invite visitors in your room until your roommate has ended isolation in place.
- You are expected to take these precautions for 10 full days, regardless of whether you have symptoms of COVID-19.
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.