��«Ӱҵ

Health & Safety Protocols

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness that is primarily spread through droplets from person to person, although there is some evidence that it may also spread through contact with surfaces such as door knobs, light switches and other areas people commonly touch on a routine basis.

Some people who test positive for COVID-19 don’t exhibit symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus to others without realizing they have it.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and how it has continued to spread throughout Mississippi, the Healthy At ��«Ӱҵ plan outlines strict protocols to follow for students, employees and anyone else planning to be at one of ��«Ӱҵ’ six locations.

Face coverings

The use of masks is optional.

Vaccination

��«Ӱҵ continues to encourage all employees and students to become fully vaccinated including boosters as warranted.

MSDH recommends that all eligible students, faculty, and staff receive COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccination remains the primary public health prevention strategy to end transmission and allow for safe participation of in-person classes and sponsored activities. Mississippi colleges and universities should continue to promote COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible students, faculty and staff.

Mitigating spread by contact

• Washing and/or sanitizing of hands should occur each time, before and after, touching face or face covering.
• Employees whose job duties require they often touch items belonging to others (such as credit, cards, receipts, mail, computers, etc.) should wear gloves that are regularly disposed of and replaced.
• Interaction with and sharing of materials with other employees, students or visitors should be limited. For example, pens should not be placed on counters for visitors/customers to use. Everyone should try to use their own pens and other materials to reduce the spread.

Temperature Checks

• Please continue to monitor your health and follow our COVID-19 policies regarding reporting positive cases or COVID-19 exposure.
• The college reserves the right to conduct temperature checks for employees and/or students if needed.
• Anyone who has a temperature above 100.4 degrees or experiences COVID -19 symptoms should not return to campus or leave as soon as the elevated temperature or symptoms are detected.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control, those symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath, fever, new loss of taste or smell, chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.

Protocol for elevated temperature and other symptoms

Elevated Temperature & Exhibiting Symptoms

Any employee or student who has an elevated temperature or exhibits the symptoms above should do the following:

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately
• Leave campus immediately or do not come back to campus
• Complete the Healthy At ��«Ӱҵ Self Reporting Form (, )
• May return to campus if symptoms resolve in 24 hours

Any employee or student who tests positive for COVID-19:

• Not return to campus
• Contact your healthcare provider immediately
• Complete the Healthy At ��«Ӱҵ Self Reporting Form (, )
• Self-quarantine for five days and return provided you are symptom-free for 24 hours.
• Students and employees should wear a mask for 5 days when returning to campus after being out with COVID-19.
• Neither students nor employees should return to a ��«Ӱҵ campus until given permission by the proper authority.

Individuals can return from isolation after five days if they have been fever free for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving, per the CDC.

Note: Protocols for nursing and allied health students may be different from other students. Those students should contact their instructors or program chairs for additional information.

Social Distancing

Social Distancing is not required.

Capacity

• ��«Ӱҵ is currently at 100 percent capacity for classroom and events.