ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE GUIDELINES

1. “Self-isolation” involves a student, faculty or staff member (hereafter “N.C. A&T community member”) isolating themselves from other community members due to symptoms of infectious disease, including fever, cough or shortness of breath. Such isolation is achieved, for example, by ill students not attending classes or dining in communal spaces; or by faculty and staff not reporting to work on campus.
   
   N.C. A&T community members are encouraged to engage in self-isolation if they are experiencing a fever with either a cough or shortness of breath. Self-isolation should continue for 10 days and until a community member has been asymptomatic for at least 24 hours without the use of anti-fever medication.
2. “Isolation” is a protocol used when a person has been confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus. People who are COVID-19 positive can reside with others who are also COVID-19 positive, but should be isolated from those who do not have the virus.
   
   Isolation involves a mandatory separation of ill N.C. A&T community members from other community members. Isolation will be required of N.C. A&T community members whenever such intervention is recommended to the community member by public health authorities or other medical professional, including the Student Health Center. Criteria involve symptoms, exposure or a positive COVID-19 test. N.C. A&T community members will be required to remain in isolation for the duration recommended by public health officials.
3. “Quarantine” is a protocol used for someone who is determined to have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. Quarantine lasts for the estimated incubation period for COVID-19 (14 days) and involves separating the person as much as possible from all other contacts. Quarantine will be required of N.C. A&T community members whenever such intervention is recommended to the community member by public health authorities or other medical professionals, including the Student Health Center. Criteria involve testing, symptoms and exposure. N.C. A&T community members will be required to remain in quarantine for the duration recommended by public health officials. Quarantine involves isolating N.C. A&T community members who may be well, but who may have been exposed to an infectious disease.
4. “Direct contact” is a criterion for determining whether the contact with an infected individual warrants quarantine, based on proximity, length of time in contact, environment context (e.g., large room, outside), and active symptoms of the infected person with whom contact is made.
   • Examples of risky direct close contact include:
     • Being within 6 feet of someone for more cumulative total of 15 minutes or more during a 24-hour period and neither of you were masked
     • Sleeping in the same room or living in the same household with an infected person
     • Direct physical contact (e.g., kissing, hugging) with an infected person
     • Attending an indoor event where masks were not worn by everyone
     • Eating or drinking with a crowd in an indoor space
5. “COVID-19 symptoms” The symptoms of potential COVID-19 infections identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include the following:
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • Fever
   • Chills
   • Muscle pain
   • Sore throat
   • New loss of taste or smell
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Diarrhea

In addition, any N.C. A&T community member traveling to the United States from a country classified at Level 3 by the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html) will be required to (1) engage in quarantine off campus for a period of 14 days from their date of departure from the affected area, and (2) notify the university of their travel at least 72 hours prior to their return to campus. Employees should notify the Division of Human Resources Office, while students should notify the Student Health Center. Should individuals engaging in quarantine become ill with fever, cough or shortness of breath, they may be required to engage in isolation. For more

information about quarantine and isolation please see CDC guidance available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html.

• Stay home and separate yourself from others in your home.
• Do not come to campus, including class or work; do not participate in person in any campus activities.
• Contact the Student Health Center via phone or email immediately.
• If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are waiting for test results, or have coronavirus symptoms, CDC guidance for isolation recommends staying in a specific “sick room” or area and away from other people or animals, including pets. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Monitor any symptoms you might be experiencing, and if they develop or worsen, call the Student Health Care Center (336-334-7880) or your healthcare provider BEFORE seeking in-person care.
• Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a face covering or mask before medical help arrives.
• Wear a mask when you are not in your own bedroom or solitary workspace.
• Postpone all non-essential medical appointments until you are out of self-quarantine/isolation.
• Stay away from public areas including grocery stores, malls, theaters and large public gathering spaces.
• Avoid public transportation, ridesharing or taxis.
• Postpone any travel. If you travel and become ill, you may not be able to return home.
• Employees should contact their supervisor as soon as possible; depending upon the circumstances, an employee may continue to work remotely if approved to do so.
• Students taking courses on campus should work with their professors to determine options for continuing academic work remotely.
• Professors should implement flexible solutions to ensure students can continue to engage if they are able, provide extensions as needed, or develop make-up schedules and action plans to help students catch up when they return.
• Virtual support services are available to students. Please see Appendix A for a full list.
• Students needing assistance with connections to the university network or other information technology needs should contact the Helpdesk (helpdesk@ncat.edu).
• All students living off campus are strongly encouraged to have an isolation and quarantine plan. The university will provide limited virtual support services, as noted below, in your off-campus location. The university will not provide on-campus isolation and quarantine space for students living off campus.

A. Notification Requirements

N.C. A&T community members engaging in isolation or quarantine should engage in the following notification procedures:

1. Students living on campus must notify the Student Health Center and the Office of Residential Life. The Student Health Center will initiate the process of relocation to the isolation/quarantine space. Housing and Residence life will be responsible for meal delivery for those students. Students living in on-campus housing will be required to move to special housing reserved for coronavirus patients to minimize spread of the virus in residence halls. During the isolation or quarantine period, such students will not be allowed to attend in-person classes or go to campus dining or other facilities. Meal delivery will be made to the isolation/quarantine hall by the care coordinator or hall director. 
2. Students living off-campus must notify the Student Health Center. The university will provide limited support services, such as access to telehealth appointments, in your off-campus location. The university will not provide on-campus isolation and quarantine space for students living off campus. During the isolation or quarantine period, such students will not be allowed to attend in-person classes or go to N.C. A&T dining or other facilities.
3. Faculty and Staff. Employees who require isolation or quarantine and need to miss work must notify their supervisor via email and/or phone immediately and Human Resources (Benefits Office) of their absence. Faculty and staff should also complete the COVID-19 Isolation Form from Human Resources. During isolation or quarantine, those employees are not permitted to be on campus. If the employee is ill or continues to manifest coronavirus symptoms, a further period of isolation and additional medical treatment may be required. Such employees are strongly encouraged to follow the direction of their physicians.

B. Return to Campus After Isolation

Sick faculty, staff or students should not return to in-person classes or university facilities, or end isolation until they have met CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation and received clearance from the Student Health Center or other medical professional.

1. If an individual had symptoms but was not tested, recovery status (and clearance to return to campus/work) occurs when: (1) it has been at least 10 days since their symptoms first appeared, and (2) the individual remains fever-free without the use of fever reducers for 24 hours, and (3) the individual’s symptoms have improved; or
2. A PCR test can remain positive for up to 3 months. Therefore, the CDC does not recommend repeat testing for COVID-19 within a 3-month period.
3. If an asymptomatic individual tested positive for COVID-19 the individual can be cleared to return 10 days after the test if the individual does not develop symptoms. If the individual develops symptoms, then the individual must follow the recovery strategy for those with symptoms; or
4. If you are experiencing some emotional concerns, please contact Counseling Services, 336-334-7727

A. Triage Information Relevant for Students

The defining symptoms of COVID-19 are (1) a fever AND (2) a cough or shortness of breath. Students who are experiencing either of these symptoms are encouraged to call the Student Health Center. In order to reduce the risk of transmission of disease to other students, students should not, as a first step, come into the Student Health Center in person. You can contact the Student Health Center by phone at 336-334-7880. The Student Health Center is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday.

To address after hours concerns you should contact the on-call providers between the hours of 7:01 p.m. and 10 p.m., Monday-Friday, by calling 336-334-7880. On-call providers are available 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays, and Sundays by virtual visit.

B. Isolation or Quarantine for Students

1. All students living in university housing are required to have an isolation and quarantine plan. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends isolating and quarantining without travel. We strongly recommend your plan include conducting your period of isolation or quarantine in the assigned isolation/quarantine residence hall or in your private living space (off-campus). For those students living in university housing, the university has set aside dedicated isolation and quarantine space. Meals, linen service and needed medications will be delivered to students isolating and quarantining on campus, and virtual visits with the Student Health Center are available as needed. Students who expect to miss classes should contact their professor. Students who need assistance in communicating with professors should contact their academic advisor and department chair. For questions related to academic support services not provided in this document, please contact Tonya Smith-Jackson, senior vice provost for academic affairs ( tlsmithj@ncat.edu  ; 336-285-3020).
2. Students assessed by health professionals as needing to engage in self-isolation
   1. All students will be provided information about during their period of isolation/quarantine.
   2. The Student Counseling Center will provide mental health resources and counseling services.
   3. Departments and your academic advisor are available to provide academic support.
   4. Students should notify their faculty so accommodations can be made.
   5. Counseling services is available to support any mental health concerns. For students who live on campus, the Student Health Center will:
      
      1. The Student Health Center (SHC) will conduct wellness virtual visits as needed with a board-certified SHC provider (physician or nurse practitioner) through Doximity (www.doximity.com). Students can also call 336-334-7880, to arrange a virtual appointment.
      2. Students in university housing should call UPD at 336-334-7675 for any life-threatening emergencies; when calling, please inform the UPD dispatcher that you are in isolation or quarantine. With the patient’s permission, notify Residence Life, Campus Safety staff, in order to ensure the student receives housing support, meals, academic support, and safety support.
   6. COVID Health Care Coordinators 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and can be reached at 336-500-7862. These staff will deliver, meals, take temperatures and conduct routine wellness checks on isolation/quarantine residents.
   7. On-Call Resident Hall Directors (RHDs) are available for support and campus related emergencies can be reached at 336-500-3865. These staff can assist you with lockouts and connecting you to numerous campus resources.

C. Provision of Food Service

Dining staff will prepare boxed meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday for all students in isolation or quarantine on campus.

D. Communicate with Your Family

Students should discuss the following with your family before coming to campus:

• If you live within driving distance, are you be able to return home in a private vehicle (quarantine only) and adhere to the guides set by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/guidance/NCDHHS-Interim-Guidance-for-Safer-Holiday-Breaks.pdf
• If you are instructed to isolate or quarantine, you cannot travel on any public transportation (e.g., bus, train, plane, Uber, Lyft, taxi, etc.) as you may expose others.
• If someone from your family plans to pick you up from campus to take you home to quarantine, how much time will they need to arrive (hours or even a day or two)?
• Are you able to distance yourself from others in your home to keep other family members safe?
• If you cannot quarantine at home, how will your family communicate with you (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom, Google Chat, etc.)?

E. Assemble a Go-Kit

If you are asked to isolate or quarantine on campus, you will not be able to go back to your on-campus housing to gather supplies. Additionally, you will not be able to leave your isolation or quarantine space during isolation/quarantine. To prepare for this, assemble a Go-Kit before you arrive on campus. Someone can easily pick it up and drop it off to you when you are in isolation or quarantine.

Supplies for Your Go-Kit

• Cleaning supplies. Pack EPA approved disinfecting wipes to use in your living spaces before, during, and after any possible isolation or quarantine. You will need to use these in any common areas of your residence while you are in isolation, quarantine, or anytime you are not feeling well.
• Self-care medications. Pack fever/pain reducers such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin). Do not use multi-symptom medications in combination with these as it can be easy to take too much. You may want lozenges for sore throats, or cough medications.
• Prescription medications. Pack several days’ worth of any prescription medications you need.
• Thermometer. Pack a digital thermometer that works under your tongue, is easy to use, and not expensive to purchase. Make sure you have one with new batteries.
• Face coverings. Pack multiple face coverings so that you can wear a fresh one each day.
• Comfort food: Pack your favorite comfort snacks and drinks. Although the university will ensure meals are delivered to those isolating or quarantining on campus, sometimes your favorite snacks can provide comfort. Off-campus students should maintain a supply of foods in their home and be knowledgeable about to how to order food delivery from their local grocery store or restaurant.
• Comfortable clothes. Pack a few days’ worth of comfortable clothes.
• Hygiene supplies. Pack shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, etc.
• You can use your pillow and blanket from your current bed.
• Phone charger
• Book bag 

In addition to your Go-Kit, you should ensure your academic materials (i.e., laptop, cell telephone and laptop chargers, books, etc.) are readily accessible to be brought to you.

If you forget anything, the Elements convenience store and campus bookstore will have supplies available for purchase. Arrangements may be made to obtain these items for you upon request and with sufficient notice. Self-care Mental Well-being Apps: https://www.ncat.edu/campus-life/student-affairs/departments/counseling-services/resources/tools-exercises.php

F. Referral Process for On-Campus Isolation/Quarantine

The Student Health Center (SHC) or the Guilford County Health Department will make a determination for when a student should be placed in isolation/quarantine. The Student Health Center will contact Residence Life and make arrangements for the student to be placed in isolation/quarantine. The assigned care coordinator will be responsible for room assignments and making any necessary arrangements for access to technology (computer, etc). A healthcare provider within the Student Health Center will monitor the student as requested by the student or the care coordinator.

G. Continuity of Care

The Student Health Center (SHC) will offer daily wellness calls via tele-health by a board-certified SHC provider (physician or nurse practitioner) using the Doximity platform. The care coordinator may also request an appointment on the student’s behalf. Students can also call 336-334-7880 to arrange a tele-health appointment. Students should call UPD 336-334-7675 for any life-threatening emergencies; when calling, please inform the UPD dispatcher that you are in isolation or quarantine. The SHC is not able to provide tele-health services to students residing, isolating, and/or quarantining outside of the State of North Carolina.

Students residing in on-campus quarantine facilities will be provided the following amenities:

• 24 hours, seven days a week, security will be provided for isolation/quarantine area for students.
• Academic amenities
• Doximity Telehealth virtual medical service provided by the Student Health Center (SHC)
• Counseling Services – Provided by teleconference – managed by Dr. Vivian Barnette, Student Counseling Services.
• Opportunity for daily temperature monitoring, managed by Housing and Residence Life
• Meals – Brunch and dinner seven days a week delivered
• Linen Service – Twice a week. (A set of twin fitted sheets, one pillow case, one bath towel and one face cloth)
• Microfridge – One per student residing in the room
• Thin Clients – Provided to each student who does not have a laptop
• Students will have access to a 24-hour on-call phone staffed by a housing professional hall director who is available for emergencies, emergency counseling and support, etc.

H. Isolation/Quarantine Hall Operations

Employees will be assigned to staff the Residence Hall from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. The employees will ensure that meals are received and delivered, monitor traffic flow within the Residence Hall, make room assignments, and answer any non-medical phone calls as necessary for the occupants.

Students should notify their instructors and advisor(s) of their inability to attend class. Students in quarantine or isolation that do not have any signs or symptoms of illness are expected to continue classes through remote learning as established. Students in quarantine or isolation that are experiencing illness may request academic accommodations, including extensions on assignments

For questions regarding academic support, students can contact the appropriate department in Appendix A. Virtual or phone appointments will be available for students who are in self-isolation, isolation and quarantine.

Questions or concerns related to problems with academic support should be referred to their department chair and dean. If the problems are unresolved, students should contact Tonya Smith-Jackson, senior vice provost for academic affairs (336-285-3020 or tlsmithj@ncat.edu).

Students may also contact Counseling Services, 336-334-7727, for emotional support and well-being.

Any faculty notified of an on-campus students’ illness or contact with COVID-19 should notify the Campus Health Center and the department chair or dean of their academic unit.

Residence Life staff and Campus Safety staff will retain a roster of students known to be engaging in self-isolation, isolation and quarantine. Whenever emergency response is required for those students, responding N.C. A&T staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Whenever Campus Safety or Residence Life staff are aware of an emergency response by external first responders to such a student, those N.C. A&T staff will inform the external first responders of the student’s status in self-isolation, isolation or quarantine.

Employees in quarantine or isolation who are able to work from home should talk with their supervisor regarding the feasibility of telecommuting. Employees who work remotely will be paid for all work time. For those employees who are unable to work remotely (because of the nature of their work, and either a medical condition, age restriction or other permitted reason), may use available paid leave as provided in state, system, and N.C. A&T policies. Any employee who lacks adequate accrued paid leave to cover the necessary period of absence is encouraged to talk with Human Resources to explore available options. Employees should also reference existing institutional policies on sick leave and family leave. 

Human Resources will retain a roster of all faculty and staff who will be on campus, working from home, and home on paid leave. It is important for all staff to report to their supervisors if they are absent from work or telecommuting so that the university can accurately account for the number of individuals on campus at any time in the event of an emergency. 

Protocols for Employees 

Any employee who has been instructed to return to the workplace must conduct symptom monitoring every day before reporting to work. An employee must be free of ANY symptoms potentially related to COVID-19 or have had an evaluation and a COVID Clearance Note provided by a licensed healthcare provider, to be eligible to report to work. 

PROTOCOL FOR EMPLOYEE DAILY SELF MOINTORING QUESTIONNAIRE  

https://hub.ncat.edu/administration/human-resources/return/files/ncat-hr-self-monitoring.pdf 

Before leaving home for work, all employees should check for symptoms using the Self-Monitoring Form. Anyone who is experiencing any symptom(s) indicated on the screening checklist must not come to campus. Instead, such persons should contact the NCAT Student Health Center and follow the steps below. (This requirement does not apply to persons with symptom(s) known to be attributable to an existing condition unrelated to COVID-19 infection).  

Any individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, who has been referred for testing or who is awaiting test results from NCAT Student Health Center, the employee should not report to work until cleared by N.C. A&T Health Center.  

Self-Isolation Form:  

https://hub.ncat.edu/secure/administrative/hr/forms/covid/isolation-form.php 

• I have been tested but have not received results yet. 
• I have been tested and the results are positive.  
• I have been tested and the results are negative.  
• Someone in my household has tested positive.  

Positive Result:  

N.C. A&T Student Health Center has a protocol in place for positive test results and will partner with the local health department. 

According to the CDC, individuals with certain underlying conditions may have a higher risk for COVID-19 infection. Those conditions may include: 

• Older adults (aged 65 years and older) 
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility 
• Asthma (moderate-to-severe) 
• Chronic lung disease 

• Diabetes 
• Serious heart conditions 
• Chronic kidney disease being treated with dialysis 
• Severe obesity 
• Being immunocompromised