Respiratory Virus Guidance

Health Guidelines on Campus:

• Masks are optional on campus. 
• The use of masks may still be required in designated laboratories and clinical experiences, and will be communicated by individual faculty. 
• The CDC recommends the use of masks for those who are at high risk for severe illness. Anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask is encouraged to do so. 
• Shawnee State will continue to adjust policies based on guidance from the CDC and local health officials. Any changes in our health policies will be communicated to faculty, staff and students.

COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Virus Guidance:

• In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• Shawnee State has adopted Respiratory Virus Guidance provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
• If you become ill with a respiratory virus, you should stay home and away from others until you have been:
  1. fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medications and
  2. your symptoms are improving
• If you are a student, you can return to class when you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication. Masking is optional upon return. Anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask is encouraged to do so. 
• Students can use the Bear Care Clinic for any needs related to testing and receiving health care related to illness and return to class documentation.
• If you are going to miss classes due to illness, please review the Excused Absence Policy for guidance on how to notify the appropriate faculty or college dean.