Revised Isolation/Quarantine Policy

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

We hope you are enjoying a fun, relaxing and safe spring break, whether you’re on a beach, on a service trip or at home with family and friends. Sunday is the first day of spring — that in itself is reason to celebrate!

Based on current conditions and low number of new COVID-19 cases in our state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced updates to its isolation and quarantine guidance. This week’s OC CARES communication includes important changes to the OC CARES Pandemic Response Plan isolation and quarantine policy based on MDHHS guidance that may impact you.

1. Exposure to Someone Who is Positive for COVID-19
2. Isolate if You Test Positive for COVID-19 or Display Symptoms
3. You Are Still Required to Notify the College if Test Positive for COVID-19
4. Steps to Stay Safe and Healthy

Exposure to Someone Who is Positive for COVID-19

The following guidelines are in place for individuals exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19 through one of the following types of contact:

Exposure is to a personal/household contact:

• Conduct symptom monitoring for 10 days; and
• Test at least one time if possible 3-7 days after exposure and if symptoms develop; and
• Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days from the date of last exposure to protect others (home quarantine is an alternative for those who are unable or unwilling to mask); and
• Avoid unmasked activities or activities with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals for 10 days from the date of last exposure.

OR

Exposure is to other type of contact (from a community, social or work setting):

• Conduct symptom monitoring for 10 days; and
• Test if symptoms develop; and
• Consider wearing a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of last exposure to protect others. At a minimum, wear a mask in settings with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals.

Isolate if You Test Positive for COVID-19 or Display Symptoms

Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 and/or displays COVID-19 symptoms (without an alternate diagnosis or negative COVID-19 test) should isolate regardless of vaccination status:

1. Isolate at home for the first 5 days (starting with the day after symptoms began or day after test was taken for those without symptoms); and
2. If symptoms have improved or no symptoms developed, return to normal activities, while wearing a well-fitted mask, for the next 5 days to protect others. AND
3. If individual has a fever, stay home until fever free for a period of 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications before returning to normal activities while wearing a well-fitted mask, until the 10-day period is complete. OR
4. Isolate at home for 10 days if unwilling/unable to wear a mask.

You Are Still Required to Notify the College if You Test Positive for COVID-19

All students, faculty and staff are required to notify the College of a positive COVID-19 test result to allow for us to notify individuals who were in close contact.

• Students must contact Campus Safety (269-749-7911) FIRST if you test positive for COVID-19. A campus representative will assist you with next steps.
• Employees must notify Terri Glasgow, director of human resources, if you test positive for COVID-19.

Click here to read the full OC CARES Pandemic Response Plan

Steps to Stay Safe and Healthy

Spring not only brings outdoor fun, but also finals week, honors week, Baccalaureate, Commencement and more. Ensure you remain healthy in the weeks to come by taking precautions to avoid COVID-19, spring colds, the flu and getting run down in general:

1. Get the free, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination and booster.
2. Stay home if you are not feeling well and monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
3. Wear a mask if you feel more comfortable doing so — it’s your choice.
4. Wash your hands regularly.
5. Cough and sneeze into a clean tissue or the crook of your arm.
6. Take time to relax and breathe in the spring air by getting outside.
7. Visit the Health and Wellness Center if you are feeling stressed or anxious or just want to talk.
8. Schedule in time to get a good night’s sleep!

“Spring is when you feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush.“ — Doug Larson, Wisconsin newspaper columnist and editor