ObieSafe Weekly: January 26, 2022

All COVID-19 Test Results will be Sent via Email Beginning Monday, January 31, 2022

As time has passed and we have all learned more about living with COVID-19, you have told us that the most important element of our testing program is getting you the information about your testing results as efficiently and effectively as possible. We have heard you.

Oberlin and Harness Health Partners have agreed to use email notifications for ALL test results (positive and negative) for PCR tests administered on campus at Hales Gym. This change ensures even quicker delivery of all necessary, campus-specific information to students, faculty, and staff who have a positive test result.

1. Positive (virus detected) results will be sent via a secure, encrypted email. The subject line and email content will indicate that this is a secure message, which will be attached. To open the message, select the HTML attachment which should open in a new window or tab (if you are opening with an email app, open the window with an internet browser app). In this new tab/window you will see several options to choose from to view the email. 

• While it is your choice, we recommend selecting "Get a one-time passcode" to view the message which will come to you via a separate email. Once received, you can paste or enter in the Passcode field and click Continue. Please refer to these step-by-step instructions for more details about opening an encrypted message from Mercy Health.If you have any questions, please contact ObieSafe.
• If you have difficulty opening this email on a mobile device, try again on a laptop or desktop computer. 

2. Negative (virus undetected, clear) results will continue to be emailed in a traditional, unencrypted message.

With the change to email notifications, it is important for all of us to know our sources for medical information, if we have questions once we know our results. Students are encouraged to contact Student Health Services at health@oberlin.edu or (440) 775-8180 if they need medical advice. Faculty and staff are asked to contact their own medical provider. ObieSafe continues to provide public health and campus information.  

Symptoms and Testing within a 90-day Window

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should not participate in asymptomatic testing for 90 days from your original symptom onset or your test date. Doing so may still result in a positive test even though you are no longer infectious. 

For those who have recovered from COVID-19 and develop symptoms within the 90-day window—students should contact Student Health at (440) 775-8180 or health@oberlin.edu; faculty or staff should contact their own medical provider—and discuss your symptoms and test as necessary.

Eating on Campus During Winter Term

The frigid temperatures and accumulating snow are driving all of us indoors more and more. ObieSafe recommends eating alone, but has not required it. The dining hall seating areas remain closed and dining is still “grab and go.” ObieSafe’s requirements around eating with others are: masks are worn at all times unless actively drinking or eating something; and maintain a 6-foot distance between everyone. Other than the dining halls, there currently is no limitation on where distanced eating can take place.

Get in touch with the ObieSafe team

Have something to share in a future issue of ObieSafe Weekly? Email obiesafe@oberlin.edu with story ideas or information you’d like to have considered for publication.

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