• Update on Testing
  • New testing registration link

  • Next vaccination/booster clinic
• Reminder of guidelines during virtual instruction
• Guidance on isolation and quarantine
• Community Meeting on Jan. 19
• Regular and relevant data to understand the health of our community
• Information on the next testing and vaccination opportunities on and off campus
• Information on important phasing and planning related to activities across campus
• Answers to frequently asked questions 

Update on Testing

The increased demand for testing has caused a delay in the return of test results. It took 5-7 days for those tested on January 3 to get their results and StarMed told us in advance that it would take 3-4 days to get the results of testing done on January 10-11. When we have results, we will communicate them and in the meantime, we will continue offering weekly testing clinics for those who have religious and medical exemptions as well as anyone who wishes to be tested.

• New Starmed Testing Registration Link: For future on-campus testing clinics, please note that we now have a new registration link that is for the exclusive use of Guilford College. To register for a testing session, use this link.
• Next Vaccination/Booster Clinic: We have an on-campus vaccine clinic scheduled for Friday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Founders Hall-Boren Lounge. The Pfizer booster and the flu shot will be offered. We are strongly encouraging everyone who is eligible to get their Covid booster shot. While sign up is not required, we ask if possible that you sign up using this link.

If it has been more than five months since your last Pfizer or Moderna shot, or two months since you had the J/J vaccine, you are eligible for the booster. Bring your vaccine card. There is no charge for the booster. You will need to bring your insurance card if you want the flu shot.

Reminder of Guidelines During Virtual Instruction

We have opened in Phase 4 of our Activity Decision Matrix, and we are continuing to mandate mask wearing indoors until further notice. We encourage members of the community to wear KN95 (most preferable) or surgical-type disposable masks rather than single-layer fabric masks. For anyone who is not aware, KN95 masks are available in the Hege Commons Ground vending machine.

1. We will permit athletes and coaches involved with winter sports to practice and compete, and will follow our ongoing testing protocols.
2. Meal service from the Dining Hall will be take-out only until we return to in-person instruction.
3. Hege Academic Commons access will be limited to the Commons Ground, which will be open on a 24/7 basis. Access through the main entrance will be by appointment only until further notice. When we transition to in-person learning, the entire Library will be accessible via Quaker card.
4. We are not currently requiring booster shots, although we strongly encourage members of our community to get them if they are eligible. We may shift our position on boosters later in the semester and require them in the future.

Guidance on Isolation and Quarantine

As we learn about positive cases, we will follow the isolation and quarantine guidelines depicted in this chart. If you have been exposed or have tested positive and you are not sure what to do after reviewing the chart, please contact the COVID hotline at 336.316.2319.
 
Community Meeting on Jan. 19

In an effort to provide a forum for discussion, we will be scheduling a community meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m. We will talk about the way Guilford and other institutions are responding as the COVID pandemic shifts to an endemic. Additional details are forthcoming. 
 
The College is reacting and responding to this situation on a daily basis. For example, a pop-up rapid testing clinic was provided on Thursday for anyone who is experiencing COVID-like symptoms. We will continue to change our approach as the situation warrants.
 
Thank you to everyone for their continued patience and support. This is not easy for any of us and we appreciate the community effort to safeguard yourself, your friends, your family, and the greater community.

Sincerely,
The Guilford College Health and Safety Task Force

Kim Berry and Steve Mencarini, co-chairs
Janet Gould
Suzanne Bartels
Savannah Henry
Maya Chevalier
Kim-Anne Kleimeier
Reacie Daniel

Erickia Elbert

Ryann Fowler
Michele Malotky
Susan Smith

Click here for all COVID-19, Coronavirus updates.