The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine’s COVID-19 Task Force met Tuesday, Dec. 2, and has issued updated guidance regarding campus activity for students and employees.
10-Day Quarantine
Based on new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ICOM has reduced the 14-day quarantine period to 10 days, assuming the individual has no symptoms and has not had a fever for at least 48 hours. The exposed person is expected to continue monitoring symptoms and wear a mask for the full 14 days despite discontinuing quarantine.
Return to Campus in January
ICOM will require a 10-day quarantine on return to campus in January. Instructions will be forthcoming, but students will be required to physically check-in on January 11, 2020 and at least one other day that week to prove they are in town. All instruction will be remote until the 10 days are over. Campus will re-open for students who are not ill or in quarantine on January 21, 2020.
Remediation
Exceptions will be given for students who are required to complete in-person course remediation during the week of January 4, 2020 on a case-by-case basis. Written remediation exams will be completed through remote proctoring.
Study Rooms
ICOM has received a few requests for the use of study rooms from now until Winter Break. We will allow the use of study rooms on a limited basis, giving preference for students with hardships (i.e. no home internet, children at home, no heat in the house, etc.).
Only one student will be allowed per study room and rooms must be reserved in advance on a first come, first served basis. Masks are required in all common areas and all social distancing protocols remain in effect.
Campus Closure Duration
ICOM’s current policy still stands that we will close the campus for three days if there has been a COVID-positive exposure on campus. However, as we improve our processes for contact tracing and sanitizing, we may reduce that time period on a case-by-case basis. The duration of any campus closure will be noted at the time of the closure.
Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Some students have expressed ongoing concerns that they do not feel safe coming to campus for in-person training and/or testing. ICOM will ensure that those students with concerns have the option of donning additional PPE to further mitigate their risk.
Questions or concerns from students should be directed to Liz Watson, Director of Student Affairs. Employees should contact Shannon Blackstock, Director of Human Resources.
For more information, visit idahocom.org/coronavirus. Learn how COVID-19 has impacted ICOM’s application review process by clicking here.