COVID-19 related reminders

Don Thomson, Director of Bishop Wellness Center

As the first week of classes is coming to an end, I write with some COVID-19 related reminders for all members of our community. Additional COVID-19 information including common symptoms and isolation and quarantine scenarios can be found on the university’s main COVID-19 website.

I am a student, what do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

Stay home and immediately contact Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at truiz@willamette.edu or 503-370-6447, or you can report using the Student COVID-19 Report Form. We will work with you to identify your options for isolation and facilitate moving to the appropriate isolation space if that is needed. Student Affairs staff will assist with food delivery and identify any follow-up needs.

If I am an employee, what do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

Stay home. Any employee with a confirmed case of COVID-19 should contact Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or use the Employee COVID-19 Report Form.

I am an employee, what do I do if a person tells me they tested positive for COVID-19?

If a student tells you they tested positive for COVID-19, please ask them to stay home and immediately contact Tori Ruiz in Student Affairs at truiz@willamette.edu or 503-370-6447, or they can report on the Student COVID-19 Report form. Any employee with a confirmed case of COVID-19 should contact Human Resources at 503-370-6210 or use the Employee COVID-19 Report Form.

What if I have had close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

CDC’s recommendations for people who have had close contact with someone who test positive for COVID-19 now state:

• You do not necessarily need a test unless you are a vulnerable individual or your health care provider or state or local public health officials recommend you take one.
• A negative test does not mean you will not develop an infection from the close contact or contract an infection at a later time.
• You should monitor yourself for symptoms. If you develop any symptoms and have any questions, please call your healthcare provider.
• You should strictly adhere to CDC mitigation protocols, especially if you are interacting with a vulnerable individual. You should adhere to CDC guidelines to protect vulnerable individuals with whom you live.
• If you are tested, you should self-isolate at home until your test results are known and then adhere to your health care provider’s advice.

Who has to quarantine?

The need to quarantine depends on the type and duration of contact you had with an infected person. Generally, only people identified as “close contacts” need to quarantine. The CDC defines close contact as:

• You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more.
• You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
• You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them).
• You shared eating or drinking utensils.
• They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.

A number of specific scenarios about when quarantine is needed can be found here.

Generally, those who are not “close contacts” by the above definition do not need to quarantine.

What if a student, employee, co-worker, etc. tells me they think they might have COVID-19, but they have not been tested?

Many symptoms that are associated with COVID-19 are similar to symptoms of other illnesses. It is important to stay calm. If the person is concerned they may have COVID-19 based on symptoms or because they have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19:

• Encourage them to stay home or in their residence hall and away from others.
• Encourage them to monitor their symptoms. While not a diagnostic tool, the #CampusClear app can help community members track their symptoms.
• Encourage them to contact their healthcare provider or Bishop Health Center with any concerns, and tell them ahead of time they may have COVID-19 symptoms.