COVID-19

COVID-19 Information and Resources

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended Thursday May 11, 2023. Going forward, many health policies and procedures made during the pandemic are now returning to pre-pandemic status.

At Babson, COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement for students, though keeping up to date with COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended to protect against severe disease complications. Health Services will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on our community and will provide updates regarding changes as needed. As always, please stay home if you are not feeling well!

Health Services has amended some protocols that we want the community to be aware of.

Masking for Patients and Visitors in the Health Center

Masks were important during the pandemic. At this point in time, universal masking is not needed. This is due to many factors, including the availability of vaccines, treatments, and decreasing rates of COVID-19. Please keep in mind that there are members of our community who are at increased risk of complications if they contract COVID-19. The decision to wear a mask is a personal choice and that choice should be respected. The option of wearing a mask is available to all patients and visitors and is strongly encouraged by Health Services.

If COVID-19 rates rise or there is a resurgence of other highly contagious respiratory transmitted illnesses, stricter masking policies may be reintroduced per state and CDC guidance.
 
Masking in Student Health Services is optional and encouraged, but still required if the patient or visitor:

• Has a fever or other flu-like symptoms
• Has fever or chills
• Is experiencing cough, congestion, or runny nose
• Has vomiting or diarrhea
• Has a new skin rash (with fever)
• Has a known COVID-19 infection and are in their isolation period
• Has a known exposure to COVID-19 within the last 10 days

If an appointment is scheduled for any illness or symptom stated above, a mask will be provided at check-in.

Masks continue be available for students at the hygiene station outside the entrance, front desk and in the exam rooms. Individuals at higher risk of COVID-19 complications are strongly recommended to use a higher quality face mask, including KN95 or double masking.

Masking for Health Services Staff

Masking for staff is optional. Please ask your provider to wear a mask in the exam room if that is your preference.

Symptom Evaluation and COVID-19 Testing

Health Services will continue to provide symptom evaluation and testing by appointment only. Please call Health services at 781-239-6363 to schedule an appointment.

Babson will discontinue its current PCR testing program with Color and The Broad Institute on June 2. Students will be able to access their test results until June 15. Starting Monday June 5, any PCR testing ordered by our clinical staff will be sent to Quest Diagnostics for processing and billed to your health insurance plan. Expect longer turnaround times for results.

Rapid antigen tests for home use are encouraged and will continue to be distributed by Health Services until further notice. Rapid antigen tests are also readily available for purchase at major pharmacies.

If a Student Tests Positive

Students testing positive should review the current isolation guidance provided by the MA Department of Public Health and are encouraged to report their illness to Health Services.  

Positive students, if unable to isolate off campus, will continue to isolate in place in their residence hall through day 5. Meals should not be eaten in public dining spaces or anywhere indoors on campus, except for your residence hall room, through day 10. Masks are still required when around others through day 10.

Isolation In Place Guidance                                                                                                                                               A resource for covid positive students and roommates

If a Student is Exposed to COVID-19

Students with a known exposure to COVID-19 should review the current exposure guidance on the MA DPH website.

Regardless of vaccination status, quarantine is not necessary after a COVID-19 exposure unless symptoms develop. If exposed to someone who tested positive, mask for 10 days, test on day 6 regardless of symptoms and test anytime you develop symptoms. 

Thank you for your efforts to keep our community safe and healthy. Please let Health Services know if you test positive for COVID-19 or have any questions.