January 24, 2022

Dear faculty,

In preparing for another semester at Reed during the ongoing pandemic, we write to share a few updates regarding expectations for community members who are ill, have tested positive, or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

In all of these situations, individuals should contact their healthcare provider for guidance. Many of the applicable public health response measures, such as testing, isolation, and quarantine, are dependent on a number of factors that can most accurately be assessed by a medical professional. The recommendations given to the individual by their medical provider will ultimately be what the college uses to determine when someone is cleared to leave isolation or quarantine and return to campus activities.

For faculty and staff, we understand that reaching a healthcare provider is not feasible in every situation. In the absence of this, Human Resources will make recommendations to the individual based on their specific situation, following Oregon and CDC guidance.

As the medical provider for all Reed students, the Health and Counseling Center (HCC) will conduct individual assessments for each student. Those with COVID-like symptoms, a known exposure, or a positive test are to report their situation to the HCC right away, and are not to leave their home or residence hall room until they receive clearance from the HCC to do so. These situations will all result in a STOP message on the Daily Health Check, which students are currently required to complete each day.

At this time, the HCC follows the CDC’s guidance for isolation in congregate settings, which recommends a 10-day isolation period for those who have tested positive for COVID-19. Students who live on campus will be relocated to dedicated isolation housing as resources allow; after five days of isolation and an assessment by the HCC, students may be permitted to return to their residence hall rooms to complete the remainder of their isolation period. Accumulating evidence demonstrates the majority of COVID transmission occurs during the early periods of infection; therefore, the risk of allowing students to return to their residence halls for the second half of their isolation period is minimal.

Students identified as potentially exposed to a person contagious with COVID-19 will be notified and, based on the timing of their exposure and their vaccination status, may be required to quarantine. Per Oregon guidelines, those who are up to date on COVID vaccinations (including boosters, if eligible) are not required to quarantine following an exposure, while those missing any doses must self-quarantine for at least 5 days. All students, regardless of vaccination status, will test 5 days following their exposure.

We acknowledge the burden that developing remote or alternative options places on instructors. While students are required to participate in in-person classes to the fullest extent possible, we also strive to ensure that students do not place others in their classes at risk of COVID exposure or infection. We continue to rely on and appreciate your flexibility and resilience to help keep Reed a safe place to live, learn, and work. If you would like assistance or to discuss your situation further, please feel free to reach out to one of us via our contact information below.

In health,

Kathy Oleson
Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Psychology
koleson@reed.edu

Madison Riethman
COVID-19 Response Coordinator & Health Project Manager
mriethman@reed.edu

Timmie Rochon
Medical Services Director
trochon@reed.edu