Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources

Last updated: August 31, 2022

 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have monitored developments closely and kept the health and well-being of our Marymount community as our topmost priority. On this page, you will find our current response to the COVID-19 as well as related policies and procedures. All of our policies are modeled after those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We encourage you to visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date information available.

Who to contact at Marymount:

  • Health Concerns: Please reach out to Student Health Services at 703-284-1610 or shealthc@marymount.edu.
  • International student travel concerns: Please call (703) 526-6922.
  • Media inquiries: ​Please direct any media concerns or questions to Communications Specialist Nick Munson at nmunson@marymount.edu.
    • You can view a list of Marymount Community members with expertise related to the COVID-19 pandemic here.
  • Residence Life concerns (on Main Campus or at the Rixey): Please reach out to the Office of Student Living at rlife@marymount.edu.
  • General COVID-19 questions: Please email covidhotline@marymount.edu. You may also reach out to Dr. Laura Finkelstein in Student Health and Well-being at 703-908-7561.

 

COVID-19 Suspected and Confirmed Case Protocol

General Information

Answer
  • People with COVID-19 usually have mild to severe symptoms which can include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, or diarrhea. It can take 2-14 days for an individual to exhibit symptoms after being exposed.
  • Our procedures and priorities if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on campus are: (1) promoting the safety and well-being of the identified patient and (2) recommending self-isolation following the guidelines listed below to reduce the potential for additional spread. 
  • Per Clery Act COVID-19 guidelines, MU cannot require any member of our community to disclose medical information. MU is committed to providing our community with information as it impacts community health and safety, while also safeguarding the privacy of community members.

If you believe you were exposed to COVID-19

Answer
  • If you believe you were exposed to COVID-19, there is no need for immediate action. However, closely monitor for symptoms that may occur.

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have tested positive

Answer
  • Contact your health care provider or Student Health Services to coordinate care. Let them know you are experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (or if you have tested positive) and if you have any other medical problems.
  • Follow CDC recommendations for isolation, which require you to stay home and away from others for 5 days, which can be followed by 5 days of masking (non-isolating) if symptoms are improving and you have been fever free for 24 hours. Wear your mask through Day 10.

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or have tested positive and reside on campus, live in the Rixey, or have visited campus in the past 14 days

Answer
  • Students, please contact Student Health Services: shealthc@marymount.edu
  • Faculty/staff contact for Human Resources (HR): benefits@marymount.edu. *Please contact benefits@marymount.edu even if you have not been on campus in the past 14 days so that HR can share eligibility information for leave options.*
  • If you are a contractor or temporary worker, please contact your supervisor and/or Marymount Sponsor.

FAQs

What is COVID-19?

Answer

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus discovered in 2019. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some people who are infected may not have symptoms.

What is the risk?

Answer

The CDC considers this virus a public health concern based on the current available information.

Currently in Arlington County, Virginia, community level is Low. At this level of risk the following is recommended:

  • Stay up to date on vaccination, including recommended booster doses.
  • Maintain ventilation improvements.
  • Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
  • Follow recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
  • Follow the recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • If you are at high risk of getting very sick, talk with a healthcare provider about additional prevention actions.

What are the symptoms?

Answer

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may be flu-like:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

How do I prevent getting sick?

Answer

The best way to prevent getting sick and to minimize severity of symptoms is to get vaccinated.

Additional ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid contact with sick people and notify SHS for evaluation and guidance if you have had contact with an individual that has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Do I need to wear a mask on campus?

Answer

No. Beginning in Spring 2022 and reflecting recommendations from the CDC and local health experts, you are no longer required to wear a mask on the Marymount campus unless you are on days 5-10 after having been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Vaccine FAQs

How do I get vaccinated?

Answer

Student Health Services offers vaccinations for all registered students as supplies allow. To schedule your appointment, please reach out to Student Health Services at 703-284-1610 or shealthc@marymount.edu. Employees can contact HR for questions about testing or visit a local healthcare provider.

What is the vaccination rate on campus?

Answer

The vaccination rate on campus is currently 98%.

Has the vaccine been tested on people like me (race, ethnicity, age)?

Answer

The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines were tested on people in different racial, ethnic and age groups prior to their initial approval by the FDA. Over 120 million vaccines have been given in the U.S. so far (as of 3/30/21), with many of those given to diverse populations. Federal agencies and drug companies will continue to monitor these vaccines for effectiveness.

Am I required to get the vaccine?

Answer

Yes. As part of Marymount’s efforts to bring students and employees safely back to campus, we require all community members to get the vaccine or submit an approved waiver.

Is it legal to mandate students, staff, or faculty to get the vaccine?

Answer

Yes, requiring a COVID-19 vaccine is consistent with both Federal and Virginia law.

Are other schools mandating the vaccine?

Answer

Yes, the vast majority of other private and public universities are mandating students and employees get the vaccine.

Can faithful Catholics receive the vaccines since they are connected to abortion?

Answer

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has affirmed that being vaccinated “can be an act of charity that serves the common good.” Both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI have been vaccinated.

According to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), when ethically irreproachable COVID-19 vaccines are not available, “it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.” The CDF goes on to say that use of these vaccines does not equate with cooperating with the evil of abortion. Rather, due to the grave danger presented by COVID-19, “it must therefore be considered that, in such a case, all vaccinations recognized as clinically safe and effective can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that the use of such vaccines does not constitute formal cooperation with the abortion from which the cells used in production of the vaccines derive.” Find more info here.

How do I apply for a waiver?

Answer

To apply to waive out of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, please contact Student Health Services.