By Jhoana T. Merino-Martinez
News Editor
The fall semester is approaching, leaving many students and staff alike concerned about how FDU will track and handle COVID-19 cases.
FDU’s finalized plan for reopening, released on July 20, details the contact tracing protocols for the fall. Following is a summary of the plan’s details.
Data collected from daily screenings on a smartphone app and visitor and activity sign-in sheets will be used for tracing those who have been within 6 feet of an infected person from two days before the symptom’s onset until the person enters isolation.
Student Health Services will be responsible for keeping track of all positive and negative results, and will work with the local health department.
However, in the case of non-residents, the health department closest to the infected students will be notified.
Students and faculty will be notified during case investigations if they’ve been in contact with an infected person in a classroom and/or residence hall suite. These investigations are planned to be conducted remotely, leaving in-person communication as a last resort.
Similarly, Human Resources will conduct contact tracing among employees, with the assistance of municipal health departments.
Employees of FDU who are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 should stay at home, contact their health care provider and Human Resources. They cannot return until 10 days after the beginning of their symptoms, all their symptoms have improved, or until they are fever-free for three days.
Employees who came in contact with an infected individual — even if they do not display symptoms — must immediately notify Human Resources and quarantine at home for 14 days.
Staff may use paid sick leave and will have their classes covered.
Students who exhibit one or more of the symptoms must isolate in their residence hall or home and contact Student Health Services. They will be assessed to determine if they should undergo testing or seek care elsewhere.
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Art by Jhoana T. Merino-Martinez
