Note: Shepherd University’s COVID-19 policies are based on the most recent CDC guidance, which is reflected in the answers to these questions.
- Does Shepherd University have a vaccine mandate for employees and students?
No, the University does not mandate vaccines. However, being up to date with your vaccines is strongly encouraged. A COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself from severe illness caused by all COVID-19 variants. Increased vaccination rates, in combination with masking, social distancing, and handwashing, will help reduce the cases of serious illness from COVID-19 and minimize further transmission of the virus. - Do I need to quarantine after exposure if I have not been vaccinated?
According to the CDC, quarantining is no longer recommended after exposure to someone who is confirmed positive for COVID-19. You should wear a mask for 10 days following exposure and take a COVID-19 test on the sixth day after exposure. - Is the protocol any different if exposure to someone who has tested positive occurs on campus versus somewhere outside of my workplace?
The difference between an exposure happening on campus (from an employee or student who has tested positive) versus off campus is that if it happens on campus then the person who is positive is part of the equation. If exposure occurs on campus, it is important to ensure that your supervisor is fully informed and that the positive person is following COVID-19 protocol. A COVID-19 Incident Report should be completed. The positive person should work with their supervisor, the Student Health Center, and Human Resources to make sure they are following the latest policies. Supervisors should ensure that employees who are positive and those who have been exposed are doing what they need to do. - If I need to stay home to take care of a family member who has COVID-19, can I use my sick leave?
Yes, leave policies (see Staff Handbook) allow for employees to stay home to care for sick family members or to take them to medical appointments. - If my child is sent home from school because they were exposed to COVID-19, can I use sick leave to be home with them?
Unless you are caring for your sick child or you are taking the child to a medical appointment, staying home with them, regardless of the reason, would need to be charged to annual leave, not to sick leave. - Can I stay home or get approval to work from home because I am fearful of being infected or of creating a risk to my household members?
Being fearful of being infected is not grounds for staying home from work. Any of us could be exposed to COVID-19 in various settings while going about our daily lives, particularly if safety protocols are not being followed. If an employee has a health condition that causes undue danger in being on campus they may submit an ADA accommodation request with supporting medical documentation to Human Resources. The viability of reasonable accommodation will be reviewed. - What do I need to do if I test positive or if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
If you test positive or if you have COVID-19 symptoms (or symptoms of other illnesses), you should isolate at home. The CDC has a Quarantine and Isolation Calculator showing how long you should isolate depending on your specific circumstances. Additionally, you need to complete a COVID-19 Incident Report. You should notify people with whom you have been in close contact that they may have been exposed. - If I test positive for COVID-19, do I have to stay home even if I don’t have any symptoms? If so, for how long?
If you have tested positive but have no symptoms, you can end your isolation after five full days following your positive test result. If you do have symptoms, you can end your isolation after five full days only if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms are improving. - If I test positive and, therefore, have to stay home, can I apply sick leave for my absence?
Yes, you can apply sick leave when you have tested positive and are isolating at home. - Does Shepherd University still have a social distancing policy?
Shepherd has discontinued its previous social distancing policy, which required persons to remain six feet apart when spending 15 minutes or more together. To reduce your exposure, it remains a good practice to stay distanced from others to the extent possible. - Does Shepherd still require masks to be worn indoors?
No, wearing masks indoors is no longer required. Any person who feels more comfortable wearing a mask should feel free to do so. - What should I do if I become aware that another employee has tested positive, but they still are at work?
You can report an incident of non-compliance to your supervisor. Non-compliance with COVID-19 policies is a discipline issue, and supervisors should treat it as such. Supervisors can contact HR for assistance. You may complete the COVID-19 Indent Report. Of course, you should not assume that you know all of the details about another employee’s situation. - Where can I go if I want to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?
Vaccines are widely available at area pharmacies. You may want to check to see whether appointments are needed at the specific place you plan to go. - If I think that I may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if I have COVID-19 symptoms, can I get tested on campus? If so, where do I need to go for that?
At this time, University-owned rapid tests and PCR tests are available only for students except when a specific situation may cause the need for employee testing, as determined by the administration. Supplies are limited, and our student population must be prioritized. - What should I do if I feel like I need equipment or materials to keep me safe (for example, plexiglass in front of my desk, hand sanitizer, etc.)?
You should contact your supervisor if you need safety equipment or materials. Supervisors may reach out to Facilities for guidance on procuring those items. - What can I do if I am suffering from mental health issues because I’m stressed about COVID-19?
Employees are encouraged to seek support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Students can access services from Student Counseling. - Is it okay to travel with other employees or students in a single vehicle?
Yes, employees and students can travel together in a single vehicle. - Can I ask co-workers about their vaccination status?
You can ask co-workers about their vaccination status but they are not obligated to answer your questions. - If someone is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms in my office or workspace, what can I do?
If you feel unsafe around someone you should put on a mask to protect yourself.