The federal government and the state of Massachusetts have made the decision to end the COVID-19 public health emergency. Effective June 1, 2023, the college will no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for members of our community. Rather, we strongly recommend that everyone stay up to date on their vaccinations, including boosters, as recommended by their health care provider.

While we will no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations, we strongly encourage members of our campus community to adhere to public health recommendations for vaccination to protect against COVID-19, as well as influenza and other diseases.

Masking

Masking is still optional for members of the community and campus visitors, including in academic spaces. Please note that if a student has respiratory or other symptoms during an appointment at the Counseling Center and/or Norton Medical Center, staff may request that the student wear a mask, switch to a telehealth visit or reschedule their appointment for a later date and time. Norton Medical Center practitioners will still wear masks during student visits.

Symptom Monitoring

One of the most effective mitigation strategies has been and will continue to be symptom monitoring.  All community members are expected to personally monitor themselves for symptoms to protect the community.

If a student is experiencing any COVID-like symptoms, the following steps are recommended:

  • Take a rapid COVID test and/or consult with Sturdy Health or Health Services before resuming regular activities. Avoid public places until you test negative for COVID.
  • For  those who are symptomatic, the triage team at Sturdy Health or the Health Services RN will determine if a rapid COVID test is advised and will communicate how to obtain a test.
  • Keep in mind that a single COVID test may not provide definitive results. If you are symptomatic and test negative for COVID, it is recommended that you do a second rapid COVID test the following day to be sure that you are negative.

If an employee is experiencing any COVID-like symptoms, they must:

  • Take a rapid test and/or consult with medical professionals before returning to work.  Employees who receive a negative test may return to work but are encouraged to test daily until symptoms begin to improve.
  • Notify their supervisor that they will be taking a sick day. If symptoms are mild, and your position allows, you may be able to coordinate a remote work arrangement with your supervisor. If symptoms inhibit your ability to work remotely, or your position does not accommodate an alternate work arrangement, paid sick leave or other paid time off must be used.

Positive Test Result

Any community members who test positive for COVID-19 are advised to stay home until they are feeling better and have been fever-free for 24 hours based on the 2024 updated CDC guidelines. When returning to group activities, following isolation, it is recommended that community members wear a well-fitting mask until symptoms have resolved.

If a residential student tests positive for COVID-19, they must:

  • Isolate off-campus or isolate in place until they are feeling better and fever-free for 24 hours. It is recommended that they wear a well-fitting mask when returning to class and school activities, until symptoms have resolved.

If a student living off-campus tests positive for COVID-19, they must:

  • Isolate off-campus until they are feeling better and fever-free for 24 hours. It is recommended that they wear a well-fitting mask when returning to class and school activities, until symptoms have resolved.

Students may contact Health Services at 508-286-8210 or [email protected] with any non-emergency questions or Campus Safety at 508-286-3333 with any urgent questions or concerns.

If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they must:

  • Work with their supervisor as they normally would when having to take time off or work remotely due to illness.
  • Isolate off-campus until they are feeling better and fever-free for 24 hours. It is recommended that they wear a well-fitting mask when returning to work, until symptoms have resolved.

Employees may consult with Human Resources if they have questions. 

Isolation in Place Protocol

Students will be required to isolate in place until they have been fever free for 24 hours and are starting to note an improvement in symptoms.

  • Mask up: A positive student must wear a mask at all times unless they are in their room alone, or actively bathing and eating.
  • Physical distancing: In rooms where the positive student may have a roommate, try to reconfigure the room to allow for maximum space between beds and students. Masks should be worn in the room during the isolation period. Students are also encouraged to open the window for ventilation.
  • Limit time outside of the room: The positive student should only leave their room to use the communal bathroom, get food, or go for a quick walk outside by themselves.  Positive students should limit their interaction with others and limit their time outside of their room during the isolation period.
  • Please note: the college will not be delivering food or cleaning supplies to the residents in the rooms.  Students are responsible for coordinating their own meals and any other supplies that they may need during their stay in isolation.

Note: If the roommate of the positive student has a pre-existing condition, the positive student will be expected to isolate at their permanent address if it is within 200 miles from campus. If the positive student’s permanent residence is outside of the 200 miles from campus, may contact [email protected] to discuss other options.