The College continues to closely monitor the dynamic situation regarding vaccination mandates, vaccinations, and isolation/quarantine guidelines. At this time, we will continue to operate during the Fall semester as planned, based on current College guidelines and practices. Because the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 are ever-changing, Owens leadership will communicate updates to College operations as soon as possible.
To learn more about COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccines, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to visit the Ohio Department of Health – COVID-19 website.
The COVID-19 Response Team reminds faculty, staff and students that if you are experiencing symptoms, are exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19, you must complete the COVID-19 Notification Form. The COVID-19 Response Team appreciates your patience. If you have questions or concerns related to this update and/or the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, policies and/or procedures, please contact the COVID-19 Response Team at covid19@owens.edu. Please note, response time from the Response Team may be delayed if notifications or emails are sent during non-business hours, weekends and/or holidays.
FAQ’s
Does the College Have a Vaccination Mandate?
At this time, the College will not implement a vaccine mandate for its employees and students; however, there could be additional nuances for the future as the courts continue to rule upon this important topic. Please keep in mind, there may be some academic programs that require the vaccination to participate in clinical settings. If you have questions regarding whether your program requires a COVID-19 vaccination, please reach out to your department supervisor.
What are the Current Quarantine and/or Isolation Procedures?
Exposure to COVID-19: Recommending that instead of quarantining if you were exposed to COVID-19, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5. The COVID-19 Notification/Reporting Form: COVID-19 Case Notification Form
Testing Positive for COVID-19: Reiterating that regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19.
- You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.
- If your results are positive, follow CDC’s full isolation recommendations.
- If your results are negative, you can end your isolation.
- The COVID-19 Notification/Reporting Form: COVID-19 Case Notification Form
Ending Isolation: Recommending that if you test positive for COVID-19, you stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public.
- If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5.
- Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11.
- You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
Do I have to wear a mask on campus?
Owens Community College will no longer require fully vaccinated faculty, staff, students, and visitors to wear a mask. Those who are not fully vaccinated should, but are not required to, wear a mask on campus. Anyone who prefers to continue to wear a mask, whether vaccinated or not, should feel free to do so. The Owens Community College shuttle service will no longer require riders to wear a mask per the updated federal and state guidelines.
What If I Have a Question or Concern That Is Not Listed Here?
Employees and students are encouraged to send COVID-19 related questions and concerns to covid19@owens.edu.
Is the Student Health and Athletic Center (SHAC) and Findlay Fitness Center Open?
Both the SHAC and Findlay Fitness Center will be open during the Spring semester. Please visit the SHAC’s and Fitness Center’s websites for information regarding hours and procedures.
What Additional Measures Is Owens Taking to Ensure the Health and Safety of Our Community?
All current water bottle fill stations are open and operating on both campuses. The bipolar ionization air filtration project is complete and operational in Health Technologies, Bicentennial Hall, Student Health and Activities Center, AVCC, Library, Math/Science, CFPA, Heritage Hall, and College Hall. The College is also continuing its increased safety and cleaning measures throughout our campuses.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Exposed to COVID-19, Am Experiencing COVID-19-Like Symptoms, and/or Received a Positive Test?
Exposure to COVID-19: Recommending that instead of quarantining if you were exposed to COVID-19, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5. The COVID-19 Notification/Reporting Form: COVID-19 Case Notification Form
Testing Positive for COVID-19: Reiterating that regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19.
- You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.
- If your results are positive, follow CDC’s full isolation recommendations.
- If your results are negative, you can end your isolation.
- The COVID-19 Notification/Reporting Form: COVID-19 Case Notification Form
Ending Isolation: Recommending that if you test positive for COVID-19, you stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public.
- If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5.
- Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11.
- You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
Where Can I Find Information Regarding COVID-19 Testing?
Can I Meet with Advisors/Faculty in Person or Is It All Online?
Please check with your individual faculty members regarding options for meetings. Also, please check individual websites for updated service hours, contact information, and support options. For more information, please visit Student Services website.
Can Meetings Be Held Face to Face?
Yes, meetings may be held face to face. However, the College continues to encourage holding meetings in a virtual setting when possible.
Where Can I Go to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccination?
Please visit any of the following for information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.
What Should I Do If I Have to Quarantine and/or Isolate?
Exposure to COVID-19: Recommending that instead of quarantining if you were exposed to COVID-19, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5. The COVID-19 Notification/Reporting Form: COVID-19 Case Notification Form
Testing Positive for COVID-19: Reiterating that regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19.
- You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.
- If your results are positive, follow CDC’s full isolation recommendations.
- If your results are negative, you can end your isolation.
- The COVID-19 Notification/Reporting Form: COVID-19 Case Notification Form
Ending Isolation: Recommending that if you test positive for COVID-19, you stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public.
- If after 5 days you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication, and your symptoms are improving, or you never had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5.
- Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11.
- You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
Do I Still Need to Report Possible COVID-19 Exposures to the College?
Yes. Please submit a notification form to the COVID-19 Response Team. The notification form can be found at https://www.owens.edu/covid19/notification/. Once the notification form is received, you will receive an email containing further instructions and information, including a return to campus date. (Please note that response time from the Response Team may be delayed if notification or email is received during non-business hours, weekends and/or holidays.)
Will the Owens Shuttle Still Be Running?
Yes, the shuttle will be running and face masks are optional. For a map and further information, visit www.owens.edu/shuttle/.
Will Food Be Available on Campus?
What are Some Healthy Habit Best Practices to Continue?
The Office of Workplace Safety and Health wants to remind everyone that it is still important to retain the healthy habits we’ve been practicing.
- Wash your hands thoroughly (remember the 20 second rule).
- Use a tissue or the crook of your elbow to cough or sneeze into; properly discard the tissue.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Consider alternatives to shaking hands to reduce germ transmission.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces, shared appliances, and tools often.
For more information visit the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html).
What Does Up-To-Date Vaccinated Mean?
An individual is considered up-to-date vaccinated if any of the following apply:
- If you received a booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine;
- If you completed the primary series (both doses) of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine less than six months ago, or
- If you completed the primary series (one dose) of Johnson & Johnson vaccine less than two months ago.
This global pandemic has interrupted the lives of students, staff, and faculty. We encourage everyone to obtain information from your health care provider and follow any necessary health and safety precautions, including information from the Ohio Department of Health, Toledo-Lucas County, Wood County and Hancock County health departments, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Email us at COVID19@owens.edu.
