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August 13, 2024
Dear Spelman Community,
We hope you had a great summer and look forward to welcoming you for the next academic year. As we approach the start of the fall semester, we want to share the latest COVID-19 health guidance with you.
We are adhering to the updated COVID-19 respiratory virus health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new guidance summarized below brings a simplified approach to addressing a wide range of common respiratory viral illnesses.
In the event of a positive COVID-19 test or respiratory viral symptoms, community members should follow the CDC guidance:
- Stay home and away from others
- Resume normal activities when symptoms are improving, and you are fever-free (without the use of fever medication) for at least 24 hours.
The CDC also recommends taking added precautions for 5 days which can include:
- Medical care: See your health care provider when there are medical concerns or if symptoms persist. Always follow the guidance and treatment plan of your medical provider.
- Self-care: Engage in enhanced hygiene practices of hand washing and respiratory care, wear a mask, keep a distance from others, take steps to
improve air ventilation at home and consider getting tested for respiratory viruses. Self-care precautions are especially important for those 65 years and older, individuals with a weakened immune system or preexisting health conditions and anyone concerned about exposure to a respiratory virus.
With the end of the federal pandemic emergency response to COVID-19 and the new CDC guidance, we strongly recommend staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccination as a preventative strategy.
Also, please take note of some important community considerations:
- Students: When absent from class due to COVID-19/respiratory viral illness seek medical care if symptoms become severe. For medical assistance, contact Student Health Services at 404-270-5249 or Public Safety at 404-525-6401 if it is after clinic hours.
- Staff: When absent from work due to COVID-19/respiratory viral illness, see your medical provider if needed. Notify your supervisor of your absence and utilize sick leave for your absence.
- Faculty: When absent from work due to COVID-19/respiratory viral illness, see your medical provider if needed. Notify the department/program chair and division chair of your absence.
For an in-depth overview of the latest guidance and more answers to frequently asked questions regarding the new guidance, please click here.
For COVID-19 related questions, support or to pick up a self-care wellness kit contact Yemi Brown, PharmD, COVID-19 operations manager, via email at ibiyemibrown@spelman.edu or via phone at 404-270-5407.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful academic year.
Kind Regards,
Yemi Brown, PharmD
COVID-19 Operations
Spelman College
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