Holy Cross has moved away from an emergency response towards a model that more closely resembles post-pandemic operations. Under this approach, each member of our community is empowered to evaluate risks and make decisions based on their personal circumstances.
Vaccination
All Holy Cross students, faculty, staff and volunteers, except for those who have asked for and been granted an exemption, must be vaccinated and boosted before returning to campus for the spring semester, even those who have previously had COVID-19.
Student Information
Faculty, Staff and Volunteer Information
Masking
Masking on campus is optional for all members of the community and visitors. One-way masking remains an effective way to reduce the risk of contracting pathogens like COVID-19.
College employees may request that others wear a mask in their personal work space. Faculty members have the right to require masking in their classrooms, labs and personal offices.
The College will shift back to a mask mandate as recommended by the Public Health R.N in response to an outbreak, or if required at the local or national level.
We strongly recommend masking for all close contacts for five full days after exposure to a COVID positive person, or for anyone who is unvaccinated, immunocompromised, over the age of 75, or who lives and/or works closely with others who are immunocompromised or over the age of 75.
Testing and what to do if you test positive
Campus members are asked to monitor their own symptoms and, when necessary, arrange for their own testing.
Students
- Testing will be available in Health Services for students who are exposed to COVID or who have active symptoms.
- Students who test positive will be required to isolate for a time period consistent with the CDC guidelines in effect at the time. If possible, you should isolate at home. Those who cannot go home will be expected to isolate in their rooms. A limited number of separate on-campus isolation rooms will be available for high-risk students.
- Students who test positive will be required to isolate for a time period consistent with the CDC guidelines in effect at the time. Students who test positive will be asked to isolate off campus. Those who cannot isolate off-campus will isolate in their dorm room. The College will reserve limited respite space for individuals who are severely immunocompromised. However, this space will be very limited and provided on a first-come basis.
Employees
- Faculty and staff members who are exposed to COVID are expected to follow the guidelines provided for in the CDC’s tool “When to Quarantine or Isolate.” The isolation and quarantine guidelines will depend upon a number of factors, including but not limited to vaccination status. If advised to isolate or quarantine, employees must notify their supervisor to discuss sick time or their ability to work remotely. During the academic year, faculty should notify department chairs.
- After a positive test, you should continue to wear a mask for five days following your isolation period.
- On campus testing for faculty and staff will be available through summer 2022. Drop box testing will be available on campus through June 30. In July and August, faculty staff, and students who are interested in testing will be able to obtain a free rapid test at a rapid-test pick up site.
Starting in fall 2022, employees who develop symptoms will be encouraged to test at home or arrange for testing in a medical facility.
Visitors
We strongly encourage all visitors to adhere to the following guidelines to keep themselves and others safe:
- We strongly encourage all visitors to campus to be fully vaccinated and boosted.
- If you are able, please take a home rapid test before visiting campus.
- Individuals who are symptomatic are asked to not come to campus.
Events
All in-person activities may resume in full. Event organizers are not expected to screen guests’ vaccination status or to require tests.
COVID Response Leadership
The College’s Public Health R.N., reporting to the Director of Health Services and in consultation with the College’s medical advisor, has primary responsibility for monitoring all public health concerns, including COVID, and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
The College is actively recruiting for this newly-created role. Until filled, Chief Risk Management Officer Denielle Burl, acting in her role as emergency management coordinator, will oversee these strategies.
Questions
Questions and comments may be sent to coronavirus@holycross.edu