What if I have to Isolate or Quarantine?

The university is following current guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health on  COVID-19 Isolation, Quarantine and Outbreak Guidelines for Colleges and Universities. The process for quarantining or isolating while living in Student Housing is outlined in the Department of Student Housing Guide to Isolation and Quarantine Process.

The university is committed to supporting students in quarantine or isolation. More information is outlined in this letter about Student Affairs Support for Student Quarantine & Isolation.

For additional information about quarantine and isolation decisions related to a positive case in housing facilities, see this flow chart.

According to the Mississippi State Department of Health:

Isolation refers to the time period that an infected patient with COVID-19 must spend alone, away from others, to prevent the transmission of disease. The period of isolation is 10 days from the onset of symptoms (or the date of testing for those who are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis). Students and staff may return to work or school after 10 days of isolation if they meet the following criteria:

• It has been 10 days past the onset of symptoms (or date of test if they were asymptomatic);
• Have been fever free for at least 24 hours; and
• Have improvement of other symptoms.

Quarantine is a 14-day period that those exposed to an infectious COVID patient must spend alone, away from others, to prevent the transmission of COVID should the person become infectious. This 14-day period is required because exposed individuals can become contagious up to 14 days after exposure and not realize it. A negative test for COVID-19 does not remove the necessity of quarantining. Essential employees (as determined by the College/University) may continue to work while under quarantine if they meet the following criteria:

• Remain asymptomatic;
• Have their temperature and symptoms monitored by the College/University;
• Wear a mask or cloth face covering the entire time at work.

Essential employees on quarantine may only attend work. All other activities (dining out, shopping, social events) are not permitted during the quarantine period.

Should students in quarantine or isolation go to a face-to-face class?

Students in quarantine or isolation should not attend a face-to-face class until the quarantine or isolation period is complete. Students should continue to attend remote and online courses.

Students should contact their instructors for face-to-face courses to inform them that they are in isolation or quarantine and unable to attend the face-to-face class.

COVID-19 safety protocols hold the highest priority, and faculty have designed attendance guidelines for students that do not penalize students for adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols. Course attendance policies for face-to-face, hybrid, remote, and online allow for absences necessary for isolation, quarantine, or other COVID-19 related absences. Faculty will be flexible with assignment due dates when students have COVID-19-related absences in all courses, regardless of delivery mode.

The Keep Learning site provides advice, resources, and points of contact for students to assist in their remote learning experience.