ObieSafe: Summer 2022 FAQ

Updated June 26, 2022

Oberlin’s COVID-19 policies have been developed after review of Oberlin College and county data and in consultation with Lorain County Public Health and University Hospitals as the operator of Student Health Services. Policies are subject to change based on the evolving recommendations of public health entities and the general health of the campus community.

Is testing available for students, faculty and staff on campus?

COVID-19 testing is not available during the summer when classes are not in session. Call your doctor to request a test, or make an appointment online at the following locations:

You may also pick up a rapid test at Lorain County Public Health or at a local library.

What if I test positive for COVID? What should I do?

Per the guidance of Lorain County Public Health, the Ohio Department of Health, and the CDC, we have adopted the following isolation and quarantine protocols. The protocols place the responsibility for good judgment and compliance on the individual who has tested positive. Students are encouraged to contact Student Health Services via health@oberlin.edu or (440) 775-8180 with any questions or to receive medical advice. Faculty and staff are encouraged to consult with their medical provider.

If you test positive for COVID-19:

  • Isolate for 5 days regardless of symptoms or vaccination status.

  • Anyone on campus should contact obiesaferesults@oberlin.edu immediately to report their situation and participate in the recording of your situation.

  • If after 5 days you do not have a fever, do not have other symptoms, and are getting better, you can end isolation and resume activities. Wear a well-fitting mask for the next 5 days and make every effort to avoid persons who may have underlying health issues which make them more vulnerable to the virus.

  • If you still have a fever or other symptoms after 5 days, you should wait to end your isolation until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. When your isolation ends, wear a mask for the next five days and make every effort to avoid persons who may have underlying health issues which make them more vulnerable to the virus.

  • The5 days after you have been isolated are as important as your isolation period. Be very diligent and intentional about wearing a well-fitting mask and avoiding any classmates or coworkers who may have underlying health issues which make them more vulnerable to the virus.

What if I was exposed to someone who has COVID?

If you are UP TO DATE on your COVID-19 vaccination:
According to the CDC, “up to date” on your vaccination means you have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible. If you are up to date on your vaccination, your situation related to any exposure depends on how and when you spent time with the person who has COVID.

  • Be very diligent and intentional about wearing your mask whenever you are around other people for 10 days.
  • If you develop symptoms, isolate and test immediately.

If you are NOT UP TO DATE on your COVID-19 vaccination:
If you have received an exemption from Oberlin’s vaccine requirements or your vaccinations are not up to date (no booster, vaccine dates are too recent), your situation related to any exposure will be different than for a person who is up to date on their vaccinations.

  • You will need to quarantine for 5 days. If after 5 days you do not have a fever, and other symptoms are getting better, you can end quarantine and resume activities. Wear a well-fitting mask for the next 5 days and make every effort to avoid persons who may have underlying health issues which make them more vulnerable to the virus.
  • If you have or develop symptoms, isolate and test immediately.

Can I travel if I test positive for COVID?

Students who test positive need to isolate themselves on campus. Faculty and staff need to remain away from campus and isolate. Travel should not occur until you have completed 5 days of isolation, no longer have a fever, and have improving symptoms.

If you have received an exemption from Oberlin’s vaccine requirements or your vaccinations are not up to date (no booster, vaccine dates are too recent), you will need to quarantine for 5 days. If after 5 days you do not have a fever, and other symptoms are getting better, you can end quarantine and resume activities. Wear a well-fitting mask for the next 5 days and make every effort to avoid persons who may have underlying health issues which make them more vulnerable to the virus.

What is the current COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirement?

All students, faculty, and staff are required to obtain COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. This requirement also applies to high school students who are taking classes at Oberlin.

How do students, faculty, and staff submit their vaccination and booster vaccination cards?

Does the vaccination and booster requirement include the union groups?

Yes. The college worked closely with bargaining units to implement this requirement.

What if I am not eligible for a booster shot yet?

If you are not eligible for the booster shot because your last vaccination was too recent per current CDC eligibility guidance. You need to submit a COVID 19 Vaccination Exemption Form prior to the established deadline.

Generally, an exemption request due to ineligibility will be granted if you provide the necessary documentation with the form. In these cases, students, faculty and staff are expected to receive the booster shot as soon as they are eligible – and to upload their vaccination card immediately.

I would like to request an exemption from the vaccination or booster requirement. What should I do?

  • Students may request an exemption by submitting this form: Student COVID-19 Immunization Exemption Request.

  • Faculty and staff may request an exemption by submitting this form: Faculty/Staff COVID-19 Immunization Exemption Request.

  • If you were approved for a COVID vaccination exemption based on a medical or religious for the previous academic year, you do not need to request an additional exemption for the upcoming school year. Continuing students with approved exemptions for the prior academic year will be automatically reviewed and renewed as appropriate.

If I initially received a vaccine outside the U.S. other than Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J, do I need to get a booster? Is it safe for me to get a booster in the U.S.?

If you are a student, please consult with Student Health Services. If you are a faculty or staff, please consult with your medical provider.

Will campus facilities (AMAM, libraries, etc.) be open to visitors?

Yes. The campus is open to visitors. We do, however, strongly encourage event sponsors to clearly communicate to their visitors the current campus protocols —including those for admissions events, recitals and performances, and more.

As a reminder, proof of vaccination is required for visitors who wish to engage in certain activities (e.g., prospective students auditioning in certain disciplinary areas in the conservatory). Scheduled visitors for whom a vaccination requirement is in effect will receive more information as appropriate.

Will Shanks Wellness Center and Philips Gym be open?

Yes, please visit the Athletics website for hours and information.

Will the libraries be open?

Yes. The libraries will remain open. Library resources will also be available remotely. Please see the libraries website for hours and remote services.

Will there be summer programming on campus?

Yes! However, in-person programming may be continuously adjusted to ensure that activities are safe for all involved. Events will be advertised via the Campus Digest and the Oberlin Events Calendar. Summer programs will have their own set of safety protocols and guidelines that they follow. If you have any questions, please contact the person(s) responsible for your program, event, or conference.

Is mask-wearing required?

As of Monday, June 13, masks are no longer required, but rather encouraged while indoors with others. There will be no limitations on indoor dining with others. Please show consideration for those who prefer to wear a mask.

What are the social distancing requirements?

Distancing is not required on campus. However, we ask that our community be respectful of those who wish to remain distanced from others.

Are visitors allowed on Oberlin’s campus?

Yes, visitors are welcome at Oberlin. We encourage all visitors to remain masked indoors, especially after travel, and to follow verbal or posted instructions related to any specific campus location. We strongly encourage all visitors to be up to date on the vaccinations. According to the CDC: Up to date on your vaccination means you have received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

Are admissions-related events taking place?

Yes. Prospective students and admissions visitors should monitor the ObieSafe website and/or contact college and conservatory admissions staff regularly for updates. In the conservatory, information about on-campus auditions (dates, applicable vaccination requirements, and more) will be communicated directly to prospective students.

Do all staff need to continue reporting to work in person? Can I work remotely?

Employees are expected to report to campus for work. If you are concerned about your ability to take appropriate COVID precautions in your work area, please speak with your supervisor or a representative from Human Resources.