Coronavirus Updates & Information

We continue to monitor COVID conditions and will update the campus community whenever warranted.  We encourage you check back for continued updates and resources. Please monitor email for additional updates from the COVID Operations Team. Below you will find protocols, FAQs, and other important information.

Fall 2022 COVID-19 Safety Plan (UPDATED 9/23/2022)

Juniata’s COVID-19 Operations Team continues to monitor internal and external conditions, scientific data, and public health guidance. The following measures are in place for Fall 2022:

Masking: Masks are optional in all campus settings. Individuals are encouraged to use masks as they deem beneficial and in accordance with CDC guidance.

Symptom monitoring: Symptoms of COVID-19 include congestion, runny nose, headache, fever, and fatigue. Students experiencing any of these symptoms should arrange for a diagnostic test at the health center, and employees should arrange for a diagnostic test using home tests or through their health care provider. Please do not ignore mild symptoms such as minor congestion or mild headache.

Student vaccination: 

• Students are required to provide documentation of full vaccination, which includes the receipt of a booster within 30 days of eligibility (6 months from the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer, or 2 months from receipt of the J&J) and submit online
• Students may request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. 
• A vaccination/booster clinic will be held on Wednesday, September 28th from 9am-2pm in Pheasant Lounge, von Liebig Center for Science.  Additionally clinic dates will be added throughout the semester.
• Student who have recently tested positive for COVID, CDC guidance states, “you may consider delaying your next vaccine (primary dose or booster) by 3 months,” as evidence indicates that this can help improve the immune response and provide longer protection. 

Student testing, isolation and quarantine: 

• Individuals who test positive will isolate for five days, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask around others, as long as they are asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours).
• Health Services must be notified (814-641-3410) immediately of a positive result from a test that was performed at an off-campus location or as the result of a home test. For test results received after hours, please reference the attached checklist for guidance.

UPDATED ISOLATION POLICY EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2022:

• Students who test positive should plan to isolate at home, except in instances where travel is unsafe or impossible.
  • Students should identify in advance a safety plan that addresses:
    • How to travel home safely on short notice;
    • Arrangements for isolation that reduce risk of transmission in the household;
    • Addressing meals and prep
    • Continued access to course materials and progress
    • Costs associated with travel, isolation and self-care
  • Students who must isolate locally may arrange for local hotel accommodations at their own expense; a daily delivery of meals will be provided to meal plan participants who have arranged local isolation.
    • Huntingdon Comfort Inn and Suites is recommended and can be reached at 814-693-5075.  Please reference Juniata College when making reservations. FAIRFIELD INN AND SUITES WILL NOT HOUSE COVID POSITIVE STUDENTS.
    • Please review this checklist to assist with your isolation planning and needs
    • To submit meal needs to Parkhurst please complete this form.
  • Students who have financial concerns should contact the Dean of Students Office (814-641-3605) to discuss possible assistance options.
  • No refunds or adjustments to room and board charges are provided for absences from campus related to isolation and quarantine.
  • Faculty will be encouraged to help isolating students remain current with course materials to make progress, but zoom participation or recordings of class are not expected or required during COVID-related absences.
• Students who test positive may isolate in their residence hall room if all roommate agree.
  • Students isolating in place may leave their room to use bathroom facilities or to pick up to-go meals from campus dining; such students must wear a mask when leaving isolation and return directly to their room.  Eating in public dining areas is not permitted during isolation.
• Students who are close contacts of someone who has tested positive should monitor symptoms and wear a mask around others for at least 5 days following exposure.

Employee vaccination: 

• Employees are required to provide documentation of full vaccination, which includes the receipt of a booster within 30 days of eligibility (6 months from the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer, or 2 months from receipt of the J&J) to Human Resources (hr@juniata.edu).
• Employees may request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. 
• A vaccination/booster clinic will be held on Wednesday, September 28th from 9am-2pm in Pheasant Lounge, von Liebig Center for Science.  Additionally clinic dates will be added throughout the semester.

Employee testing, isolation and quarantine: 

• Individuals who test positive must stay home for five days, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask around others, as long as they are asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours).
• Human Resources must be notified immediately of a positive test result off-campus or as the result of a home test.
• Health Services does not provide testing for employees. All testing must be administered via at home tests or off-campus resources.
• Employees who are close contacts of someone with whom they live should monitor symptoms, wear a mask indoors at work for at least 5 days following exposure, and self-test before coming to work, if possible.

Campus Events and Activities: Student clubs and organizations will be able to host events. 

Students participating in off-campus events and activities, including internships, volunteer or community engagement experiences, student teaching, etc. should consult the site supervisor about COVID-19 regulations and policies that exist at the event site.

Athletics: Juniata Athletics will inform athletes of specific policies and practices that relate to sport participation. Attendance at Juniata athletic contests is welcomed, and faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to show their support and spirit. Those who are unable to attend contests in-person are able to stream most athletic events. 

Residence Hall Guest Visitation: Students may host non-Juniata guests on campus. All guests hosted on campus must be in compliance with other regulations regarding the presence of and responsibility for campus guests.

Travel: Student travel is not restricted. 

The coronavirus symptoms can be similar to cold or flu-like symptoms. Should you experience flu-like symptoms, immediately contact a health care provider for an evaluation. As with any illness, take precautions to minimize your contact with others until you can be evaluated by a health care provider.

Everyday actions people can take to stay healthy include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Practice social distancing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow/upper sleeve. Do NOT cough into your hands and DO NOT cough into the air. ALWAYS COVER YOUR COUGH!
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Don't share beverages or eating utensils.

If you are feeling ill:
Students who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should call the Health Center at (814) 641-3410.  Faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider to report illness by telephone before seeking care.