2023-2024COVID-19 Information
August 25th Update
Hello Westmont Community,
Welcome back to Westmont!! It is hard to believe the summer is over, but I pray that all of you are ready for an exciting new year! As we welcome you back to the area, with the pandemic behind us, I did want to update you on our current COVID protocols for the upcoming academic year.
If you test positive for COVID, the California Department of Public Health has the following protocols in place:
· You must isolate for five (5) days from the onset of symptoms or five (5) days from when you tested positive if no symptoms are present.
· Beginning on day five (5), you will be allowed to leave isolation, assuming no fever for 24 hours with no medication help, and your other symptoms are resolving. You must wear a mask until day ten (10) unless you are able to test out of wearing a mask (as described in the next bullet point).
· Beginning on day (5), you can start trying to test out of wearing a mask (be sure to utilize antigen tests, not PCR, when trying to test out of wearing a mask). In order to avoid wearing a mask until day ten (10), you must receive two negative tests taken twenty-four (24) hours apart. For example, you could test negative the morning of day five (5), and then test again on the morning of day six (6). If the day six (6) test is negative, you are no longer required to wear the mask until day ten (10).
Along with the aforementioned protocols, if you test positive and have roommates, you will be required to quarantine in your room, and we ask that your roommates find alternative places to stay until you are cleared to resume normal activities. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact risk@westmont.edu or your RD.
Antigen tests are available to you both in the Health Center and on the 2nd floor of Kerrwood near the Institutional Resilience office. As of today, Aptitude Labs is still providing PCR testing at the Earl Warren Showgrounds (remember, PCR testing should only be utilized for initial COVID testing; once you are positive, you should not PCR test for ninety (90) days). Testing at Earl Warren is still covered by your insurance, but your information must be in the system. If you need to confirm your status, please email risk@westmont.edu.
If you have any contacts (someone that has been closer than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes), please let them know so they have an opportunity to get tested and stop the spread.
If you are exposed to someone with COVID, it is recommended that you wear a mask when around others until you hit five (5) days post-contact or begin to feel symptoms, whereupon you can then test (antigen testing is acceptable). If you are negative no further action or masking needs to be taken.
Thank you so much for your continued diligence and care as you think about your, and our community's, safety. While the worst of the pandemic is behind us, we do ask that you continue to be vigilant as we begin a new academic year.
For any comments/questions/concerns, please email risk@westmont.edu.