COVID-19 Response

Vaccination

All Holy Cross community members are encouraged but not required to remain up to date on all recommended COVID-19 immunizations. For most, this means receiving the bivalent booster after a primary dose series. To find a vaccination site in your area, use the Vaccines.gov website from the CDC

Masking

The College of Holy Cross remains a mask-respectful campus. This means we expect our students and staff to be respectful of those who request you wear a mask in their personal space, including offices. Faculty may still require students to wear masks in classrooms, laboratories, or their offices.

Individuals are encouraged to use masks along with other sanitary measures including hand washing, reducing social interactions, and not sharing food and drinks when experiencing symptoms of illness. Masking is not required in any on-campus spaces, though the Public Health team reserves the ability to change this policy if circumstances change. Please see the Isolation section for masking guidance if you've tested positive for COVID.

Testing 

Rapid COVID testing is available in Health Services for students who are exposed to COVID or who have active symptoms. 

Isolation

Individuals who test positive are no longer required to isolate per updated CDC guidelines. At Holy Cross we still encourage you to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses when you are sick by staying home and away from others if you have symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, and runny nose. 

You can return to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:

• Your symptoms are getting better overall, AND
• You have not had a fever (and are not using fever reducing medications).

When you go back to your normal activities, take precautions over the next 5 days, such as wearing a mask while around others.

Students are asked to coordinate any make-up work directly with their professors. Students do not need to report a positive test result to Health Services, but for any questions please call 508-793-2276.

Employees must notify their supervisor to discuss sick time or their ability to work remotely. During the academic year, faculty should notify department chairs.

Questions

Questions or comments may be sent to kgauthier@holycross.edu 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I'm a student who was exposed to COVID, what do I do?

A: Students exposed to COVID may continue going to class, but should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days after exposure, watch for symptoms, and get tested if you develop symptoms. If you develop symptoms, see Isolation guidance above. 

Q: I'm a student who is sick or tested positive for COVID, what do I do?

A: See Isolation Guidance above, and remain away from others while you are symptomatic. You may isolate in your dorm room, the College does not have designated isolation space. We encourage those who can return home, to isolate at home. If you are sick and need a COVID test, or have questions on how to manage your symptoms, please call Health Services at 508-793-2276, or the on-call MD after hours 508-334-8830.

Q: Who notifies my professors that I am sick and cannot come to class?

A: Students are responsible for notifying their professors about missed class and make up work. Any student having difficulty working with their professors should contact their class dean.

Q: How should I get food while isolating?

A: If you have COVID or another respiratory virus and are staying on campus you have two options: Have a friend use your card and pick up food from one of the retail locations OR place an order through GrubHub and pick up the food to go (or have a friend pick it up!)

If you wish to pick up food from Kimball, or have a friend pick up food from Kimball, and take it to go you must call or email Health Services so we can notify Dining of this plan. 

Other Resources

HEERF - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

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