Hello Faculty and Staff,
As the Employee Quarantine & Isolation Coordinator, I am here to support and serve as a resource for Staff, Faculty and Supervisors. I am in frequent communication with Cayuga Health System, the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Team and local health departments, including Tompkins County Health Department.
If you are testing through IC, I am usually your first contact regarding the mandatory requirement to quarantine or isolate. I realize, for most individuals, this is unexpected and unsettling news. I am here to provide you with guidance throughout the process, answer your questions, as wells as obtain information from you. I can also assist in working with your supervisor if this impacts your work at IC.
If you tested outside of the IC system, you must advise me of your positive status and the requirement to isolate or if you are named a contact about your requirement to quarantine. Please familiarize yourself with the Notification Process for COVID-19 Positive, Quarantined, or Isolated Employees. I can assist you if this impacts your work at IC.
As a community, we are careful and mindful to wear masks, physically distance ourselves and frequently wash hands. In the event you test positive, I will ask about your contacts beginning 2 days prior to testing positive or symptom onset. Being given a positive test result or being told that you must quarantine due to close contact can be unsettling. It can be a challenge to remember recent contacts. As you go about your day, please think about your interactions with others. Did you have an interaction that lasted longer than 10 cumulative minutes where you were closer than 6 feet? If so, make a quick note on your calendar as this will be extremely helpful if you are called and contact tracing is required. It would also be helpful to note what areas on campus you visit or work in. This will assist with any cleaning and disinfection that may be required by our Facilities team. Your hard work has a tremendous impact on stopping the spread of COVID-19!
In most cases, you will receive an email from the county health department where you reside regarding your mandated quarantine or isolation. Please forward those communications to me at: drogers@ithaca.edu. Typically, the Health Department will follow up with you daily via phone calls, text messages or email to check on your status.
You cannot “test out” of isolation or quarantine. You will be required to observe the mandatory 10-day isolation or quarantine as directed by the Health Department. If you are feeling unwell, you can take advantage of a telemedicine appointment or reach out to your primary care provider for guidance.
After testing positive, upon clearance by your county Health Department, you can be cleared to return to campus. I will then provide you with guidance regarding future testing requirements and how to respond to the Daily Health Screening email.
Some excellent resources to review are:
I wish you all a healthy 2021,
Diane Rogers
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20210204122722244