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COVID-19 Guidance and Campus Resources

Clemson University’s COVID-19 mitigation strategy relies on individuals’ awareness and commitment to their own health and to the health of all Tigers and the greater community. The following resources and recommendations, which are aligned with CDC guidelines, are provided to help each of us manage our own health and protect the health of others.

Steps to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

IF SICK, it is recommended that you...

  • Stay home, except to obtain medical care.
  • Separate yourself from other individuals, including those in your home.
  • Monitor your symptoms.
  • Take a COVID-19 test.
  • Wear a high-quality mask around others.

IF POSITIVE, please...

  • Isolate for a minimum of five full days to prevent spread.
  • Refer to CDC guidance for more detailed instructions.
  • If you are at high risk for severe illness, contact your healthcare provider.
  • Employees, notify your supervisor and enter appropriate sick leave.
  • Students, complete a Notification of Absence.

IF EXPOSED it is recommended that you...

  • Wear a mask when around others for 10 days.
  • Get tested immediately if symptomatic or if it has been 5 full days after your last exposure and you do not have symptoms.
  • Monitor symptoms for 10 full days; test again if symptoms develop.

ISOLATION IN SHARED LIVING SPACES

A student who is COVID positive may remain in on-campus housing. Oftentimes this means the student with COVID will have to isolate in the same room as their healthy roommate. It’s important to remember that students usually remain in on-campus shared rooms/apartments while recovering from many different contagious illnesses, not just COVID.

While it’s not always possible to fully separate yourself from a roommate while isolating, there are steps you can take to mitigate the spread of illness.

TIPS FOR NAVIGATING COVID ISOLATION IN SHARED LIVING SPACES

Both Roommates

When one roommate has COVID and the other roommate is well, both roommates should:

  • Mask with a high-quality mask when you are in the room together.
  • Use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the room. Air purifiers may also be used.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, faucet and cabinet handles, smartphones, laptops, remote controls, etc.).
  • If you share a bathroom, remember that sinks could be an infection source. Totes or caddies can be used for personal items so they don’t touch the bathroom countertop; bring your tote back to your personal space rather than leaving it in a shared bathroom.
  • Each person should use their own hand or face towels.
  • If you share a sleeping space, arrange beds so that you have as much space between beds as possible.
  • If sharing food or drinks, use separate serving dishes or cups (e.g., rather than sticking your hand into a bag of chips, pour an individual portion into a bowl).
  • If you do come in contact with shared surfaces or items, wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
  • Do not invite any guests to your room until the isolation period has ended.

Roommate with COVID-19

  • Please minimize your contact with others for a minimum of five full days, and wear a mask any time that it is necessary to enter a public space (any space that is not your individual bedroom).
  • If a single bathroom is available on your floor, choose that option over a shared bathroom.
  • You may go to the dining hall or other retail location to get food. Please wear a mask and take your meal to-go (to-go tokens can be purchased at the dining hall if you have not yet received one).
  • Follow guidance for ending isolation.

Well Roommate

  • A student who has been exposed is not required to quarantine. You may still go to class and all activities.
  • Wear a mask when around others for 10 days.
  • Get tested immediately if symptomatic or if it has been 5 full days after your last exposure and you do not have symptoms. Testing is available at Redfern Health Center for students, faculty and staff.
  • Monitor symptoms for 10 full days; test again if symptoms develop.
  • Minimize time spent in your room—take advantage of this time to discover a new favorite study or hangout spot on campus.

Should you miss class due to COVID-19 or any other illness, you may notify your professors of your absence by using the Notification of Absence Form found in Canvas. (Bridge students should utilize the Extended Absence Form for Tri County.) You should also reach out to each professor individually to find out about missed work and to make a plan to address any missed assignments or exams.

Campus Resources and Information

FREE COVID-19 Testing

The University will continue to provide saliva-based COVID-19 PCR testing at Redfern Health Center, available to students, faculty and staff Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:15 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. First time testers need to establish their QR code. There are other COVID-19 testing options throughout the state. At-home COVID-19 test kits are widely available at pharmacies and are usually covered by your health insurance. Individuals who feel they cannot walk up to the test site should call 864-656-3566 for assistance.

Processing COVID tests takes 24-48 hours. Consider the timing of testing when traveling, etc.

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe infection. Redfern Health Center offers the Moderna vaccine to students. Click here to schedule an appointment. Faculty, staff and students can visit the SCDHEC Vax Locator or Vaccine.gov to locate vaccine options within the local community and throughout South Carolina.

Health Resources

Students should contact Redfern Health Center at 864-656-2233. Employees should contact their primary care provider for medical advice. If they don’t have a primary care provider, they may contact the Sullivan Center at 864-656-3076. MUSC Health and Redfern Health Center offer an easy-to-use 24/7 virtual urgent care service for Clemson University and Bridge to Clemson students who are physically present in the state of South Carolina. Clemson Rural Health is a service available to all State Health Plan members. Graduate students in the Greenville area may take advantage of MUSC and BRIO internal Medicine. 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911.