COVID-19 Fall Protocols for Faculty and Staff

In alignment with CDC guidance dated 8/11/22 regarding COVID-19, the University has updated protocols for our community for the fall semester. 

Is the University recommending that community members get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster?

Fairfield continues to encourage all students, faculty, staff, and contractors to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. We ask that employees forward any new proof of vaccination and booster to covidhr@fairfield.edu. 

What are the testing requirements for faculty and staff this fall?

Fairfield will not be conducting surveillance testing this semester, nor will there be any re-population testing. 

What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?

Employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked not to come to campus and to test for COVID at-home or through their healthcare provider.  Please notify covidhr@fairfield.edu of any positive COVID test results. 

What should I do if I am a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19?

Close contacts of someone who is positive for COVID-19 should test on day 5 after last exposure and wear a mask for 10 days.  Regardless of vaccination status, you are not required to quarantine unless you are experiencing symptoms.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status,  needs to isolate away from others for a full 5 days.  Following the five-day isolation period, you may return to campus provided your symptoms have improved and you are fever free without medication.  You must continue to wear a mask through day 10.

Does the University have a work from home policy?

If you are COVID positive and are unable to work, you should treat it like any other illness and utilize sick time if possible.  If you are asymptomatic, please speak with your supervisor to see if you are able to work from home for all or part of your isolation period.

Reminder -- any remote work arrangements must be approved in advance.  Employees who are uncertain of their current work status or situation should check with their supervisor. The University telework policy may be accessed here. 

Requests for remote work which were granted during the pandemic that did not qualify as ADA accommodations expired last summer.   HR will continue to process accommodation requests under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  ADA accommodations are based on an employee’s own documented medical condition, and are not available based on the medical conditions or vulnerabilities of an employee’s family and/or household members.