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COVID-19

If You're Exposed to COVID-19

If you have been within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes or in direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case without the proper use of PPE, there is a likelihood you’ve been exposed to the virus.

For your safety and the safety of others, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) recommends you practice the following protocols for at least 14 days after your latest exposure to COVID-19. If you live with someone who has COVID-19, it is recommended you follow these protocols for an additional 14 days after the person is no longer self-isolating.

Students

  • You may receive a call from a contact tracer to inform you you’ve been exposed. You can also self-identify exposure to your RA or Redfern Health Center.
  • If you live in on-campus housing, you can move to designated quarantine housing. In some cases, it may be appropriate for individuals to quarantine in their residence. View Housing's Isolation and Quarantine Checklist to start gathering items you'll need.
  • It is recommended that you get tested at 7+ days after exposure. You can get tested at other locations on the main campus and at MUSC and DHEC testing sites. You can also call Redfern to schedule testing: 864-656-1541. A negative test does will not release individuals from quarantine early. All 14 days must be completed after exposure.
  • If quarantine is required, academic instructors should be notified of absence through the Notification of Absence system.
  • Bridge to Clemson students should contact their instructors regarding assignments.
  • Clearance from Redfern is required to receive clearance to return to campus activities.

Employees

Should you receive a call from a contact tracer to inform you you’ve been exposed or you know you have had contact with someone who has tested positive, please contact your supervisor and the Sullivan Center (864) 656-3076.

Following are the recommendations from the CDC:

Stay home and monitor your health

  • Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
  • Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

Refrain from accessing Clemson facilities during the quarantine period/or until cleared. It is recommended that you get tested 7 or more days after exposure. Schedule testing.

Continue to stay in quarantine the full 14 days even if you test negative.

Limit your contact with others

Stay home and avoid contact with others.

  • Do not go to work or school.
  • Discuss your situation with your employer before returning to work.
  • Do not take public transportation, taxis or ride-shares
  • Avoid crowded places and limit your activities in public.

Monitor your symptoms and practice good hygiene

  • Watch for fever, cough or trouble breathing.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Do not cover with your hands.
  • Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60-95% alcohol.

If you begin to feel ill with fever, cough or shortness of breath

Immediately self-isolate and avoid contact with others.

Seek medical care if needed.

  • Call ahead before going to the doctor or emergency room.
  • Tell the medical staff about your possible exposure to COVID-19 and your symptoms.
  • Avoid contact with others.

Please note, if you have been exposed to someone who is exposed, you are not at heightened risk if the individual tests negative.

If the individual tests positive or develops symptoms within two days of contact with you

  • Monitor yourself closely for symptoms and check your temperature twice daily.
  • Contact your health care provider for further advice if you develop symptoms.
  • Self-isolate the recommended 14 days after exposure, including avoiding trips to grocery stores or pharmacies. Have others deliver supplies to you while avoiding contact with others.
  • For students going into isolation log into your courses in canvas and use the Notification of Absence process to let your instructors know that you will be moving to online only participation in classes for at least the next two weeks. If your instructor does not use canvas, contact them directly to let them know of this temporary shift in how you will be participating in classes. Use the same process to inform your instructors that you have been cleared to return to in-person classes.
  • Special cleaning procedures are not required for exposed but asymptomatic individuals.