The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine has returned to in-person instruction and on-campus activities for the Fall 2021 semester, in accordance with state and public health guidelines. Some large group lectures are being provided using an online or hybrid model, but student doctors are welcome to attend in person.

With coronavirus transmission rates still high in the Treasure Valley and around the state, ICOM’s COVID-19 Task Force continues to meet regularly to evaluate these changing pandemic conditions and make operational adjustments as needed. ICOM is committed to maintaining an environment where students can safely receive their education.

Cloth face coverings are required indoors for all individuals — regardless of vaccination status — unless alone in a private office, study room, or workspace. N-95 masks are required for close-contact in-person training. ICOM is not enforcing physical distancing requirements, and face coverings are not required when outside.

Student doctors and employees are asked to immediately report symptoms, known exposures, and positive COVID tests. On-campus contact tracing is being performed and ICOM’s response to exposures has been updated in accordance with updated recommendations from the CDC. 

Updated CDC guidance (updated October 2021) states individuals who have been fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine after contact with someone who has COVID-19, unless they have symptoms. However, fully-vaccinated individuals should get tested 5-7 days after exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms, and should wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure, or until their test result is negative. The new guidance also says individuals who are not vaccinated should quarantine if they have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19.

ICOM does not mandate the vaccine, but it is highly encouraged. Unvaccinated students may not be able to complete their medical training and meet graduation requirements, since the majority of the College’s clinical partners require the vaccine for third- and fourth-year clinical rotations.

ICOM encourages students, faculty, staff and visitors to remain diligent with sanitization and personal hygiene, and to remain off campus if experiencing symptoms concerning for COVID.

Questions or concerns from students should be directed to Liz Watson, Director of Student Affairs. Employees should contact Shannon Blackstock, Director of Human Resources.