MYTH
Passing by a COVID-19 positive person in the hallway at work is a close contact, or exposure, to the virus.
FACT
Close contact, or exposure, is defined by the CDC as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
MYTH
I don’t need to fill out the symptom checker on the Shenandoah Go app because I feel fine.
FACT
The Shenandoah Go app will monitor symptoms of students and employees daily and allows for health officials to know when a member of the Shenandoah community is not feeling well. You can also submit a COVID-19 exposure and positive test result on the app.
MYTH
If I test positive for COVID-19, I need to isolate only until I feel better.
FACT
The CDC guidelines state that infected individuals can be with others after 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared AND at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication AND symptoms have improved.
MYTH
I was around someone who tested positive for COVID-19, but since I’m feeling fine, I am not going to report it even though it was a close contact.
FACT
Students, faculty and staff should report a possible exposure on the Shenandoah Go app or through an online form. A health care professional may recommend they be put in quarantine for 14 days (or shorter, depending on the interaction with the individual who tested positive for COVID-19.) For residential students, there are designated quarantine rooms on campus.
MYTH
I believe I’m positive for COVID-19. I should tell my friends and family through social media.
FACT
You should not post about COVID-19 on social media. You must report a positive COVID-19 result through the Shenandoah Go app or through an online form. Students should also report a positive result to the Wilkins Wellness Center. Faculty and staff should alert Human Resources.
MYTH
Isolation and quarantine are the same things.
FACT
Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. Isolation occurs when a contagious disease is suspected or confirmed. Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
MYTH
I need to do my own contact tracing if I get COVID-19.
FACT
Once you report a positive COVID-19 test, health officials will conduct contact tracing. If you are in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you may be contacted.
MYTH
It’s none of my business if someone at Shenandoah doesn’t wear a mask or social distance.
FACT
We all want to do our part in keeping with the SU Pledge. It is everyone’s obligation to do their part to keep themselves and others safe, including gently reminding people about proper safety and health measures.
MYTH
I know a student who never wears their mask. I’ll just try to avoid them.
FACT
Significant and repetitive violation of our Personal Conduct and Socially Distancing Policy should be reported through a Student of Concern form.
MYTH
I heard a student coughing a lot. I should just assume it’s from allergies and ignore it.
FACT
Students, faculty and staff should fill out a Student of Concern form if they believe a student is sick with symptoms that could be related to COVID-19.
MYTH
All masks provide equal protection and are acceptable to wear on campus.
FACT
Shenandoah requires a non-valved surgical or two-ply cloth mask. See examples of acceptable masks on the university’s website.
MYTH
I have a medical condition so I don’t need to wear a mask.
FACT
Individuals who suffer from a medical condition that prevents the use of the type of mask expressly authorized under Shenandoah’s policy may make a request for accommodation under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Students should direct the request to Disability Services; faculty and staff should contact the Office of Human Resources.
