Health and Safety
Whether teaching, learning or working on-campus this fall, members of our campus community should know that we have developed a health and safety plan that includes education of our health and safety protocols, mask wearing, cleaning and disinfecting, alterations of campus facilities, physical distancing, testing, supportive quarantine and isolation and other resources.
Cleaning supplies will be maintained and provided on a consistent basis to ensure that as supplies are utilized, they are replenished, to the best of our ability.
Frequent handwashing is a key hygiene practice to safeguard against the spread of illness and we encourage employees to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If access to soap and water is not readily available, use of hand sanitizer will be required.
Contact Tracing and CRUSH COVID App
The college encourages students, faculty and staff to download the CRUSH COVID app, the state’s symptom tracking and contact tracing app. The college will work with the Rhode Island Department of Health to support contract tracing upon notification of positive cases impacting the college community.
Face Coverings
Face coverings will be required in all campus locations unless an exception applies (i.e., underlying health condition or an ADA accommodation has been made). RIC-branded face masks will be made available for faculty, staff and students who will be teaching, learning and/or working on campus as supplies last.
Quarantine and Isolation
If necessary, residential students will first be directed to quarantine or isolate at home. If unable to quarantine or isolate at home, Browne Hall has been designated as the quarantine building for students who are symptomatic. Students who are symptomatic will not share a bathroom. Student Health Center staff will support individuals in isolation and/or quarantine with basic needs such as meals, accommodations and care.
When an employee is symptomatic and/or tests positive for COVID-19, or is required to quarantine based on potential exposure, the college will provide support to the employee who must stay out of the workplace until cleared to return.
Social Distancing
In keeping with the guidance from the CDC, we will maintain a healthy campus environment by asking members of our campus community to remain at least six (6) feet apart (about two arms’ lengths) at all times, adhere to gathering size limitations and to avoid mass gatherings.
Testing for Faculty and Staff
All faculty and staff will be referred to their primary care providers for symptomatic testing.
Because of the nature of their work, RIC’s frontline employees (e.g., health services) may be required to undergo asymptomatic testing on campus, generally every other week. More details forthcoming.
Testing for Students
Asymptomatic Testing
Asymptomatic testing will be required for student-athletes and resident assistants and will be conducted on campus under contractual agreement with a third-party medical service provider. Asymptomatic testing may be either rapid testing or nasopharyngeal testing.
Symptomatic (Nasopharyngeal) Testing
Symptomatic testing will be required for all residential students and student-athletes who exhibit symptoms. These tests will be performed by Student Health Services.
All other students will be referred to their primary care providers for symptomatic testing.
Visual Verbal Screening
The college has adopted a visual-verbal screening process for employees and students entering campus facilities. A Visual Verbal Screening Tool will be used for self-reported symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19 and other COVID-19 risk factors. More details to follow.
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Send us an email
stayinformed@ric.edu.
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RIC HOPE Line
Do you feel distressed or wish to speak with someone? Call the 24/7 Rhode Island College HOPE line: 401-456-HOPE (4673).
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