In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC has recommended that isolation and quarantine measures are necessary to protect the public by preventing exposure to people who are ill with the virus.
Isolation is the process of separating people who are sick with COVID-19 from people who are not sick.
Quarantine is the process of separating and restricting the movement of people who were exposed to COVID-19 during the incubation period when they may become sick with the virus and infect others.
During the virtual learning period when students are not reporting to campus, students are encouraged to follow quarantine and isolation requirements as directed by their healthcare providers and public health departments. Students should notify the COVID-19 Response Team (covid19@salem.edu), Director of Academic Support and Student Disability Services (ida.davis@salem.edu), or the Dean of Undergraduate Studies (richard.vinson@salem.edu) for support if quarantine or isolation requirements or the COVID-19 illness impact their participation in virtual classes.
Employees should plan to quarantine or isolate as directed at home or another off-campus location. Compliance with isolation and quarantine requirements will be a campus community condition for participation in on-campus work and activities during the pandemic.
In all of the following situations, report the need for isolation or quarantine to Salem as provided in these Guidelines and Protocols and DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS OR REPORT TO WORK until you have been cleared to do so by Salem.
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you must isolate at home and not report to campus until:
If you tested positive for COVID-19 but never had any symptoms, you must isolate at home and not report to campus until at least 10 days have passed after the date of your positive test.
Even if you receive a negative COVID-19 test result during the isolation period, you must complete the full isolation period and process before coming onto campus.
*At the direction of its medical consultant, Salem is requiring an extended isolation period for symptomatic individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.
Quarantine Due to Exposure
If you have had “close contact” with someone who has a suspected or lab confirmed case of COVID-19, or you have been advised by any health department or health care provider to quarantine, you must stay home and not report to campus until at least 14 days have passed from the time that you had close contact with someone with COVID-19.
If you live with or care for someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, your quarantine period may be extended by Salem (for a period of up to 24 days or longer) as your exposure in this situation continues until the isolation period for your housemate or dependent has concluded.
Even if you receive a negative test during the quarantine period, you must complete the full quarantine period and process before coming onto campus.
If you subsequently develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 during the quarantine period, you cannot come onto campus until the time period for isolation has ended.
Symptomatic
If you are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms listed above, you must stay home, not report to campus, and isolate pending further guidance from your healthcare provider. In consultation with you, Salem will determine when it is safe for you to resume regular campus activities.
Other Considerations
The directions provided in these situational protocols are subject to change at any time without notice as recommended and directed by public health officials, public health agencies, and medical experts.