Health and Safety

The Gallaudet University COVID-19 leadership team and contact tracing team are regularly monitoring trends with COVID-19 cases on campus. If a significant spike or outbreak occurs, increased health and safety measures are ready for implementation (e.g., providing additional isolation rooms, updating testing protocol, changing the campus mask status, expanding cleaning procedures, arranging socially-distanced dining, pivoting to online learning, etc.).

Contact tracing:

1. The contact tracing process begins when a positive test result is reported to the contact tracing team. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 off campus or with a rapid, please report your results to Contact Tracing.
2. A contact tracer contacts you to work with you on next steps
3. You are required to isolate for a minimum of five days from the onset of symptoms or positive result (“Day 0”)
4. You are excused from work and class for the duration of isolation. Those who feel okay can work remotely upon manager approval.

*Regular Status and Extended Temporary Staff, Faculty, and Teachers and Temporary employees working a minimum 30 hours per week may request up to twelve (12) days per calendar year for an approved COVID-19 related reason for absence (paid in accordance to their regular scheduled work hours)*

1. On “Day 5” of your isolation, a contact tracer reaches out to determine if additional isolation time is needed

Close contact exposure:

If you were recently in close contact (15 min or more) with a COVID positive individual at less than six feet of distance, the contact tracing team will alert you with a notification via email. Quarantine is not required unless you are currently experiencing symptoms. You are permitted to go to class and/or work while waiting for results if asymptomatic. Please mask up and practice social distancing for 10 days since exposure regardless of university mask status.

On campus isolation:

Gallaudet University has two dormitory wings dedicated to housing students who have tested positive for COVID-19 or those who cannot safely quarantine themselves while symptomatic and awaiting test results. Gallaudet provides medical services through Student Health Services, mental health services (CAPS), and contact tracing support to students during the isolation period. Food is ordered in advance through Bon Appetit campus dining services via email and delivered to students in isolation. Postal mail is also delivered to those in isolation. Students are encouraged to take walks in the immediate isolation dorm vicinity to get fresh air as needed and areas to sit outside are available.

Cleaning and sanitation:

• Gallaudet and Clerc Center follows all applicable CDC/OSSE requirements and recommendations.
• Our approach utilizes frequent and regular cleaning, supplemented by weekly and targeted disinfection as required.
• Custodial staff uses EPA-approved cleaning agents, and are provided with appropriate PPE and training.
• Protocols have been developed for cleaning and disinfection of spaces known to be occupied by COVID-positive individuals.
• The Athletics Department has also developed their own protocol for health and safety of athletes during practice and games.

If you have any questions, please contact us.