Spring 2021 updates, Gallaudet shuttle service, and more

Information for students

The Office of Residence Life and Housing has processed all applications for Spring 2021 on-campus housing, and all applicants have been notified of their status.

Students accepted for Spring 2021 on-campus housing must have a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test prior to return, complete safety training, provide documentation of receiving a flu shot and other immunizations, and provide proof of health insurance. Upon arrival, they will quarantine for 14 days, and must obtain another negative COVID-19 test result before the quarantine is lifted.

All students will be assigned a return date. Return dates will be staggered to ensure that safety protocols are followed. Most students’ return dates will be from January 13 to 17.

All on-campus residents will be required to be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks and follow safety protocols, including wearing masks, hand-washing, social distancing, and app-based health screenings.

Testing

Beginning in January 2021, everyone who enters campus, or who lives on campus, must be tested for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to their arrival.

The COVID-19 test needs to be the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which is a diagnostic test. Other types of tests, e.g., rapid or antigen/antibody, will not be accepted for admission to campus. PCR tests, either the nasal swab or saliva spit, are shown to be the most accurate and do not require a second test.

Gallaudet will offer COVID-19 testing every week on Mondays and Tuesdays for all essential employees and residents. If you are unable to obtain your test during those times, schedule an appointment for testing with the Student Health Service by emailing shs@galladuet.edu. More information is forthcoming.

If you had COVID-19 testing, which again must be the PCR diagnostic test, somewhere other than on the Gallaudet campus, submit your COVID-19 test results to Contact, before returning to campus.

Documentation of flu shot and COVID-19 tests to SHS and coronavirus email addresses

All members of the Gallaudet and Clerc Center communities who are currently working, living, or otherwise coming to campus must have a flu shot documented with the Student Health Service (SHS), subject to the right to request a medical or religious exemption.

If you have not already done so, submit your flu shot information or Contact, before returning to campus.

You may not be permitted on campus if you have not completed this requirement.

Gallaudet shuttle is back with limited service
The Gallaudet University shuttle service is back in operation! In an effort to support our employees, the Transportation Department will provide limited shuttle service between Union Station, Benson Hall and the Kellogg Conference Hotel (KCH), with safety protocols in place. Here is the schedule:

Shuttle safety protocols

All current university students and employees must abide by the requirements below to obtain access approval.

• Complete COVID-19 Safety Training
• Submit documentation of a negative COVID-19 test to Contact. This test should be taken within 14 days prior to your planned visit to campus
• Submit documentation of a flu vaccine or approved waiver to Contact.
• Review the Gallaudet University Interim Face-Covering Policy
• Review the Gallaudet Way-Forward Reopening Plan 2020

Once access has been approved, you must:

• Complete the online Health Self-Assessment
  • iOS or Android app is available
    You will need to show the bus driver/monitor that the self-assessment was completed within the last 12 hours.
• Show your Gallaudet ID; there will be a 100 percent ID check before boarding the shuttle.
• Wear a mask.
• Practice responsible physical distancing, maintaining at least six feet of separation from others. Bus seats have been labeled to promote physical distancing.
• Go to the approved office/work area directly; do not go to other areas of the building or the campus.
• Use disinfectant wipes to clean all surfaces that are touched.
• Do not stay past your allotted time.

Do not come on campus if:

• You have recently traveled to a high-risk state in the past 14 days; you must self-quarantine for 14 days upon return and submit a negative COVID-19 test result administered between days 7-14 of your quarantine period.
• You have hosted out-of-state visitors from a high-risk state; you will need to quarantine for 14 days upon their departure and submit a negative COVID-19 test result administered between days 7-14 of your quarantine period.
• You have any COVID-19 symptoms, feel unwell, and/or have been exposed to COVID-19.
• You have tested positive for COVID-19.
• If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and have been on campus in the past 14 days, you must inform Contact.
• Please email Transportation with any questions.

Quarantine guidance clarification

• Gallaudet University follows the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for quarantine, which align with those of the DC Health and Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. The guidelines require a 14-day quarantine period, along with a negative COVID-19 test, before returning to campus in the case of travel to a high-risk state or other known exposure. Follow the quarantine protocol at the end of this email.
• The guidelines do not allow “testing out”, i.e., a shorter quarantine period with a negative test result.

Holiday quarantine protocol

Winter break is fast approaching. If you travel or host guests, please note the following requirements prior to returning to campus.

• If you travel to a high-risk state, you must quarantine for 14 days upon return and submit a negative PCR COVID-19 test result administered between Days 7-14 of your quarantine period.
• If you host out-of-state visitors, you will need to quarantine for 14 days upon their departure and submit a negative PVR COVID-19 test result administered between Days 7-14 of your quarantine period.
• If you are in quarantine, do not come to campus for testing.
• Submit COVID-19 test results to Contact.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please email Contact.