Spring 2024 ObieSafe Health Guidance
December 31, 2023 2:15 AM
Updated: January 30, 2024
We look forward to welcoming students, staff, and faculty back to campus for the upcoming spring semester. The following guidance is provided by Student Health Services to help ensure a smooth and safe return for all.
COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccines offer the best strategy for protecting each person’s health, limiting the spread of variants, and preventing new ones from emerging.
All students are required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine prior to beginning their first year of studies at Oberlin and to submit proof of vaccination via the Student Health Portal before arriving on campus.
We recommend that all members of the campus community stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Those who were most recently vaccinated prior to September 12, 2023, are encouraged to receive one updated Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
Please direct any vaccine-related questions to health@oberlin.edu.
Masks
While wearing masks on campus is not required, we recommend use of masks in public and group settings—especially when indoors—and for those who are symptomatic. This is especially important in the first month of the semester, when many of us are returning to campus from places near and far.
Free masks are available to Oberlin students, staff, and faculty at Student Health Services (in Dascomb Hall).
Testing and Self-Monitoring for Symptoms
Free COVID-19 test kits are available at Student Health while supplies last.
If you feel unwell, please test for COVID-19 even if you do not suspect COVID. Symptoms can vary and may change with new COVID-19 variants. If a rapid test is negative, take another in 24-48 hours. A negative COVID-19 test at the onset of symptoms does not rule out COVID-19 infection.
Other times to test for COVID-19:
- Before and after attending a gathering or event
- Before and after travel
- When returning to campus following any school break
- If you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, test within 5 days even if you do not have symptoms.
Please contact Student Health Services for any questions about symptoms or testing.
COVID-19 Positive Test Result
Positive test results must be reported to ObieSafe by emailing obiesafe@oberlin.edu. Please follow all CDC guidelines.
Self-Health Checks
All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to continue assessing their health and to monitor symptoms of COVID or flu.
Together, we look forward to the start of a healthy, safe, and productive spring semester.
If you have any questions, please contact us at health@oberlin.edu.