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

Current Status September 10:

• On-campus, we have seen a rise in positive cases of COVID-19 and a slight decrease in quarantines this week.
• In Kosciusko County, the spread has continued we are still at the orange alert level. Our metric score increased from a 2 to a 2.5 due to our county’s increasing positivity rate.

Temporary Measures: The following guidelines will continue until at least Friday, September 17.

• Classes – All classes are being recorded or on Zoom for students in isolation/quarantine. All other students are required to attend classes in person.  Faculty may request that students wear masks in a particular classroom – we ask that you respect their wishes if this is the case.
• Residence Halls – No overnight guests (including commuter students).  We will not hold coed visitation (aka “open hours”).

• Dining – Alpha Dining Commons will continue to offer a takeout option in addition to the grab-and-go for all students.  This should allow students to better distance themselves while eating in the dining hall or outdoors.

• Chapel – Chapel on Friday, September 10 (tomorrow) will be held outdoors, in and around the Indiana Hall tent.  There will also be a virtual option (different content) for those desiring to receive chapel credit virtually. Next week, we will return to in-person chapels with masks required, per the measure below.

• • Large indoor gatherings – Masks will be required for all attendees to indoor gatherings of 250 or larger. We feel this measure has the potential to control large outbreaks while causing the least inconvenience.  At this time, we are not mandating masks in classrooms, dining halls, or residence halls.

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.

• Students will be provided an isolation room on campus but may choose to isolate at home.
• Student meals will be delivered to students isolating on campus.
• Students will complete their work and attend classes virtually while in isolation.

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 and have no symptoms may continue normal activities, and will be required to test after three days using a rapid test. Enhanced safety precautions are recommended.
• Residential Students who have not been fully vaccinated may choose to quarantine at home or in a Grace provided space.
• Students with a negative test on day 8 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 will need to quarantine for the full 14 days regardless of negative test results.
• 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 students at no charge. Students or employees may also access testing from local medical providers, which may require payment.

Contact Tracing

Grace will conduct contact tracing for individuals on campus who may have been exposed to help mitigate spread.