Calvin COVID Guidelines
Consistent with most other colleges and universities, Calvin has removed the Covid mitigation requirements of the past few years but continues to offer resources and assistance to those affected by illness during the academic year. We continue to monitor the guidance suggested by the CDC and our local health department, while also placing personal responsibility on our community members for monitoring their health, noticing symptoms, utilizing testing, and self-isolating when sick. By doing these things, we help support members of our community who are more vulnerable to significant illness, and we support our medical community in the Grand Rapids area.
What should I do if...
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I test positive for COVID
- Notify
If you will need to miss class or work, notify your instructor or supervisor to make a plan for missed work. In season athletes must inform their coach. Otherwise, there is no formal notification to the university mandated. - Isolate
Students and employees should isolate for 5 full days (returning on the morning of the 6th day) and stay home from class and work. Students living on campus have the option of returning home (preferred option if within a reasonable driveable distance) or staying in our isolation rooms located around campus (quantity limited). Students needing on campus isolation rooms should notify their RA. - Mask
Masking is recommended for days 6–10 of the isolation period.
- Notify
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I am experiencing symptoms
- Stay home
If you’re experiencing any symptoms, stay home from classes and work and let your professors and/or supervisor know that you won’t be in until you are feeling better. - Test
If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or you suspect you might have COVID, consider taking an at home test. Testing before 24 hours after symptom onset might be too early to detect COVID.- At-home tests are available at the Campus store or many stores and pharmacies.
- Off-campus PCR tests are available at local pharmacies and health clinics: www.covid.gov/tests.
- For Health Services, you can either fill out the form or call Health Services (616-526-6187, option #2), to speak with a triage nurse. Insurance is billed for testing in Health Services.
- Return
If you begin to feel better, didn’t test positive, and weren’t a close contact, feel free to return to class or work as you feel comfortable. - Mask
Consider masking when you are in an indoor public space on campus (especially classes) even if you test negative but are still experiencing cold-like symptoms.
- Stay home
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I have been in close contact with a positive case
- Symptoms
See “I am experiencing symptoms” (above). - No symptoms
- Remain
You are free to move about campus if you have no symptoms. - Mask
Consider masking when you are in an indoor public space on campus for 10 days after your last close contact. - Monitor
Watch for symptoms especially in the first ten days after your exposure. If you develop symptoms in this time frame, see SYMPTOMS above. - Self-quarantine
You are not required to quarantine but if you live in the same household as the person who tested positive, you should isolate from that person as much as possible. Wear a quality mask if you need to share a common space and try to use separate bathrooms, if possible. - Test
Consider testing 5 days after your exposure.
- Remain
- Symptoms
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I need a COVID test
- Health Services
If you are experiencing symptoms or have questions or concerns about your health and would like a test, you should contact Health Services. You can either fill out the form or call Health Services (616-526-6187, option #2), to speak with a triage nurse. Insurance is billed for testing in Health Services. - Campus Store
At-home tests are available at the Campus Store, open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. M–F. - Pharmacies
At-home tests are also available at pharmacies and many other retail stores with health and medication supplies. - Off-campus
Testing is still available in the community but options and resources change periodically. Use this link for options
- Health Services
I have a question about...
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Vaccines or boosters
- Requirements
There are no current requirements for COVID vaccines at Calvin. Calvin community members are strongly encouraged to be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters—both are available at Calvin Health Services. - Accessibility
Contact Health Services to schedule a Covid vaccine or booster.
- Requirements
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Masks
- Requirements
Wearing a mask is not required anywhere on campus, but anyone more comfortable wearing one is always welcome to do so. Those recovering from Covid or who have been exposed to the virus are encouraged to wear a mask for several days (see above). - Availability
If you need help obtaining a quality mask, email Jennifer Ambrose.
- Requirements
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General COVID protocol
- Students can email Kari Dykhouse.
- Employees can email humanresources@calvin.edu.
- For additional health guidance and information, visit the Health Services website.
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Past Covid communications archives
- Review the history of Covid response at Calvin University by exploring our communications archives.