Williamson College of the Trades – COVID-19 Information
Campus Protocol
Overview
Emerging in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact to all elements of our daily lives. The college’s pandemic and preventative protocols are designed towards a singular focus — keeping our students and community safe. The college will continue to work alongside its local, state, and federal partners to safely conduct campus operations. We look forward to continuing our work with all members of the college community in making this upcoming academic year a memorable, safe, and successful one.
We ask the college community to understand that information and guidance outlined within our strategy may change based on the spread of the virus, the advice of public health experts, or by order of the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The college will continue to evaluate all measures and strategies to safeguard its students and the entire Williamson community. More information can be found in the sections below. Williamson reserves the right to change or modify its policies as the nature of the pandemic evolves.
Student Immunization Policy
CLICK HERE for 2022-23 academic year student immunization policy.
Public Health Measures
Current CDC Level of Community Transmission in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
One of the challenges throughout the pandemic is the need to make policies while new facts and the local community health assessment continue to unfold and evolve. Our principal goal remains to sustain the safety of the entire college community to the best of our ability. Certainly, the college is striving to restore a sense of normalcy to campus life but must take reasonable steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 within our community. The college continues to closely monitor reports and recommendations from the CDC and the PA Department of Health and may modify its protocol accordingly. We understand the difficulty and significant impact that the pandemic has made on our college, nation, and world. As last year, we ask all members of the college community to remain flexible and patient as we continue to navigate these challenging times.
Capacity
All campus spaces — classrooms, shops, dormitories, dining spaces, administrative offices, etc. are in operation.
COVID-19 Testing
Given the high rate of transmission of the COVID-19 variants, the college will continue to conduct diagnostic testing of both students and employees. Diagnostic testing is intended to identify current infection in individuals and is performed when a person has signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or when someone has been exposed to a known positive COVID-19 individual. Screening testing is intended to identify infected people who are asymptomatic and do not have known, suspected, or reported exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Contact Tracing, Isolation and Quarantine
Health Services (HS) will continue to offer a full range of services to students and employees, through both in-person and virtual consultations. Students or employees who believe they have been exposed to, have contracted COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms associated with the virus should contact Student Health Services (SHS) immediately or their Dormitory Manager if after hours.
- Students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will use the Rowan Hall Student Lounge which will serve as an additional patient waiting area. Students with non-COVID-19 symptoms will use the current SHS waiting area.
- Students reporting COVID-19 symptoms will be assessed by the SHS staff. Diagnostic testing may be administered if COVID is suspected. The SHS staff, consistent with CDC and PA Department of Health Guidance, may place the student in isolation or quarantine based on the medical assessment. Given the small size of the college, students placed in isolation or quarantine status will likely be sent home if they reside within the local region. The college has set aside limited housing for both the isolation and quarantine of students who are unable to travel home.
HS staff will remain in contact with all students and employees in isolation or quarantine to assist and monitor the developed recovery strategy for a safe return to campus. HS Staff and college administration will notify and work with local and state agencies to conduct contact tracing. The college may require additional students or employees to quarantine awaiting the results of COVID-19 test as a result of contact tracing.
Additional Safety Measures
- Facility heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system filter replacement schedule will remain consistent. MERV 13 filters will be used throughout campus in alignment with CDC, American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE), and the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) recommendations.
Visitors to Campus
Given the increasing favorable conditions in the local community and on campus, the college is open to visitors. As per college policy, any visitor to campus is required to check-in with the reception office in Rowan Hall before proceeding to any location on campus.
The college reserves the right to change its visitation protocol as local conditions change.
Helpful Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources