Welcome to fall semester 2022! As we prepare for the start of classes, here are the University’s current COVID protocols and resources available to our community:
COVID Response Team nurses: Our team is available to answer questions, advise individuals who test positive, experience symptoms, or are exposed to COVID, and provide support and education to our community.
- Nurses can be reached by emailing COVIDResponse@capital.edu
- A nurse is available to respond to the COVID email account from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30pm weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 4pm weekends.
Masking: Capital is a mask-optional/mask-friendly university. Currently masks are not required inside university buildings but anyone who chooses to wear a mask may do so. Exceptions to this include:
- Masks are required in the Center for Health and Wellness.
- Masking protocols for isolation and COVID exposures, which follow CDC guidelines, remain in place, and must be followed by all students and employees.
- Masks may be required for certain activities, such as labs when using shared equipment (i.e., microscopes), or field/practicum/clinical experiences when required by the external agency.
Everyone should evaluate their own risks when considering whether to wear a mask. If you need a mask, they are available during testing hours at the COVID testing locations.
COVID testing: The University provides free on-campus testing for individuals who have had exposure and would like to be tested. Days and times for testing are:
- Bexley campus: Mondays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Weiler Conference Suites (second floor of the Student Union).
- Law School campus: Tuesdays 4 to 6 p.m. in the first-floor computer lab.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID, you can obtain an at-home test any day, at no cost, by emailing the nursing team at COVIDResponse@capital.edu.
COVID Vaccination: All faculty, staff, and students must be vaccinated for COVID or have an approved medical or religious exemption from the vaccination requirement. The University also encourages staying current with COVID vaccination boosters and following public health recommendations as the pandemic continues to evolve.
Students living in university housing: It is important to have a personal isolation plan as the University cannot guarantee isolation housing for students who test positive for COVID.
What to do if you have symptoms:
What to do if you test positive: Contact COVIDResponse@capital.edu to report your positive COVID test and to get guidance on the isolation protocols.
- Isolate at home for at least five days from the onset of COVID symptoms or, if you have no symptoms, isolate from the date of your positive test.
- You can end your isolation after five full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without using a fever-reducing medication and your symptoms have resolved.
- Continue to wear a well-fitting mask (KN95 or N95 masks) for five additional days when in public or around other people and avoid eating around others during this time.
- If you share a living space with others, you should always remain masked around them.
- If you are immunocompromised or have other health concerns, you should consult with your healthcare provider on your specific needs and length of isolation.
- You will need to determine your close contacts from the 48 hours prior to the start of symptoms, or prior to your positive test if you do not have symptoms. You may be asked to contact these individuals.
COVID Guidance: The COVID Response Team continues to monitor public health data and COVID trends at the University, and consult with public health professionals. The University’s COVID response is subject to change based on the state of the pandemic and guidance from federal, state, and local authorities.
Contact the COVID Response Team at COVIDResponse@capital.edu if you have questions.
Additional Information