ObieSafe Update: Protocols for Spring 2023

As the spring 2023 semester begins, your health and wellbeing remain our top priority. We want to continue to remain vigilant in maintaining a safe and healthy learning and working environment by applying a prudent combination of protocols. All members of the campus community are required to comply with the relevant health and safety measures, specifically, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza (Flu), and COVID-19 protocols regarding full Covid-19 vaccination, including booster doses when eligible:

• Covid-19 vaccinated, including bivalent boosters-if you have not done so already;
• Take a Covid-19 test before you travel to campus;
• Stay away from others if you’re not feeling well; and
• Wear a mask if you know you have been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19 or if you are experiencing its symptoms;
• For those who may need an exemption, please complete vaccination exempt process.

Masks

• Masks are not required indoors for individuals unless recently exposed to Covid-19 or recently recovered themselves. 
• Any Oberlin community member who wishes to wear a mask will be supported in doing so, at any time. 
• Masks may be required in specific bounded private spaces at the discretion of the occupant, supervisor, or host; some reception and gathering areas, such as the Student Health and Counseling & Psychological Services. If you are asked to mask in such circumstances, you are expected to comply with the requests. 
• In accordance with CDC guidance, we strongly recommend masking, adding to the protections afforded by up-to-date vaccinations to reduce transmission risk for self-agency and individuals who are at risks of severe illness from Covid -19. 
• Free masks are available at Student Health Services and the Counseling & Psychological Center.

Oberlin follows guidance from the CDC as well as from Lorain County Public Health. When public health officials determine that Lorain County is at the highest risk level for COVID, ObieSafe will alert the campus community and may alter masking protocols.

COVID-19 Testing

• For those experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, or those who believe they were exposed, rapid and PCR testing are available at Student Health Services.
• Please call Student Health Services at (440) 775-8180 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for rapid test kits, irrespective of vaccine waiver status at no cost.
• After hours and weekends, please call Campus Safety at (440) 775-8444 to pick up a self-administering test kit.
• Other testing locations can be found here.
• Positive test results must be reported to ObieSafe by emailing obiesafe@oberlin.edu.

Quarantine / Isolation

• Those who are Covid-19 positive should isolate themselves in their rooms for five days based on CDC recommendations. 
• Students may resume activities after day 5, if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (if they haven’t had fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication), follow that by five days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.  
• While in isolation, they should not attend classes, participate in athletic practices or events, or other extracurricular activities. They are responsible for sharing their need to isolate directly with faculty.
• High Risk/Close Contact Exposure, get tested, wear a mask and take other steps to prevent spreading Covid-19.

Housing & Meals

• Room-mates who test positive will isolate together.
• If only one roommate tested positive, healthy roommates should wear a mask and maintain social distance as much as possible.
• For those who are immune-compromised, who have a relevant accommodation through the Office for Disability and Access and whose roommate tests positive will be considered for temporary housing, if it is available.
• Students who live on campus and are in isolation/quarantine or too ill to pick up their own meals may text Dining Services at (440) 577-5304 to arrange for a meal to be delivered. Otherwise, students may wear a mask and pick up their meals. 

Gatherings & Events

Food may be served at campus community events. The campus community is required to plan events with the health and well-being of all attendees in mind.  

Guests/ Visitors

Visitors are subject to any health and safety protocols in effect at the time of their visit.
If you have any questions, please send an email to obiesafe@oberlin.edu.