The Joint COVID Taskforce issues updated guidelines effective Feb. 1
To students and employees,
Some changes to COVID protocols, specifically as they relate to in-person events and indoor dining, will be implemented beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1, on our three sister campuses.
Those recommendations include changes to guidelines that had been in place since the start of the spring semester.
WHAT’S NEW?
Meetings and Events
Virtual meetings and events are strongly encouraged. Meetings and events convened by members of the campus community, including student groups and office hours, may be held in person following masking guidelines. Physical distancing is recommended when possible.
Meetings and events involving outside groups will be permitted following masking guidelines.
Dining
Indoor dining in campus locations is now permitted. Masks must be worn at all times except when eating and drinking, and physical distancing guidelines should be followed. Grab-and-go options will remain available.
Clubs and Organizations
Club sports and organizational activities will be permitted, and recreational facilities will be open for use. Students should contact their club advisers and recreational facilities for further guidance.
Travel
Our travel guidelines remain in place: Only travel that is deemed essential is permitted. Any questions should be directed to your supervisor.
WHAT STAYS THE SAME?
Masks
- Face coverings are required in all facilities, regardless of vaccination status;
- Face coverings are strongly recommended to be worn outdoors by all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, and are required outside when physical distancing is not possible;
- Higher-grade masks (KN95 or KF94) or disposable surgical masks are strongly recommended;
- Face shields, bandanas, neck gaiters, scarves, turtleneck collars, masks with valves and balaclavas/ski masks are not acceptable;
- Cloth and handmade face coverings are discouraged. If they are used, it is strongly recommended they be worn with a surgical mask;
- A mask must fit snugly over the wearer’s nose and mouth and under the chin, and snugly against the sides of the wearer’s face.
Our masking guidelines are outlined in this video.
COVID-19 SYMPTOM GUIDELINE “DECISION TREES”
An easy-to-follow guide for California, Clarion and Edinboro employees and students is available online to determine their next steps if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Frequently asked questions have also been updated and posted on the California, Clarion and Edinboro websites.
RESIDENCE LIFE
Our goal is to minimize the risk of community spread in the residence halls. For that reason, if a student living in a campus residence tests positive for COVID, we will encourage them to go home to isolate. We do understand there may be extenuating circumstances that make that difficult. Residence Life and Housing staff will be in communication with each student that is identified as positive to discuss options.
COVID-19 TESTING
The federal government is providing a limited number of free at-home testing kits. For more information, visit www.covidtests.gov. (Note: The site launched this week, and there have been some early reports of issues fulfilling orders made by those living in multi-unit housing (i.e. residence halls). We will share more information as it becomes available.
Free testing for asymptomatic students is available at each campus:
- California: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Convocation Center, Second Floor Concourse.
- Clarion: 7-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, PCR testing; noon-2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, rapid/antigen testing, 107-108 Eagle Commons
- Edinboro: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Dearborn Hall, first floor lobby (use the Darrow Road entrance).
Students with symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their campus health center:
- California: 724-938-4232
- Clarion: 814-393-2121
- Edinboro: 814-732-2743
Employees should contact their health care providers for guidance.
VACCINATIONS AND BOOSTERS
Being fully vaccinated and boosted is an important way to protect yourself from severe illness as a result of COVID-19. Visit http://www.vaccines.gov/ to find a location near you.
Stay safe and healthy!
Members of the Joint COVID Taskforce