Students and employees are directed to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 testing and isolation procedures.
Vaccination
All 17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 website from the CDC
Masking
The College of 17³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 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 17³Ô¹ÏÍø we still encourage you to 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
CDC website that provides an integrated county view of key data for monitoring COVID-19. | A weekly wastewater report produced by the MA Department of Public Health. |
CDC website that provides COVID-19 prevention actions. | Employees: Find a COVID-19 test in Massachusetts.
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HEERF - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
HEERF I - CARES Act -Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act |
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HEERF I - CARES Act |
Quarterly Fund Report for CARES ACT - Student Portion - March 31, 2021 |
HEERF II - CRRSAA - Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act |
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HEERF II - CRRSAA |
Report for CRRSAA - Student Portion - March 31, 2021 |
HEERF III - ARP - American Rescue Plan | |
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HEERF III - ARP | Student Reporting December 31, 2021 |
Student Reporting March 31, 2022 | Student Reporting September 30, 2021 |