COVID-19 Safety Commitment

Since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, college leaders have collaborated to develop plans that allow our students to learn together safely and responsibly on campus. This webpage outlines the policies and procedures in place for the 23-24 academic year and will also serve as a source for future updates.

Vaccination

While Colby-Sawyer College strongly encourages members of the campus community to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination series, they are not required.

Face Masks

Face masks are not generally required while on campus property, except in the following circumstances:

  • Individuals should wear a face mask when they feel sick until COVID-19 is ruled out and symptoms of illness have subsided.
  • Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must wear a mask for 10 days from the onset of symptoms (or the positive test, if asymptomatic). See the Isolation and Continued Masking section below for additional information.
  • Individuals who have been a *close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 should wear a mask around others and self-monitor for any symptoms; if symptoms develop, exposed individuals should test themselves for COVID-19.
    • If symptomatic and testing negative, they should continue to test daily for 2-3 consecutive days.
    • If they remain asymptomatic, it is recommended to test at least five days after the last exposure. 
    If at any point, an exposed individual tests positive for COVID-19, please notify BHCC or Campus Safety promptly. *For COVID-19, close contact is anyone who was less than six feet away, for a combined total of 15 minutes or more, over a 24-hour period starting two days before the positive person took the initial test or developed symptoms.

Individuals should also keep a face mask in their possession at all times, as professors and/or departments may request their usage at their own discretion. Similarly, individuals are encouraged to wear a face mask on a voluntary basis at their own discretion.

Testing

Students and college employees who experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are expected to self-test.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 must notify Baird Health and Counseling at bhcc@colby-sawyer.edu.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 must notify their supervisor of their absence.

Individuals who have been a close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should self-test five or more days after exposure and wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days from the date of exposure.

What to do if you are a close contact of an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19

Isolation and Continued Masking

Special isolation accommodations will not be provided for individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Students who test positive for COVID-19 are expected to:

  • Notify Baird Health and Counseling at bhcc@colby-sawyer.edu.
  • Go home, if possible, or stay in their residence hall room and away from others (including people in their household) for at least five days.
  • Those students unable to go home to isolate themselves are allowed to remain on campus and isolate themselves in their rooms when absolutely necessary. While in isolation in their residence hall room, they should avoid contact with others. If the isolating student must come in contact with others to use the bathroom, pick up food, empty trash, etc. a mask must be worn at all times. Isolation may be ended on day six (6) when fever-free (off fever-reducing medications) for at least 24 hours, and there is an improvement in other symptoms. Through day 10, a mask must continue to be worn and people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease should be avoided. Travel should also be avoided.
  • Continue to isolate until after ten (10), full 24-hour days if a fever has been present in the prior 24 hours, or other symptoms are not improving.
  • Close contacts should be notified of the initial positive test date, so contacts can test accordingly. For COVID-19, close contact is anyone who was less than six feet away, for a combined total of 15 minutes or more, over a 24-hour period starting two days before the positive person took the initial test or developed symptoms.
  • Report positive COVID-19 tests to Baird Health and Counseling Center (BHCC) by emailing BHCC@colby-sawyer.edu.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 are expected to:

  • Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in their home. (Individuals are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.)
  • Wear a high-quality mask when around others at home and in public.
  • Monitor symptoms. If emergency warning signs (like trouble breathing) are experienced, seek emergency medical care immediately.
  • Learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19.

 When to start counting days:

  • No symptoms: Day 0 is the day a person was tested. Day 1 is the first full day following the day that person was tested.
  • Symptomatic: Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when someone tested positive. Day 1 is the first full day after the day an individual's symptoms start.
Roommates

Roommates of students who are isolating on campus may request temporary accommodation in another location on campus while their roommate is in isolation by contacting Residential Education at residential@colby-sawyer.edu.

Academics

Students in isolation should contact their faculty to make arrangements to complete the academic work they will miss. Arrangements will vary by course.

Meals

Residential students in isolation on campus should notify Parkhurst Dining at campusdining@colby-sawyer.edu. Parkhurst staff will provide information about ordering and obtaining meals during isolation.

Once ordered, meals can be picked up at the lower-level dining hall side entrance of the Ware Student Center (adjacent to the steps between Abbey Hall and Ware Student Center connecting the lower and upper campus). The isolating student or someone assisting that student may pick up the meal. Meal delivery service to residence halls is not available.

Meal pick-up times are as follows:

  • Breakfast (between 8 am and 8:30 am)
  • Lunch (between noon and 12:30 pm)
  • Dinner (between 5 pm and 5:30 pm)

Please ensure you wear a well-fitting face mask and limit contact with other people when picking up your meals.

Medical Support

Individuals who require medical care because they are experiencing symptoms should contact Baird Health and Counseling (students) or their primary care physician (employees).

New London Hospital is located at 273 County Rd in New London and has 24-hour emergency services. New London Hospital also offers Express Care which provides medical care for emergency medical conditions on an urgent basis without requiring an appointment. Located on the first floor at the back of the main entrance to the hospital, Express Care has its own designated entrance, parking and registration. They are open seven days a week: Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about COVID-19-related testing, masking and isolation, visit the CDC website.

Updated: Sept. 2023