We are all in this together. If we all strictly adhere to the required SSU COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols while on our campus, we stand a much better chance at limiting the spread of this virus to ourselves, our family, our friends, and the greater community.
These protocols are based on best practices and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Salem State requires that ALL who come to campus abide by these protocols to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its impact.
Online Re-Entry Orientation
All members of the SSU community must participate in an Online Re-Entry Orientation before physically returning to campus. There are specific orientations for both students and employees. Orientations will cover the SSU COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols, share tips and resources for self-monitoring your health, and expectations of the campus community to limit the virus’ spread and mitigate the impact to campus.
Practice Good Hygiene
Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (the length of the “Happy Birthday” song) with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, particularly when in a public setting.
Wear Effective Facial Coverings
Face masks or face coverings must be worn while on-campus when in the presence of others and in public settings. Cloth face coverings should be worn in any public indoor setting, even when physical distancing is maintained. Cloth face masks should be washed daily and before wearing again.
Physically Distance Yourself from Others
Campus spaces will be modified to accommodate physical distancing as much as possible, including staggered seating, closure of common or public spaces, and restricted use of shared spaces and equipment. You can assist with our physical distancing efforts by maintaining the recommended 6-foot distance from others on campus. Avoid gathering in groups and follow directional signage.
Monitor Your Health
On days you expect to be on campus, you MUST self-check for any symptoms suggestive of COVID.
Students who will be on campus in the fall will need to download the CoVerified app to self-monitor their health every day. Students should start using the app and monitoring their health before move-in or before their first on-campus class.
COVID-19 symptoms include but are not limited to: fever (100.4ºF or greater), cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, chills, body aches, headaches, runny or congested nose, and new loss of smell or taste. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact Counseling and Health Services, if a student, or Human Resources, if an employee, for further guidance.
Testing will be available on-campus for students only. Students can contact Counseling and Health Services to access health care and receive public health guidance and testing when needed. Employees should contact Human Resources (HR) to receive guidance and should contact their primary health care provider for testing. If needed, HR can assist in referring employees to local testing sites.
Contact Tracing
Contact tracing in Massachusetts is the responsibility of the city or town in which any infected individual resides. Community members must follow the direction of their local board of health if they have been exposed or infected. However, SSU will work closely with the communities of any infected student or employee to help trace where on campus the individual may have been and with whom he, she or they may have come in contact. There will be limited contact tracing capabilities through our ITS infrastructure including WiFi networks, card access controls, and ClipperCard transactions. COVID-19 positive students should contact Counseling and Health Services and employees should contact Human Resources as soon as a diagnosis has been determined.