Click here for all COVID-19, Coronavirus updates.
Following is our weekly update for the spring 2022 semester. We will continue to share updates each Thursday as a way of ensuring regular and trusted communication on important topics related to the College’s operations related to Covid-19. In this update, you will find:
- Update on testing and testing registration link
- Booster requirement and Vaccine Clinic
- What to do if you test positive for COVID-19?
- Guidance on masking, isolation and quarantine
- Helpful Hints and Reminders
- Regular and relevant data to understand the health of our community
- Information on the next testing and vaccination opportunities on and off campus
- Information on important phasing and planning related to activities across campus
- Answers to frequently asked questions
Update on Testing
Comprehensive reports on testing are once again being delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Out of 87 tests administered on Feb. 1, there were four positives which is 4.6 percent. This is a very good result considering that positivity rates in North Carolina were still in the 20 percent to 30 percent range at that point.
We will continue required weekly testing for those with religious and medical exemptions. Anyone else who is experiencing symptoms or feels they may have been exposed should also get tested. Also, anyone is welcome to get tested if they desire. Rapid testing is available through Student Health (studenthealth@guilford.edu) or Public Safety 336.316.2909. As conditions warrant, we will also conduct rapid testing on a pop-up basis.
Starmed Testing Registration Link
For future on-campus testing clinics, please note that we now have a registration link that is for the exclusive use of Guilford College. To register for a testing session, use this link. This link typically becomes active about 24 hours before testing, so you won’t be able to pre-register multiple days early.
Rapid testing is available for anyone who is experiencing any COVID-like symptoms. Contact studenthealth@guilford.edu or Public Safety (336.316.2909) for more information.
Booster Requirement and Vaccine Clinics
We are now mandating that anyone who is eligible receive and report a COVID-19 booster shot by Feb. 15. An email outlining the process for submitting your proof of vaccination was distributed to students, faculty, and staff on Jan. 25.
A booster clinic for the campus community was held on Jan. 27 where 88 boosters were administered. At the Jan. 27 clinic we were also able to distribute N95 masks that had been provided by the Guilford County Health Department. If you do not have an N95 mask and would like one, please stop by the Student Health office or email studenthealth@guilford.edu.
Next Vaccination / Booster Clinic
If it has been more than five months since your second Pfizer or Moderna shot you are eligible for the booster. If you had the J/J vaccine more than two months ago, you are eligible to get either a Pfizer or Moderna booster. Vaccine booster clinics will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 8, and Tuesday, Feb.15. Both clinics will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. You need to bring your vaccine card. There is no charge for the booster.
What to Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19
If you're a student and you test positive for COVID-19, depending on the severity of your symptoms you will most likely be able to stay in your room for the duration of your quarantine or isolation period — you will not need to move to another location. (See this flowchart for students.) Your best course of action is to call the COVID hotline at (336) 316-2319 to report your positive test result and isolate while you await follow-up contact. Individuals in quarantine/isolation may be able to leave their rooms to grab to-go food (instructions will be provided by the hotline).
If you're an employee and you test positive for COVID-19, you should alert your supervisor immediately and also begin isolating yourself according to this flowchart for employees.
The shortened periods of quarantine and isolation per the CDC and Guilford County Health Dept. guidelines, the lack of severe symptoms from those who have tested positive, and the overall vaccination level of campus allows us to make this change within our protocols.
Guidance on Masking, Isolation, and Quarantine
The College continues to mandate mask wearing indoors until further notice. We encourage members of the community to wear KN95 (most preferable) or surgical-type disposable masks rather than single-layer fabric masks.
Again, please make note of our quarantine and isolation protocols, as described in this flowchart for students and this flowchart for employees. We have adopted CDC recommendations that take into consideration an individual's vaccination status (fully vaccinated, under vaccinated, and unvaccinated), exposure vs. testing positive, and symptom levels.
Helpful Hints and Reminders
More and more events and venues are requiring proof of vaccination and/or negative test results for entry/admission. If you don’t carry your vaccination card with you on a regular basis, consider taking a photo of your card and saving it on your phone (which you probably do have with you at all times …) so that you have it available when/if you need it.
The College is reacting and responding to this situation on a daily basis. We will continue to change our approach as the situation warrants.
Thank you to everyone for their continued patience and support. It is your support and adherence to safety guidelines that allows us to further open the campus. We appreciate the community effort to safeguard yourself, your friends, your family, and the greater community.
Sincerely,
The Guilford College Health and Safety Task Force
Kim Berry and Steve Mencarini, co-chairs
Janet Gould
Suzanne Bartels
Savannah Henry
Maya Chevalier
Kim-Anne Kleimeier
Reacie Daniel
Erickia Elbert
Ryann Fowler
Michele Malotky
Susan Smith