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Raider Respect COVID-19 Updates

Important University Updates  |  Academic Resources & Calendar  |  Housing Information & Calendar


Shippensburg University does not require the use of face masks inside campus buildings or classrooms, with the following exceptions:

Masking remains required:

  • When visiting the Wellness Center.
  • When visiting a COVID-19 testing center.
  • As requested, when entering a faculty or staff member’s office.*

*Standard “Mask Required” signage is available to reinforce or designate indoor “Mask Required” spaces. Contact the COVID Office at (717) 477-1007 or covid19@ship.edu,

Please respect the masking preferences of fellow Raiders. Individuals, including those at-risk for severe illness, may choose to continue masking based on their personal preference and comfort level. Individuals who are sick should mask and seek immediate testing. In the event the community level changes, or if there is an increase in positive cases on campus, indoor masking requirements may be reinstated.

If you are uncertain if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or may be feeling unwell, please exercise your best judgment and wear a mask to help protect yourself and everyone else on campus.

Vaccine Information

COVID-19 vaccines help your body develop protection from the COVID-19 virus. Although vaccinated individuals can still get COVID, staying up to date on vaccines lowers the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions regarding eligibility for a booster shot.

For information on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters in your area, please visit vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233.


Symptoms of COVID-19

Individuals with COVID-19 may report a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear anytime between 2-14 days after exposure. Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness related to COVID-19.

Testing for COVID-19

Get tested as soon as possible if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Knowing if you are infected with COVID-19 empowers you to take care of yourself and to take immediate actions to avoid infecting others. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions regarding testing.

If you test positive, immediately notify the COVID Office at covid19@ship.edu, or by calling 717-477-1007.

Testing for Students

Symptomatic students can receive no-cost testing by visiting the Etter Health Center located on the ground level of Naugle Hall. To make an appointment, call (717)477-1458. Center hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am–7:00pm, and Saturdays from Noon–5:00pm.

Asymptomatic students may pick up self-test kits at the Etter Health Center self-care area (during normal business hours only).

Testing for Employees

Employees may request a self-test kit by contacting the Environmental, Health and Safety Office at covid19@ship.edu, or by calling 717-477-1007.

What to do if you are exposed to COVID-19

If you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 or have been notified you were a close contact, regardless of vaccination status or previous infection, you should take precautions and follow these steps for 10 full days:

  • Wear a high-quality mask any time you are around others inside your home or indoors in public. Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
    • You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you have been exposed.
    • Take extra precautions if you will be around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
    • Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19. Day 1 is the first full day after your exposure.
  • Watch for symptoms, including a fever (100.4°F or greater), cough, shortness of breath, etc.
  • If you develop symptoms, immediately isolate and get tested. If you do not have access to a test, contact your healthcare provider. Remain at home in isolation until you receive your test result.
  • If you were exposed but do not develop symptoms, get tested at least 5 full days after exposure.
    • If you test positive, isolate immediately.
  • If you test negative, continue taking precautions, including wearing a mask, through day 10.

Isolation

University guidelines regarding isolation remain in place. If you tested positive for COVID-19, or if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19, there are precautions you should take to avoid infecting others. These guidelines do not change based on COVID-19 Community Levels. Students and employees who are advised to isolate must follow all university guidelines.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you must stay home and isolate from others for at least 5 days. Individuals are likely most contagious during these first 5 days.

If You Test Positive

If you test positive or have symptoms, you are required to isolate regardless of vaccination status and must adhere to the following:

  • Stay home and separate from others.
  • Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public. If you do not have access to a mask, you can search for a location using the free mask locator.
  • Do not go out to places where you are unable to wear a mask.
  • Do not travel.
  • If possible, use a separate bathroom.
  • Monitor your symptoms. Seek emergency medical care if you are experiencing trouble breathing, have pain or pressure in the chest, are confused, are unable to wake or stay awake, or have pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds.
  • Students are responsible for consulting with their faculty member(s) regarding options to stay current with assigned course work while completing their required isolation period.
  • Employees are responsible for notifying their supervisor of a positive test result.

Ending Isolation

  • If you did not experience symptoms of COVID-19, you may end isolation after day 5, but are still required to wear a well-fitting mask at all times through day 10.
  • If you experienced symptoms of COVID-19, you may end isolation after day 5 if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and if your symptoms are improving. You are still required to wear a well-fitting mask at all times through day 10. If you still have a fever or your symptoms are not improving, you must continue to isolate until they improve.
  • If your COVID-19 symptoms recur or worsen after ending isolation, you must restart at day 0. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about your symptoms or when you can end isolation.

Calculating Isolation

  • No Symptoms
    • Day 0 is the day you tested positive.
    • Day 1 is the first full day following the day you tested positive.
    • If you develop symptoms within 10 days of being tested, the clock restarts at day 0 at the onset of symptoms.
  • With Symptoms
    • Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of a positive test.
    • Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started.

Mask Usage

All individuals are asked to always carry masks with them when on campus.

  • People may wear a mask based on personal preference, or as informed by their personal level of risk.
  • When needed, KN95 or KF94 masks are strongly encouraged.
  • Disposable surgical masks are available at Masking Stations throughout campus. Locations include Lehman Library, Reisner Dining Hall, the CUB information desk, Ship Rec and the COVID Office.
  • Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms and those who have received a positive test result within the last 10 days are required to wear a mask.
  • Should we see an increase in positive cases in our area, the indoor masking requirement may be reinstated at any time with timely notification will be sent out to all members of the campus community.

Student Athletes

  • Student-athletes must abide by all policies set forth by external colleges/universities.

Compliance

  • Shippensburg University’s masking policy is the responsibility of all campus community members, including visitors.
  • Student violations may be reported to the Office of Student Development via the Student Conduct Raider Respect Violations webpage.
  • Faculty and Staff violations may be reported to the Office of Human Resources.

Bartos Child and Family Center

  • The Bartos Child and Family Center staff and children will continue to follow guidelines of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

The material on this webpage has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is subject to change. The information presented here is not intended to replace or supersede the recommendation of your health care provider or the guidance from state and federal agencies.

Contact the COVID Office Phone: 717-477-1007