COVID-19 Updates
August 15, 2022
As we begin the fall semester, the Coronavirus Response Task Force offers the following reminders:
Rate of SpreaD
The rate of spread of COVID-19 in Stark County is listed as "medium" based on cases and hospitalizations. The COVID Task Force remains in close contact with Jim Adams, Health Commissioner for the City of Canton, when developing or modifying protocols for the campus. You can stay current with Stark County’s COVID status by visiting https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html.
We will continue to monitor conditions and will make changes to our protocols based on direction from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the City of Canton Health Department.
Mask optional
We are continuing our "facial coverings optional" policy which we put in place last February. We are recommending that unvaccinated and at-risk persons consider wearing facial coverings. There may be instances in which masks will continue to be required as mandated by a partner of Malone, e.g. clinical settings.
Faculty members have the right to continue to require facial coverings in their classroom setting due to a personal health concern, to protect a member of their family, or for students in the class or group. This may also be the case with a leader of a co-curricular activity. Please demonstrate your commitment to community by respecting these decisions.
Reminders for students:
- As an institution, we are returning to a self-managed approach to health. Our campus guidelines will be similar to those we have always followed for annual flu viruses or other recurring illnesses. Individual students will again be responsible for self-isolating when sick and for other personal-care decisions.
- Students who feel symptomatic before the semester begins should test negative for COVID-19 at home before coming to campus. Any student who tests positive for COVID-19 before arriving should stay home and notify Student Health Services. If needed, Student Health Services will provide a Notice of Absence to faculty for students who arrive late to campus due to a positive test. Individuals may request free at-home tests through www.covid.gov/tests.
- Students who test positive for COVID-19 after arriving on campus will isolate at home. If you are outside 150 miles, please see your Residence Director to discuss isolation options. Going forward, it will be the student’s responsibility – rather than the University’s – to notify any close contacts, including roommates.
- Students with COVID-19 will pick up their own meals at the dining hall via “grab and go” and will need to wear a facial covering indoors when doing so.
- Regardless of vaccination status, individuals with close contact exposure to someone with COVID-19 must wear a facial covering for 10 days and take a test on day 5 after the exposure date. If symptoms occur before day 5, take a test immediately. If you are positive on day 5, or if symptoms occur at any time within 10 days after exposure, then you must isolate. If you have do not symptoms, and your day 5 test is negative, then continue with activity, but wear a mask indoors through the 10 day period after exposure.
- Student Health Services will no longer conduct surveillance testing of unvaccinated students.
- Malone University is still recommending but not requiring vaccinations for COVID-19. (Students participating in off-campus clinicals, off-campus experiential education, or service trips will be required to follow the host site’s health protocols for mask-wearing and vaccination.) We will continue to host vaccination clinics throughout the semester.
Reminders for employees:
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, contact your health care provider and notify your supervisor.
- Stay committed to washing your hands.
- Malone University is still recommending but not requiring vaccinations for COVID-19. We will continue to host vaccination clinics throughout the semester.
Resources
Student Health Services – 330-471-8340
Information on the spread of COVID-19 in Stark County
Updated CDC guidelines
Free tests for students who are symptomatic are available at the Student Health Center and all area drive thru pharmacies where appointments are usually required.