COVID-19 (2022-23)

Community Responsibility

Due to the responsibility of campus community members to get vaccinated and to receive boosters, to wear masks when necessary, to test following exposure or when symptoms are present, and to provide a timeline and accurate contact tracing, the College has been able to have low rates of transmission on campus.

This year we will continue to ask for community members to be responsible for their own health and the health of others. To that end, our updated policies reflect a continued increase in personal responsibility to support the community’s well-being.

It is important to understand the community transmission rate for Frederick County, as well as places you may be traveling to.

• Community Levels, Centers for Disease Control

Vaccinations

All undergraduate students are required to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including at least one booster dose when eligible. Documentation for COVID-19 vaccination is included in the required new student medical forms. This requirement applies equally to residential and commuter students, as well as those who have already had COVID-19. It does not apply to graduate students. Exemptions for medical and sincerely held religious/spiritual beliefs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Email wellness@hood.edu to receive paperwork to submit an exemption request as soon as possible.

All other community members are strongly encouraged to remain up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible. 

Testing

Following CDC guidance, individuals who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should make arrangements to be tested 5 days after the exposure and wear a mask for 10 days. Individuals who develop symptoms after an exposure should be tested as soon as possible. Students who are symptomatic can be seen by a medical provider and tested at Hood Health Services located in the Toll House Urgent Care building.  

Masks

There are no universal mask requirements at this time. However, individuals should keep a mask on them in case they are asked to wear one. Following CDC guidance, individuals who have been exposed to someone with COVID should wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days. If you need an N95 or KN95 mask, you can pick one up from room 4 in the Apple Resource building.

Have you tested positive for COVID-19?

Contact COVID-19 case manager at wellness@hood.edu, provide the following information and isolate in place while you wait for further instructions. 

• What day did you test positive? Provide a photo or copy of the test result, if available.  
• What symptoms are present, if any? 
• If symptoms are present, what day did they begin? 

All students are required to travel home for 5 days of isolation. If a residential student cannot travel home, they must isolate in place in their residence halls. 

Isolation

All community members are required to isolate off-campus for 5 days of isolation following a positive COVID-19 test result. If a residential student cannot travel home, they must isolate in place in their residence halls. 

Have you been exposed to someone with COVID-19?

Contact COVID-19 case manager at wellness@hood.edu. 

• If you are vaccinated and asymptomatic, you can continue to attend classes, but must wear a well-fitted mask (N95 or KN95) for 10 days. If you remain asymptomatic you should be tested 5 days after the last exposure. Students are responsible for getting themselves tested via a PCR or rapid test. Masks are provided to community members in Apple Resource Building, room 4.
• If you have or develop symptoms of COVID, you should go to a medical provider immediately to be tested and should quarantine in place until you get the results. Students who are ill can be seen and tested at the Hood College Health Center, located in the Toll House Urgent Care building at 501 W7th St. 

Questions

Questions or concerns can be directed by email to the director of wellness or CERT (COVID Emergency Response Team).

The COVID Protocols for fall 2022 supersedes all previous plans.
(updated January 11, 2022)