Isolation Protocols

These processes align with the most recent guidance from the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Please read all information below prior to completing the Close Contact Form for each of your close contacts. It’s imperative that we work together as a community to keep each other healthy by following the procedures below to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Isolation Instructions 

The College highly encourages you to complete your isolation period at home, unless public transportation would need to be accessed. If this is the case, please contact Health Services for further guidance. Otherwise, if you are unable to go home, you will be asked to self-manage your isolation in your residence hall. Please call Health Services at 508-565-1307 if you need to discuss your circumstances.  

Close Contact Identification 

A close contact is someone who was within 6 feet of you indoors for 15 minutes or more during a 24-hour period. Think back to your infectious period: 48 hours prior to your positive test date or 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms. If they don’t meet this criteria, they are not considered a close contact and you do not need to list them on the Close Contact Form.  

If they do meet the criteria, they are a true close contact. You should complete the Close Contact Form for each individual you have been in contact with. Close contacts will be notified of their exposure and given guidance. Note, your identity will be kept confidential. 

You are welcome to call, text, or email your close contacts if you wish, but you must fill out the form so we can ensure they receive the information they need.  

Isolation Protocols 

You are required to isolate for a minimum of 5 days but it may be longer depending on the specifics of your case.  

If you have no symptoms or symptoms are resolving, and you have been fever-free for more than 24 hours, you are automatically cleared from isolation on day 6 ("Day Zero" + Five Days). For the continued safety of the community, you must wear a mask at all times when leaving home or interacting with others; this means no dining with others and no other mask-free activities until after day 10.   

If on day 5 or later your symptoms are not improving or you have had a fever within the last 24 hours, then you must continue to isolate.  

Testing on Day 6  

You may decide to test towards the end of the 5-day isolation period with a rapid antigen test to determine if you should remain in isolation. This is not a requirement, but it is recommended. 

Perform a rapid antigen test only if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. If your test result is positive, continue to isolate until day 10. If your test result is negative, you can end isolation, but continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others until day 10.  

Support Services  

Although you’ll be in isolation, you’re not alone. We are happy to answer your questions. 

For questions regarding these protocols, students can contact Health Services at 508-565-1307, and employees can contact Employee Health and Wellness at 508-565-1608. 

For any health or medical related questions, students should call Health Services at 508-565-1307 during hours of operation, Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. If there is an acute medical need after hours on campus, please call Campus Dispatch at 508-565-5555 for assistance.  For after-hours medical care, please see this link for additional resources.

Students are encouraged to contact their faculty directly with academic questions or contact Academic Services & Advising at 508-565-1306 ext. 1470. 

Meals in Isolation 

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating on campus you should plan to obtain your own meals by utilizing the EVERYDAY App. When ordering your food please note in the comment box before checking out, that you will be “picking up in the specialized area” at the commons.  

The specialized area is designated for students in isolation. The door is across from the fountain outside the Commons. You will open this door and see a shelf with your order. Grab and go. 

Managing Symptoms  

Most symptoms of COVID-19 can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, rest, and fluids, but some people experience severe symptoms.  If you are experiencing severe symptoms (e.g. trouble breathing; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; inability to wake or stay awake; or pale/gray/blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds depending on skin tone), call for medical help immediately. 

Students during business hours should call Health Services at 508-565-1307. Employees during business hours should call their medical provider or Employee Health and Wellness at 508-565-1608. 

In an emergency call 508-565-5555 if on campus or dial 911 if off campus.