Coronavirus Protocol
On August 11, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention streamlined its COVID-19 guidance. With this, the University of West Alabama is amending its protocols in relation to COVID-19 to closely follow the new recommendations of the CDC.
ILLNESS REPORTED ON CAMPUS
One of the most important aspects of the University’s protocols is for individuals who have tested positive or are experiencing symptoms to notify the University as soon as possible. This helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protects others in the campus community.
Any employee who experiences possible exposure to COVID-19, potential symptoms, or tests positive for COVID-19 should immediately contact their supervisor and Robert Upchurch to notify them of the situation and circumstances.
Any student who experiences possible exposure to COVID-19, potential symptoms, or tests positive for COVID-19 should immediately contact the Office of Student Affairs by emailing Will Atkinson to provide notification.
- Upon notification, the University will, per its procedures, determine appropriate actions in relation to quarantine/isolation, potential exposure of other individuals (i.e. contact tracing), alterations to work/school schedules, etc.
- Employees and students who are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test administered due to symptoms should quarantine pending test results.
INDIVIDUALS WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
Any individual, regardless of vaccination status, who tests positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 5 days:
- If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation. However, if at Day 5 you have a fever or your symptoms have not improved, you must remain in isolation until your fever is gone and your symptoms have improved.
- Upon your return to work/class, you should wear a high-quality facial covering around others until you are at least 10 days removed from the date of your positive test. During this period, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE EXPOSED TO COVID-19
Regardless of vaccination status, if you are exposed to COVID-19, then you must wear a mask around others for 10 days from the date of exposure and get tested on day 5.
INDIVIDUALS WITH SYMPTOMS
Any individual, regardless of vaccination status, who is experiencing symptoms and suspects that he/she has COVID-19 but does not yet have test results should isolate and receive a COVID-19 test.
- If test results are positive, follow the protocols for “Individuals Who Test Positive for COVID-19.”
- If test results are negative, isolation can be ended.