Fall 2022: COVID-19 Protocol & Guidelines

In accordance with the recently-updated guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control, SAGU has adjusted its guidelines for its students, faculty and staff effective immediately and for the Fall 2022 semester.

COVID continues to be a serious virus affecting significant numbers of individuals resulting in sometimes serious symptoms and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions especially for those with pre-existing conditions or who may be otherwise considered “at risk.” SAGU continues to take a responsible approach to fighting the spread of the COVID virus in its community and has determined to follow the latest guidance published by the Centers for Disease Control to provide for the best protection for its community members while endeavoring to provide a vibrant campus-centered educational experience.

As SAGU continues to monitor public health orders and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, our guidelines and protocols may change. If such a situation occurs, this page will be updated accordingly.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

On-campus spaces and activities have generally been returned to the status as they were before the onset of the pandemic. Masks are not required to be worn and room and spacing have been returned to typical, pre-COVID setups. Should community members wish to wear a mask for protection, they are certainly welcome to do so.

IF YOU ARE SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF COVID:

Prior to coming to campus or while on campus, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms that are new, worsening or occurring in a way that is not normal for any chronic conditions you may have, please remain or return home. Students should notify their resident assistant or the Student Life Office. Employees should notify their supervisor. The most prevalent symptoms of COVID are:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

If showing symptoms and do not wish to be evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID, you may not return to work or class until you have met the following three step criteria:

At least 1 day (24 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications)
Improvement in symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath)
At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared

IF YOU HAVE COME IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH A COVID-POSITIVE INDIVIDUAL:

Close contact is defined as being within six feet of an individual that is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.

Consistent with the CDC’s COVID-19 exposure guidance, individuals exposed to COVID-19 are not required to quarantine, regardless of their vaccination status. However, you should get tested for COVID-19 at least 5 full days after exposure. The date of your exposure is considered day 0. Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with a COVID-positive individual.

Individuals that have been exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to wear a mask any time you are around others for at least 10 full days after exposure. If you develop symptoms at any point, quarantine immediately.

IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19:

Students should notify their resident assistant or the Student Life Office. Employees should notify their supervisor.

Students whose home is within four hours of campus will be required to isolate at home until they are able to return to campus (see below). Students who live more than four hours from campus will be given the option to isolate on campus or return home for the period of their isolation. Employees will be required to stay at home until they are able to return to work. Under no circumstances should an individual testing positive for COVID-19 attend class, visit the dining hall, or gather with others during this 5-day period.

You may return to campus when all of the following criteria are met:

At least 1 day (24 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications)
Improvement in symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath)
At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared

Individuals that have test positive for COVID-19 are additionally encouraged to wear a mask any time you are around others for at least 10 full days after exposure.