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Fall 2022 General FAQs

Last updated 09/09/2022 at 9:04 a.m.

What does it mean to be a close contact to someone who tests positive for or is diagnosed with COVID-19?

A closed contact is an individual who has been within 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period of someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

What is quarantine?

Quarantine if you have been in close contact to a COVID-positive person. You will wear a face covering for 10 days and monitor your symptoms. Test if you are feeling ill.

During quarantine, distance yourself as much as possible from others. You may attend all activities while wearing a face covering for 10 days from exposure.

How long is quarantine?

Quarantine lasts 10 days from exposure to a COVID-positive person.

What do I do about classes if I’m in quarantine?

You may attend clases and activities as long as you wear a face covering and are otherwise illness free.

Can I be released early from quarantine if I take a COVID test?

No. You may not test out of quarantine early.

What happens if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19?

Students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate at home if they live within the state of Missouri or within 3 hours of campus. Those living out of state may remain in on-campus housing designated by Residential Life. It will be the responsibility of the COVID-19 positive person to notify any close contacts within 2 days prior to the positive test or symptoms begin.

COVID-19 Exposure:

  • If your roommate is positive, WWU strongly encourages you to get tested ASAP even without symptoms.
  • Students without symptoms CAN attend class and activities with a face covering, practicing physical distance, and monitor for symptoms for 10 days following exposure.

Isolation: Any student who tests positive for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status.

  • Required to isolate at home for 5 days if in the state of MO or no more than 3 hours from campus. Upon campus return, face covering must be worn until 10 days have been completed.
  • If the student is on campus, they cannot leave their room or designated housing except in an emergency and to pick up meals.
  • Meals can be picked up in the side food area of Tucker Dining Hall. Students should use the Text for Food service and pick up the food while wearing a facial covering and immediately return to their room.
  • Students in need of emergency supplies should email studentlife@williamwoods.edu. This email is monitored and staff will be in communication to fulfill your need.
  • Isolation is a minimum of 5 days, monitoring symptoms until released by healthcare provider or WWU representative, then wearing face covering through day 10.

How long will I remain in isolation if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?

Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 are asked to remain in isolation for at least 5 days. However, the time period could be longer if the individual continues to have a fever or other symptoms.

When can I start or continue the vaccine sequence if I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or were quarantined due to close contact?

If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before starting or continuing your COVID-19 vaccination sequence. However, if you did not receive these treatments, you can start or continue your vaccination sequence (two shots for the Pfizer and Moderna sequence) when you are released from isolation or quarantine.

If I find out I’m a close contact to someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19, should I get a rapid COVID test right away?

Often, if the close contact period was only a day or even a few days prior, the COVID test will present a false negative. Although a person might have contracted the virus, the virus may not have replicated enough to cause symptoms or show on a COVID test. Instead of requesting a test right away, please practice all quarantine procedures (unless you start to feel ill sooner), monitor for symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, congestion), and wait at least 5 days before requesting a COVID test.

For more information, please view the Student Safety Guidelines.