COVID-19 Operating Plan

This site provides updates and resources for the Grace College & Seminary community regarding COVID-19 and its impact on our campus.

The following protocols are based on state health recommendations and in consultation with county health authorities. Recognizing the changing nature of COVID-19, these plans will be reviewed, and any updates will be communicated to the campus community.

We are optimistic that our vibrant Christ-centered community will thrive in the year ahead, as we live by the ways of grace.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:39

Students, faculty and staff should take the following steps:

1. Assess
   Assess your health for COVID-19 symptoms:

• • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

2. Isolate
If you do not feel well, do not attend classes or come to work. Isolate from others immediately.

3. Communicate and Seek Care

Students: Call Health Services (574) 372-5100 ext. 6472. If you are feeling unwell after hours contact the Resident Director on call (574) 635-5737. If your symptoms are moderate to severe you may seek care at Medstat, Physicians Urgent Care, or the emergency room. If this is an emergency please call 911.

Employees: Email covid.hr@grace.edu to notify of symptoms, contact your supervisor, and contact your medical provider as needed.

Below are general guidelines for isolation and quarantine. Specific protocol details will be provided by Health Services.

Isolation if Infected

Grace will provide symptomatic testing at no charge to the student. Students who test positive for COVID-19 will go into isolation.

• Residential students will isolate at home, if that is not possible students will be able to isolate in a Grace provided space.
• Student will be allowed to pick up their meals from Alpha at designated times.
• Students will work with their faculty to stay engaged with their learning.
• Length of isolation will be a minimum of 5 days.
• Students will be permitted to return to class and regular activities on day 6 as long as symptoms are improving and they have been fever free without medication for 24 hours. A mask must be worn through day 10. 

Students Exposed to COVID-19

• As recommended by the CDC and State of Indiana, there is no longer a quarantine requirement for close contacts of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. Students should closely monitor themselves for symptoms.
• A mask must be worn for the 10 days following exposure and testing should be completed on day 6. 
• Grace will provide testing at Health Services at no charge to the student.

Testing

Grace Health Services will test symptomatic/exposed students at no charge. Students or employees may also access testing from local medical providers, or use a home test kit which may require payment.

Contact Tracing

Grace is no longer conducting contact tracing but we strongly recommend that students who test positive for COVID-19 notify their close contacts.