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Self-Quarantine Information

What is Self-Quatantine?

Self-quarantine is a precautionary measure that individuals should take if they have been, or have strong reason to believe they have potentially been, exposed to a contagious disease, such as COVID-19. 

  • Students ordered by health officials or asked by the College to self-quarantine should proactively contact instructors to request accommodation. 

  • Faculty ordered by health officials or asked by the College to self-quarantine should contact your department head to discuss alternative arrangements. Then, contact students to update them. If a student under your instruction is ordered to quarantine, you will be notified. 

  • Staff ordered to self-quarantine should notify their supervisor and discuss alternative arrangements 

    • If you are asked by the College to self-quarantine and not ordered by health officials, missed time should be accounted for through comp time, sick leave or vacation time, or made up. 

Discontinuing a self-quarantine after the time period has passed should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

 

How do I know if I need to be in isolation or quarantine?

Please seek guidance from a medical professional and refer to current CDC guidance on who and in what circumstances persons should quaratine or isolate. 

 

Steps to Take if You Are Asked to Self-Quarantine

  • Consult with your instructors, department head or supervisor to let them know of your condition in self-quarantine and make alternate arrangements as needed. 

  • Discuss arrangements for others you may live with.

  • Consider resources you will need during quarantine, such as food, toiletries, entertainment, etc, and seek assistance in obtaining those items.

     

Understanding Self-Quarantine

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests the following actions during self-quarantine:

  • Restrict activities outside of your home except for medical visits.

  • Limit contact with other people and pets in your home.

  • Wash your hands frequently.

  • Clean all of the high-touch surfaces in your area frequently. Examples include your electronic devices, light switches, door knobs, etc. 

  • Don’t share such household items as drinking glasses, plates, utensils, bedding, towels or clothing. Wash the items you do use regularly. 

  • Pay close attention to your health. If you begin to experience symptoms, contact a medical professional.  Make sure you call in advance to let them know you have been in quarantine for coronavirus and now don’t feel well. 

  • For more information and further suggestions for cleaning, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.

     

Quarantine vs. Isolation according to the CDC

The CDC defines quarantine and isolation as:

Quarantine

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.

 

Isolation

Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available).

 

 

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