Based on the latest guidance from local, state, and federal public health officials, these are the protocols Freed-Hardeman University will follow when an exposure or infection of COVID-19 takes place on campus.
DEFINITIONS
Quarantine
Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of individuals who were exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick, individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms, individuals who are awaiting COVID-19 testing results, or individuals who have traveled internationally. These individuals may have been exposed and do not know it, or they may have the disease but do not show symptoms.
A student will be required to quarantine at home or in a designated location when
- The student has been tested for COVID-19 and the results are not yet known; OR
- The student has had direct physical close contact with someone who has tested
positive and is awaiting test results; OR
- The student has traveled internationally
For those choosing to quarantine on campus, the student service coordinator will notify the student of the location where they need to quarantine.
An FHU student awaiting a COVID-19 test must quarantine at home or in a designated location until the results of a COVID-19 test are known. While awaiting test results, the student should do their best to keep six feet of distance with any others in their quarantine environment, limit contact to as few individuals as possible (as few as 1-2), and use antibacterial disinfectant after each restroom use, especially for shared restrooms. The amount of time spent in quarantine will be dependent on the outcome of the test, presence of symptoms, and medical provider’s guidance.
Isolation
Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
A student will be required to isolate at home or in a designated location with zero public contact when a student has tested positive for COVID-19 test, with or without active symptoms. The amount of time spent in isolation will be dependent on the length of illness, presence of symptoms, and medical provider’s guidance.
Direct Physical Close Contact
Direct physical close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of an individual for 15 or more minutes.
QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION PROTOCOLS
The following protocol will be coordinated by the student services coordinator once it has been determined that a residential student chooses to quarantine or isolate on campus.
The student services coordinator will contact the student requiring quarantine or isolation to determine if the student will isolate or quarantine on campus or at home. Students who quarantine or isolate on campus can expect the following.
- The student services coordinator will inform the student of their temporary housing assignment, if required.
- The student services coordinator will inform the residence hall director that the student will be temporarily reassigned to another housing location.
- The Office of Academics will inform the faculty who teach the student’s classes. The notification will includean approximate length of time the student will be quarantined or isolated.
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MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND MONITORING
Non-Emergent Medical Assistance
Non-emergent, medical assistance will be available for students placed in isolation or quarantine through the Rogers, Conger, Dodd Health Clinic, which is open between 8:00am - 5:00pm. Students in quarantine or isolation may contact the Health Clinic by calling 731.989.6680.
After-hours and Weekend, Non-Emergent Medical Assistance (non-emergent)
When the Rogers, Conger, Dodd Health Clinic is not open, students who are in quarantine or isolation and who require non-emergent, medical assistance should contact Dr. Wayne Scott (731.608.2540). If Dr. Scott is unavailable, students should contact campus security (731.989.6911).
Emergency Medical Assistance
Students in isolation should seek emergency treatment (CALL 911) if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Blueish lips or face
A student experiencing these symptoms or other symptoms that are perceived as life-threatening or that cause extreme pain or discomfort should call 911.
PROVISIONS FOR FOOD SERVICE
A paper or electronic form with daily menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the following day will be provided to the quarantined or isolated student. The form will allow the student to choose what they would like to eat the following day.
Lions Pride Dining Services will deliver meals to students in isolation or quarantine via take out containers. Meals will be delivered on days and at times consistent with operating hours for Lions Pride Dining Service. The meals will be dropped off at the room door. All meals will be served with disposable products (plates, cups, utensils) so that nothing will need to be picked up and cleaned.
PROVISIONS FOR OTHER NEEDS
A student may have need for other items or assistance that are beyond the scope of the provisions that have been noted. Such as snacks, phone charger, etc. In such instances, the student may contact the student services coordinator (studentservices@fhu.edu or 731.989.6790) to discuss how to make arrangements for those items. The student should not contact other individuals and ask them to bring the items to their place of isolation or quarantine.
CLASSES
The Office of Academics will inform the faculty who teach the student’s classes when students are placed into quarantine or isolation. The notification will include an approximate length of time the student will be quarantined or isolated
Instructors will provide students with information and direction on how to continue their classes while in quarantine or isolation.
Students are also encouraged to reach out to another student in each of their classes to establish a Protect-the-Pride Informant who can provide peer-assistance during the period of quarantine or isolation.