Health and Wellness Guidelines

Spring 2022

Health & Wellness Guidelines

Dear Seminary community, As we look to the start of the spring semester, the pandemic is still a very present reality, yet there are also encouraging signs that case numbers in our region are beginning to fall from all-time highs, as well as indicators that the length and severity of illness from the Omicron variant is less than previous variants, especially among highly vaccinated populations.

Thanks to your diligence in maintaining our health and wellness guidelines and the high rates of vaccination among our community, thus far we have had no transmission of the virus in our classrooms or offices. We are aware of only one instance of community transmission on campus so far this year, which occurred when face coverings were removed over a meal.

We are planning to resume in-person classes and activities in the spring semester.

Due to continuing high rates of COVID in the region, we will practice additional health measures at least through the first few weeks of the semester.

These guidelines will be updated throughout the semester as conditions change.

Beginning the Spring semester Wear a face covering

Modified dining

Face coverings must continue to be worn indoors at all times by all people, regardless of vaccination status.

Surgical or medical grade masks are preferred, as they provide the best protection. Surgical masks will be available in Stuart Hall.

Dining services will be open for lunch for takeout service.

Keep your distance

Monitor your symptoms

We encourage you to maintain physical distance in classrooms, offices, and during in-person meetings, whenever possible. When physical distancing is not possible, please be especially vigilant about wearing face coverings at all times.

As always, those who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or who test positive should not come to campus and should be in touch with the health team by completing the COVID-19 notification form.

Limited seating will be available for students in the dining room. We request that no more than two students sit at a table. We please request that the dining room not be used for meetings during lunch time.

Health Guidelines for Spring 2022

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Booster requirement Beginning January 31, boosters will be required for all eligible students and employees, unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption. Those not eligible to receive a booster by January 31 should receive a booster within thirty days of their eligibility. Those who are not yet eligible for a booster should also complete the form by January 31. If you have not already done so, please share your booster vaccination status through this secure form: COVID-19 Booster Form.

Events and Activities Events and activities can proceed, and event hosts should plan with attention to health and wellness guidelines. No indoor events should include food service or situations where face coverings would be removed. Event hosts are responsible for maintaining accurate lists of attendees and will be responsible for contact tracing, should the need arise, in consultation with the health and wellness coordinator. Campus guests must be fully vaccinated, including having received a booster if eligible.

If you are hosting an event, please be in touch with the office of hospitality and event services to consult about the guidelines for your event.

Office Schedules For the month of February, offices and departments should plan to continue in-person activities and resume their schedules of in-person work, with offices being open daily and employees working at least two days per week in person or as necessary for their job functions. Office schedules will be at the discretion of managers, who should plan with the health guidelines and work needs in mind.

Brick Cafe The Brick Cafe will be open for service January 31 – February 4, 2pm – 4pm and beginning February 7 hours of operation will be 9am – 11am and 2pm – 4pm for the remainder of the semester.

Please be mindful of keeping distance and wearing face coverings. Food consumption should be limited to the Mackay dining room only at this time.

Student Lounges CRW, Witherspoon, and Tennent

Brown Hall

Please continue to wear face coverings when using these spaces and be mindful of distance. Also, we ask that you please do not bring food in these lounges.

We understand that these are living spaces for Brown residents. Please be mindful of wearing face coverings and please be aware there is a wide variety of comfort levels among residents regarding exposure to COVID. Please do your best to respect distance and limit gatherings so all may feel safe.

Health Guidelines for Spring 2022

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Managing exposure or infection If you test positive:

Protocols for Quarantine and Isolation Even in a fully vaccinated community, a positive test for COVID-19 is still possible in breakthrough cases.

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or tested positive yourself, please complete the COVID-19 Notification Form. Exposure or positive test results will be reported to the health consultant, who will determine contact tracing, isolation, or quarantine protocols. If you test positive for COVID-19, you may also be contacted by your local health officer for contact tracing and further guidance.

People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.

Routine maintenance of Seminary residences will not be scheduled when someone in the residence is on health quarantine or isolation.

Students who have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive should not attend class. Accommodations for coursework will be available for any student who needs to quarantine or isolate as a result of COVID-19.

Students should notify their instructor if they do not feel well and need to be absent from class. If they will be absent from multiple classes, they should also notify the Dean of Student Life (DeanofStudentLife@ptsem.edu). Anyone who has questions about what symptoms might be concerning for them should email health@ptsem.edu.

• Stay home for 5 days.

• If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.

• Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

• If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If you have been exposed: • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.

• Test on day 5, if possible.

• If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

Following CDC guidance, these protocols are for those who are fully vaccinated, including having received a booster if eligible.

Those who are not fully vaccinated should consult the health team for guidance if exposed or have tested positive.

Go to CDC.gov for up-to-date information on quarantining and isolation.

Supporting personal wellness Emotional and spiritual wellbeing

Key contacts for support

Though we look forward to the semester with anticipation and gratitude, we understand that this is a stressful season. We ask that you please commit to being a community of welcome, kindness, patience, and grace.

For anyone who needs support, we invite you to reach out to Wanda Sevey, Director of Student Counseling, or Jan Ammon, Minister of the Chapel and Pastor for Students and Families. There are many avenues for support and encouragement.

Office of Student Counseling Rev. Wanda Sevey Director of Student Counseling counseling@ptsem.edu

Chapel Office Rev. Jan Ammon Minister of the Chapel chapel.office@ptsem.edu