Updates to COVID-19 Guidance

Feb 11, 2022

The Joint COVID Taskforce issues the latest updates to campus protocols.

campus photo

Dear Students and Colleagues,

We have positive news to report – we are seeing a downward trend in the number of COVID cases on our campuses and are relaxing some of our COVID restrictions. While this is good news, we need to continue to do our part to keep ourselves and each other safe – mask up, wash your hands and get vaccinated.

As promised, the Joint COVID Taskforce is monitoring the situation and meets regularly to discuss any recommendations that would result in changes to our posture.  Keeping in mind that our shared health and safety is critically important, as is a return to a more expected college experience, we are making the following changes effective immediately.

WHAT’S NEW

  • TRAVEL
    • COVID travel restrictions are lifted. For questions, contact your adviser or supervisor.

 

  • Food, Meetings and Events
    • Face-to-face meetings continue to be permitted, with participants required to wear face coverings. Specific restrictions on numbers of people in a space are now lifted, but please attempt to use a space that allows for ample physical spacing. Virtual meetings are suggested when physical distancing is difficult.
    • Food and drinks are permitted at indoor events and meetings; these gatherings should be hosted in a space that provides for ample physical distancing between participants when eating and/or drinking.
    • Food does not need to be pre-packaged, individually wrapped nor served by a food services professional; proper utensils are required to pick up food.
    • Food is not permitted in classroom settings.
    • Concession stands will be open during sporting events, following local food safety guidelines.
    • If shared food (e.g., pizza) is provided for a meeting or event, it is recommended that individual use their a previously unused utensil (e.g. fork or spoon) to retrieve the food item.

WHAT STAYS THE SAME

  • FACE COVERINGS
    • Face coverings are still required in all facilities, regardless of vaccination status;
    • 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 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.

 

  • Meetings and Events
    • 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.

 

  • COVID-19 SYMPTOM GUIDELINE “DECISION TREES”

 

  • 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. 
    • 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.

 

Stay safe and healthy!

Members of the Joint COVID Taskforce