Dear WES Families,
I hope your week is going well and you are looking forward to our upcoming Spring Break! I’m writing to you today with some important updates to our COVID-19 policies.
As more adults are able to access the vaccine and the COVID-19 health metrics continue to improve, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated many of its policies in the last few weeks. Consequently, our Health and Safety Task Force has revised some of our policies to reflect the latest CDC recommendations.
Quarantining After Travel
Our travel guidelines for all community members will follow the updated CDC guidance that allows for decreased quarantine requirements for symptom-free individuals after travel. Instead of a 14 day quarantine after airplane or train travel, students and employees may return to campus after 7 days with documentation of a negative PCR test taken between days 3 and 7 from last exposure. Or, they may return after 10 days without a PCR test.
Please note that this applies to domestic travel only. All plans for international travel must be discussed with Nurse Bailey to determine quarantine requirements.
Close Contact Quarantining Guidelines
Our close contact quarantine guidelines will be decreased to more closely match updated CDC guidelines. Students or staff who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more in 24 hours) with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for 10 days. They are expected to participate in WES’s weekly COVID testing during this time, and may return to campus after 10 days if they have tested negative and have had no symptoms.
COVID-19 Testing for Vaccinated Employees
Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer expected to quarantine or get tested after known COVID exposure, according to the CDC. Consequently, fully vaccinated WES employees will not be required to undergo weekly COVID testing as of March 26, 2021. They may choose to be tested if they wish. Vaccinated employees who are exhibiting symptoms will get tested.
The health and wellness of our community is our highest priority. As COVID-19 guidance continues to evolve, we will update you on any changes to our policy.
We continue to look to the future with hope and optimism.
Sincerely,
