Respiratory Illness Protocols for Covid-19, Influenza and RSV

Respiratory Virus Protocols 

If you test positive for Covid-19, RSV, or Influenza (at another healthcare facility, pharmacy, or with a home test):

• Please notify the Health Center at 276-944-6219 during regular business hours. We can provide a courtesy message to the Office of Student Success. Your professors will receive notification that you may return to classes as long as your symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free without using any fever-reducing medications in the past 24 hours. You are responsible for communicating with your professors and making up any missed class assignments.
• Regarding “self-isolation”:  As of March 5, 2024, we will follow CDC Respiratory Virus Recommendations                                                                  
• If your roommate or suitemate cannot remain in place (due to a health issue such as an autoimmune condition), they should contact housing through the email address housing@emoryhenry.edu. 

• As a courtesy, please notify your close contacts of your positive test result (this includes your Athletic Trainer, Sport team members, Greek Life, or other groups whom you have been in close contact with) 
• Practice good hand hygiene with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Wear a mask if around anyone.
• Your meals can be picked up at the cafe by a friend. They must take your ID to swipe and ask for a Disposable To Go Box. Should you need additional assistance obtaining your meals, don’t hesitate to contact the residence life office at housing@emoryhenry.edu.
• Students can pick up a disposable box to go, but must wear a mask for the entirety of their time in the dining hall facility.
• Store your toothbrush covered, away from a shared sink.
• Don’t share personal household items such as cups, towels, and utensils.
• Monitor your symptoms. Refer to the Self Treatment Measures tip sheet for symptom management of sore throat, runny nose, congestion, cough, etc. If you develop an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately (dial 911).

Athletes: Please communicate with the athletic trainer for your sport regarding the requirements you need to fulfill after recovery from COVID-19. The NCAA “Return to Play” protocol requires a physical examination for students with a “moderate illness or history of cardiac complications.” Physicals can be scheduled at the Health Center by appointment at 276-944-6219.

COVID Information for Employees:

Follow CDC guidance. Please notify Brittany Story (bsstory@emoryhenry.edu) in Human Resources of your return date.  

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine Information

Effective May 8, 2023, Emory & Henry will no longer institute a COVID-19 vaccination policy requirement. The change in policy does not diminish our desire for a safe campus. Emory & Henry still highly recommends staying current with vaccinations against COVID-19. Vaccination is an extremely valuable tool to assist in the mitigation of disease spread. Students should be aware that off-campus experiences may require vaccination against COVID-19. These might include internships, clinical placements, field placements, or study-abroad opportunities in foreign countries. While Emory & Henry is moving away from a collegiate vaccination policy, students’ participation in those experiences may still require vaccination. Students should work with their program directors, coaches, and other mentors to fully explore those requirements and ramifications.

Faculty and staff remain empowered to require masks in their classrooms and offices. Faculty, staff, and students remain empowered to wear masks as they may need.

Students at the School of Health Sciences including undergraduate nursing students should upload a complete copy of their vaccination records to the credentialing vendors platform.

Find a vaccination location near you