Updated COVID Protocols for Fall

August 23, 2022

With the Fall 2022 semester underway, Baylor University has updated its COVID-19 protocols, most notably on Isolation/Quarantine, as well as face coverings, testing and vaccination. The protocols are based on the latest guidance from the CDC and the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District. Frequently Asked Questions are available on the COVID website.

ISOLATION/QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS

Positive cases must isolate for five days and have a plan for completing the isolation period. For Fall 2022, Baylor has updated its Isolation/Quarantine protocols that outline what you should do if you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to a positive case.

ISOLATION – If You Test Positive for COVID-19

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you should take the follow actions:

  • Stay home for 5 days and wear a mask if around other people.
  • *IF you are fever-free for the prior 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicines) and your other symptoms are mild and improving, you can leave your home after the 5-day isolation period.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

*If you have a fever or symptoms have not improved, continue to stay home for up to 10 days, until your fever resolves, and symptoms improve.

QUARANTINE – If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19

If you are exposed to a positive case, regardless of vaccination status, you should take the following actions:

  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5.
  • If you develop symptoms, get tested and stay home.

STUDENT INFORMATION ON ISOLATING IN PLACE

Baylor University is not providing isolation housing for the Fall 2022 semester. Students should have a plan to isolate if they test positive, including:

  • a location to complete the self-isolation period, including returning home if feasible,
  • a plan for transportation, such as using your own vehicle or transportation by a family member, but no use of public transportation,
  • access to groceries/meal delivery,
  • access to necessary medications,
  • a plan to communicate with your professors,
  • numbers of emergency contacts, and
  • contact information for their preferred healthcare provider.

If returning home is not a viable option, students may isolate in their current residence, including on-campus residence halls. Students should maintain social distancing as much as possible and wear an N95 mask at all times if sharing a room with someone else. N95 masks are available at residence hall front desks.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

Employees who test positive or have been exposed to a positive case should refer to the 2022 Isolation/Quarantine protocols for direction.

Employees are no longer required to report their COVID positive result to Human Resources, but they should notify their supervisor of any needed sick time or remote work time. If an employee is experiencing more severe symptoms and unable to work, they should take care of themselves and ensure they get guidance from their primary care physician.

FACE COVERINGS

Face coverings remain optional in all outdoor and *indoor settings. Faculty, staff and students can choose to wear a face covering based on their individual health and safety needs.

*Exceptions based on federal requirements include medical settings such as the Health Center, or when following the University's Isolation/Quarantine protocols.

The University has masks, including N95s, available for faculty, staff and students who would like an added level of protection.

Departments and offices can request for a box of these masks by emailing the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at ehs@baylor.edu.

If you are a student living on campus, N95 masks can be accessed through your residence hall front desk. If you live off campus, N95 masks are available to be picked up at the McLane Student Life Center (SLC) during operational hours.

TESTING

Weekly testing is not required. However, if a student or employee (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) is symptomatic or exposed to a positive case, they should seek testing through a healthcare provider or use a home test, which is widely available.

Ordering at-home test kits:

Testing options if you are symptomatic:

  • Students also can log in to the Health Portal on the Health Center website to make an appointment for testing through the Health Center.
  • Employees should contact their personal healthcare provider for testing or use a home test. The Waco/McLennan County Public Health District provides a helpful list of testing resources.

VACCINATION

Vaccines are not required for employment or attendance in the Fall 2022 semester. However, vaccination, including booster doses, are strongly recommended to protect against severe disease.

The Baylor Health Center in the McLane Student Life Center offers first, second and booster doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for students and employees, as well as the spouses and dependents of students and employees. Appointments are available on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 4:10 p.m. in the Health Center. For more information, visit the vaccine website.