COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

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MASK USE is Optional

Latest Campus Update

December 5, 2022 (8:17 a.m. Central Time)

As we approach the end of the fall semester I am glad to report that, after an early and brief surge, our COVID case count over the course of the semester was low and stable.

Looking ahead to next semester, the COVID Management Team is not recommending a resumption of any universal masking requirements. We will continue updating the campus dashboard through the end of this semester and at the start of the spring semester; if case prevalence continues to be under our 3% threshold we will discontinue the dashboard (though Health Services will continue monitoring campus prevalence).

Recognizing that, likely for the foreseeable future, COVID will continue to be an evolving disease with different individual impacts we continue to recommend that people exercise the following precautions related to mitigating the spread of COVID:

Test if you are symptomatic
If you test positive for COVID:
- Isolate for 5 days following your positive test or the onset of symptoms
- Notify healthservices@simpson.edu (students) or mimi.bartley@simpson.edu (faculty and staff)
- Follow the CDC’s recommendations for isolation
If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19
- Mask around others for 10 days
- Take a COVID test five days post-exposure
- Follow the CDC’s recommendations for COVID-19 exposure
Consider testing 5 days prior to return to campus in January, especially if you are coming from an area with moderate to high community prevalence rates
- If you test positive, contact healthservices@simpson.edu to discuss plans for your return to campus

Resources for Students & Campus Community

Frequently Asked Questions

Simpson College FAQ Page

Previous Updates

To read previous updates, please click on the links below.

Calendar Year 2022

Calendar Year 2021

Calendar Year 2020

Parent and Student Town Hall Recordings

Healthy Practices

Iowa Department of Public Health Updated Guidelines (Oct. 2, 2020)

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has changed its quarantine guidance to advise against quarantine following exposure if both parties were properly wearing masks. While this is not consistent with CDC guidelines, there are a number of emerging studies that back this up as the right decision and adopted in other states. To that end, Simpson College will adopt the IDPH standards for exposure and quarantine.

Allow the option for people to choose to quarantine
- Employees due to campus workplace exposure
- Occurring in a classroom, using socially distanced seating
Continue to quarantine if the exposure occurred outside classrooms.
We still need faculty seating/attendance information for contact tracing and if we need to revert to Orange Phase.

As the new protocols and procedures around quarantine are contingent upon proper face-mask use, please see the following CDC criteria for appropriate mask use on the Simpson campus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html.

Masks need to be correctly worn, completely covering the mouth AND nose.
Face shields and vented masks are not recommended and will result in quarantine if identified as a close contact.
Gaiters are not permitted and will result in quarantine if identified as a close contact.

Prevention & Treatment (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.