FAQs

COVID Frequently Asked Questions - Fall 2022 (Updated 9/14/2022)

Is the vaccine mandatory?

No, the COVID vaccination and booster shots are not mandatory, but they are strongly recommended. Please note that some clinical/fieldwork sites have different policies regarding vaccination status.

What are the signs and symptoms of COVID?

• Fever (100.4 F or greater)
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Muscle and or body aches
• Headache
• Sore Throat
• Congestion or Runny Nose
• Nausea, Vomiting or Diarrhea
• New loss of Smell or Taste

Are masks required on campus?

• Masking is required to enter the health and wellness center on campus.
• Masking at other locations is optional, however there may be events or areas on campus that may require masking.
• Masking is required for students, staff and employees following an exposure and or returning from isolation when indicated.

What happens if I test POSITIVE for COVID?

Anyone who tests positive for COVID, regardless of vaccination status, must adhere to the following:

●     Report positive test result to Cougar Care Team by completing the symptom tracker and or email cougarcare@misericordia.edu

●     Staff/Faculty stay home and isolate

●     Students will stay in their room/ isolate (masked) until they speak with cougarcare and arrangements made for them to go home to isolate.

•   Residential students who test positive will be required to return home to isolate.
•   Residential students with extenuating circumstances can request an on-campus isolation housing request form

●     Notify close contacts of potential exposure (send close contacts exposure document provided by cougarcare

●     On Day 5 (post symptoms began and or a positive test) will take an at home rapid covid test, take a picture and email it to cougarcare@misericordia.edu

• If test is negative will be cleared to return to campus/class on day 6 and mask through day 10

• If test is positive will be able to retest on Day

• If test is negative will be cleared to return to campus/class on day 8 and mask through day 10
• If the test is positive will continue to isolate for a full 10 days and be cleared to return to campus/class on day 11, with no further testing required.

Do I need to tell anyone if I test positive for COVID?

Yes.  To help us monitor COVID on campus, please report a positive test to Cougarcare through the symptom tracker or email cougarcare@misericordia.edu

What happens if I am exposed to someone with COVID?

●     Exposures who are not vaccinated or are not considered “up to date” are no longer asked to quarantine at home, as guidance from the CDC has been updated August 11, 2022

●     REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS you should wear an approved mask around others indoors and continue to take precautions for 10 days.

●     Monitor yourself symptoms daily

●     Get tested at least 5 full days after an exposure even if you don’t develop symptoms

●     If you develop symptoms - don’t wait test right away

●     Fill out your symptoms tracker or email cougarcare@misericordia.edu if you have questions

What if I just had COVID?

New changes from the CDC 8/11/22

●     If you have tested positive for COVID within 30 days and do NOT have any symptoms testing is not recommended to detect a new infection, if you do develop symptoms use and antigen test

●     If you have tested positive for COVID within the last 31-90 days and do NOT have symptoms you should test on day 5 from your last exposure, if you do have symptoms test immediately

Is there somewhere on campus I can get a COVID test?

●     If you have symptoms the Health and Wellness Center (located in Anderson) will perform a COVID test by appointment only 570-674-6276

●     Tests are available for purchase at the University Bookstore to purchase

●     Check with your pharmacist, your health care insurance provider may provide free tests

What if I have tested negative for COVID but still have symptoms?

Continue to take basic precautions, wear a mask around others indoors, wash your hands, wipe down surfaces you touch.  If your symptoms worsen or do not improve within 24 hrs call the health center 570-674-6276, your primary care doctor, or urgent care for an appointment.

Can I get vaccinated/ a booster on campus?

We anticipate providing vaccination and booster clinics on campus to students and employees based on interest.  Please watch for additional information and scheduling for clinics throughout the fall 2022 semester.

I have questions about COVID protocols, whom do I contact?

Please submit your questions to the Cougarcare team by emailing cougarcare@misericordia.edu and someone will be in touch with you.

What if the COVID landscape changes significantly?  Will you require the vaccine, testing or masks?

We will continue to monitor COVID on campus, locally and nationally to determine whether changes are required.  As we have since the beginning of the pandemic, we will make data-informed decisions using feedback from local, state and regional public health departments and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.