COVID-19 Operating Plan | 2021–22

This site provides updates and resources for the Grace College & Seminary community regarding COVID-19 and its impact on our campus. We will remain adaptable as we return to more normal operations in 2021-22.

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 the Health Center (574) 372-5100 ext. 6472. If you are feeling unwell after the Health Center 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 the Health Center.

Isolation if Infected

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

• Residential students will isolate at home if they are within 150 miles of campus. Students who are more than 150 miles from campus or have extenuating circumstances will be isolated in a Grace provided space.
• Student meals will be delivered to students isolating on campus.
• Students will complete their work and attend classes virtually while in isolation.
• Length of isolation will be a minimum of 5 days. Grace is using antigen testing to determine when the viral load is reduced to a level that should prevent transmission to other students. If the test is negative on day 6, the student will be released from isolation. If positive, they will be retested on day 8. If the test is still positive on day 8, the student will finish the 10 full days of isolation and will be able to return to regular activities on day 11.

Quarantine if Exposed

Students who have been in close contact with an individual with a test-confirmed case of COVID-19 must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Students who have been fully vaccinated, are up to date on boosters, and have no symptoms may continue normal activities and will be required to test after 5 days using a rapid test. They are required to wear a mask for the 10 days following exposure. Enhanced safety precautions are recommended.
• Residential students who  are not up to date on their Covid vaccines will quarantine at home if they are within 150 miles of campus. Students who are more than 150 miles from campus or have extenuating circumstances will be quarantined in a Grace provided space.
• Students with a negative test on day 6 will be released from quarantine. If the student chooses not to be tested, the quarantine will be extended to 10 days.
• Students in quarantine who develop symptoms at any time must contact the health center for guidance.
• Students will pick up meals at Alpha Dining Hall. Quarantined students must wear a mask when picking up meals.
• Students will complete their work and attend classes virtually while in quarantine.
• Students will have time for outside activities during quarantine as long as social distancing is maintained.
• Grace will provide quarantine testing in the Health Center at no charge to the student.

Testing

Grace Health Center will test symptomatic/quarantined 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 will conduct contact tracing for individuals on campus who may have been exposed to help mitigate spread.