Due to the Omicron variant surge this past January, the COVID taskforce asked everyone to again wear masks indoors upon our return from the holiday break. The Taskforce has continued to monitor the infection rate among the SMWC community and surrounding Vigo County, and we are pleased to announce that we are moving to mask recommended with professor choice in classrooms on campus.
COVID-19 Policy Update – Mask Recommended
- Beginning today, February 16, the SMWC COVID-19 Taskforce is removing the mask mandate and making masks recommended.
- Professors have a choice as to whether they will continue to require masks in classrooms or specific instructional settings.
- Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue wearing masks.
- Individuals must still report if they have been notified of exposure and are expected to quarantine or if they test positive for the virus. Students must report to Campus Life and employees must report to Human Resources.
Guidelines for Exposure or Illness
SMWC will follow the most current CDC guidelines regarding exposure and illness from the virus. Contact your supervisor or Human Resources to report illness or exposure.
Illness
- People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.
Exposure
- For people who are exposed and unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.
- People who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 5-7 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.
Vaccines
Vaccines and booster shots are strongly encouraged as the best way for individuals to stay protected against contracting COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill even if testing positive. The SMWC Health Service Clinic is administering COVID-19 vaccines by appointment (812-535-5200) in the clinic or at two upcoming events held in Les Bois Lobby on Feb. 16 and 23 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Get vaccinated or boosted before leaving for Spring Break!
Thank you!
Once again, our community responded appropriately and adjusted as needed. The number of positive cases and quarantine situations has been very low for more the past two weeks, and the Wabash Valley community and state continue to improve rapidly. The Taskforce is grateful for everyone’s cooperation and continued efforts to get vaccinated and stay healthy, and we want to acknowledge this improvement with a break in wearing masks and be consistent with the surrounding communities that we are undoubtedly mixing with. Please continue to be respectful to your neighbors or peers who may choose to continue to mask up for a variety of reasons.
The Taskforce will continue to assess and monitor the health of our community and may adjust the protocols when needed.