Monitoring Strategy
1. Self-reporting
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard the health and safety of the University community, all students and employees are expected to report if they are experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19, or if they have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19. Students will be required to self-report using the COVID-19 Information Form or by calling WCU COVID-19 hotline at 610-436-3003.
WCU will follow guidance from the Chester County Health Department for screening employees to assess the need for exclusion from the workplace and self-quarantine/isolation.
2. Testing
Although access to community testing for COVID-19 is available, the American College Health Association and CDC guidance do not support routine mass diagnostic screenings of all returning students, faculty, and staff, particularly when they are asymptomatic and without known exposure to a person with COVID-19. Additionally, as a public institution, West Chester University cannot order or obligate faculty, staff, or students to take a test for COVID-19.
Faculty, staff, and students seeking a test are directed to contact their personal healthcare provider. Students may contact Student Health Services or their personal healthcare provider for help in finding access to a testing facility.
3. Contact tracing
WCU will report any known positive cases of COVID-19 to the Chester County Health Department (CCHD) or Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH). This will support the PA Department of Health and local health departments in their efforts to complete case investigation and contact tracing of positive cases to reduce COVID-19. WCU will follow guidance provided by CCHD for reported cases.
WCU will establish a COVID-19 exposure team whose primary task will be close contact interviews with reporting faculty, staff, and students.
4. Confirmed case
The Chester County Health Department (CCHD) has protocols for confirmed cases. Information will be shared in accordance with the CCHD’s guidance. Each situation will be unique and will be evaluated on what notifications will be necessary based on the current situation to ensure the confidentiality of the student or employee.
5. Quarantine/Self-Isolation
Based on medical advice, community members may need to isolate/quarantine themselves for 14 days.
Students residing on campus will isolate/quarantine at their permanent home (if within 120 miles from campus) or work with the Office of Residence Life and Housing Services to access campus housing designated for isolation/quarantine. Off-campus students will refrain from returning to campus for courses, activities, or any non-instructional or social functions while they are isolated or quarantined.
Employees who are required to isolate/quarantine themselves shall not return to campus until cleared by their health care provider. They must notify their supervisor and Human Resources (610-436-2800) of their absence. If their health permits, employees can arrange to work from home with their supervisors while they are isolated or quarantined.
6. County status change (Red/Yellow/Green)
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania utilizes a three-color scheme (red, yellow and green) that corresponds to specific mitigation actions.
In the event that Chester County returns to the yellow or red phase of Gov. Wolf’s COVID-19 reopening plan, West Chester University will follow guidance outlined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.