The College uses an “isolate in place model” and does not provide dedicated spaces on campus for students to isolate after they have tested positive for COVID-19. The College’s transition to the isolation in place model is informed by the guidance of the Boston Public Health Department officials and the medical experts who have been advising the College throughout the pandemic. Individuals who test positive will remain in their assigned living space. The College strongly encourages students who test positive and who are able to return home or make alternative living arrangements, to do so for the recommended isolation period, if possible. Students are encouraged to complete the COVID-19 Self Reporting Form.
General Guidelines and Expectations
- Students are expected to isolate themselves in their own rooms (with the doors closed). They may not visit others, spend time in common areas, or have guests during the isolation period. You should not be socializing if you are isolating.
- Students isolating in place on campus are expected to follow campus and community health guidelines and mask when they need to access any shared indoor spaces (ie) bathroom, hallways, visits to health services, etc.
- Students who are in isolation are permitted to go outside while wearing a mask to get fresh air, to exercise, pick up food, mail, or medical appointments.
- Students in isolation should not attend events, classes, visit the fitness center, eat in the dining hall or participate in non-essential activities. Students should notify their professors, coaches or supervisors that they will be absent. Please work with your faculty to make up for missed work; you can also review the College’s attendance policy.
Informing Your Roommate
- If you have a roommate, inform them of your status and plans for isolation.
- Everyone should wear a mask at all times when in the same room (even during sleep).
- Avoid sharing household items. Do not share drinking glasses, towels, eating utensils, bedding, or any other items until you are no longer asked to self-isolate.
- Keep your surroundings clean. Although the virus is not currently believed to spread very well from contact with soiled household surfaces, please take precautions.
- Please clean surfaces that you share with others, such as door knobs, telephones, and bathroom surfaces (or any other object that you sneeze or cough on) with a standard household disinfectant such as paper towels. Wash your hands after cleaning the area.
Living with a Roommate who is Isolating
- A student sharing a room with a COVID positive person has the option of remaining in the room. If a student decides to seek alternative housing, it will be at their own expense.
- Wear a mask at all times and maintain as much distance as possible from your roommate. Continue to wipe down shared surfaces, frequent hand washing, and avoid touching your face and mouth.
- Students may open windows to increase ventilation. Emerson College dorms are equipped with hospital grade HEPA filters which were implemented during the COVID pandemic.
- Students who have been exposed to COVID may refer to the CDC isolation and exposure calculator for guidance around symptom development and when to perform rapid antigen tests if indicated.
