If You're Exposed to COVID-19

The most effective method for reducing the risk of transmission of the SARS-CoV2 virus and the COVID-19 disease is to avoid close and prolonged contact with others, especially anyone who is ill; maintain a minimum of six feet distance from others; wear a face covering; wash your hands frequently with soap and water (hand sanitizer if a sink is not available); avoid touching your mouth, nose and face; and frequent sanitizing of high-contact surfaces. Anyone who is symptomatic must NOT report to campus.

We are working closely with the Pasadena Public Health Department to isolate individuals who are ill with symptoms consistent with those of COVID-19. All confirmed or suspected cases are to be immediately reported to ehs@artcenter.edu. The report will initiate quarantine measures and a private investigation, including contact tracing to identify individuals with whom you have had close contact.

During the quarantine period, you should engage in daily health monitoring for symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19 and consult with your primary healthcare provider. Symptoms include:

• Fever of 100.0 F or above
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Newly occurring loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

* Chronic/diagnosed health conditions such as seasonal allergies, migraines, chronic fatigue, and other medial concerns that have produced similar symptoms to COVID-19 or influenza-like-illnesses are exempt from daily health monitoring. Individuals experiencing any of the symptoms listed above should immediately contact a primary health care provider for a personalized consultation and to review your health history for specific guidance in self-monitoring and quarantine.

Individuals subject to a quarantine order must complete the 14-day quarantine period regardless of a negative result prior to the completion of the isolation period. During the quarantine period, access to campus is strictly prohibited. Individuals subject to a quarantine order will be provided instructions for working or studying from home. If an individual is too ill to perform work from home or attend classes remotely, they will be instructed to work with the Human Resources department for further guidance. Each case will be reviewed individually and guidance will be based on a case-by-case basis. Individuals who develop symptoms of the illness during the quarantine period are to notify ehs@artcenter.edu or hr@artcenter.edu immediately and will be subject to the isolation order, beginning the day of symptom onset.

Returning to Campus
Individuals subject to isolation and quarantine orders will be provided with instructions for returning to work or take classes on campus. The Pasadena Public Health Department requires a letter of clearance for any confirmed case of COVID-19, in order to release the individual to return to regular activities. The director of EHSRM will collaborate with the Pasadena Public Health Department and Human Resources to facilitate the clearance of employees or students with a positive test for COVID-19. 

Individuals who have completed a 14-day quarantine period without developing symptoms are not required to obtain a letter of clearance from the Pasadena Public Health Department but will be asked to confirm the absence of symptoms of illness to the director of EHSRM prior to obtaining clearance to return to regular activity on campus. Per public health guidelines, an individual who has been exposed to a confirmed or presumptive case of COVID-19 must complete the 14-day quarantine period, regardless of a negative COVID-19 test result.

Your cooperation with the process is an essential part of ArtCenter and the Pasadena Public Health Department’s efforts to mitigate the spread of illness within our community. 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the director of EHSRM at ehs@artcenter.edu.