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CDC Coronavirus Resources
Centenary COVID-19 Dashboard
Centenary Coronavirus Updates
Cyclone Clear Reporting Tool
NJ Coronavirus Resources
This webpage will serve as a resource for employees to help maintain a healthy, safe, and productive work environment during the coronavirus pandemic. The information on this webpage is a work in progress and will continue to be amended, updated, and added to. We encourage you to bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest information.
COVID-19 Vaccination
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to wear a face mask at work?
Please refer to the Centenary COVID-19 Dashboard for current masking requirements.
Employees are asked to provide their own face masks or coverings. Replacement face masks are available in the Welcome Center in Seay, departmental offices, and classrooms if you lose or forget your mask or if it breaks during the workday. It is recommended that you bring an additional mask to work as a back-up. If you have a medical condition that restricts you from wearing one, please speak with your Human Resources representative.
What can I do as an employee to help keep our campus safe?
> EMPLOYEES SHOULD MONITOR THEMSELVES on a daily basis and report symptoms of COVID-19 with the Cyclone Clear app.
> STAY HOME OR GO HOME if you are sick, and be sure to let your supervisor know.
> Follow cleaning product instructions when CLEANING YOUR WORK AREAS. Employees may request sanitizing wipes for their workspace and departments from Facilities, and may also bring their own from home. While custodial crews will continue to clean classrooms, offices and work spaces, additional care should be taken to wipe down commonly used surfaces. This includes any shared-space location or equipment (e.g., copiers, printers, computers, A/V and other electrical equipment, desks and tables, podiums, light switches, door knobs, etc.).
> WASH YOUR HANDS frequently or use HAND SANITIZER. There are hand sanitizing stations throughout the buildings and you can also bring your own from home. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands with the sanitizer and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands after touching your face. Washing your hands often is considered the best practice for common everyday tasks.
> COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH when sneezing or coughing. Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Then throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
> AVOID touching your face.
> REPLACE HANDSHAKES with head nods and waves.
> AVOID using other employees’ phones, desks, offices or other work tools and equipment. Use of single-serve coffee makers, pre-packaged and disposable or reusable personal utensils, plates and cups are encouraged.
> Employees are encouraged to utilize VIRTUAL MEETINGS AND PHONE CONFERENCES. If an in-person meeting is necessary, participants must schedule it in advance and should also provide a virtual option (e.g., MS Teams or Zoom).
> BEFORE AND AFTER EATING, you should wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the potential transmission of the virus.
> Please follow protocol regarding TRAVEL. Please refer to the FAQ "What about traveling?"
> BE KIND. Understand that the COVID pandemic has created a stressful time for everyone, and an extra bit of kindness can go a long way.
> Talk to your MANAGER OR HUMAN RESOURCES if you have concerns specific to your circumstances, such as a health condition that places you at higher risk for complications from COVID-19.
What about traveling?
Employees should follow the CDC's protocol below regarding travel:
DOMESTIC TRAVEL CDC Guidelines
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CDC GuidelinesIs the campus open to visitors, volunteers, and the general public?
Please refer to the Centenary COVID-19 Dashboard for current campus protocol and masking requirements.
What if I was in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19? (9/19/22)
Employees who are exposed to COVID-19, whether you are vaccinated or not, should follow these guidelines from the CDC.
Quarantine is no longer required for close contacts who are symptom-free. If you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, wear a mask for 10 full days as soon as you find out you were exposed (Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19). Get tested on Day 6 even if you have no symptoms. If you test positive, isolate immediately (refer to FAQ "What if I test positive for COVID-19?").
What do I do if I feel sick?
Employees who feel ill should notify their manager and not report to work. If you are already at work and begin feeling sick, you should notify your manager and go home immediately. Employees who are feeling ill should consult with their physician. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 you should get tested and quarantine until you receive your test results. Work from home during your quarantine period if you are able or enter a sick day in ADP if you are too ill to work. If you test positive, please refer to FAQ "What if I test positive for COVID-19?"
What if I test positive for COVID-19? (3/19/24)
CDC guidance recommends that people infected with COVID-19 as well as those infected with influenza, RSV or other upper respiratory illnesses stay at home and away from others.
Any employee testing positive for COVID-19 is encouraged to consult with their physician during the duration of their illness. If you test positive for COVID-19, please contact your manager to inform them that you will not be returning to campus during your illness. You should notify any close contacts as soon as possible after learning of your test results. A close contact is an individual with whom you have been in contact within the past 48 hours prior to testing positive AND with whom you have been within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour time period.
Individuals can return to their normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following are true:
• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
• You have not had a fever, and are not using fever-reducing medications
(This is a change from the previously mandated 5-day isolation period.)
Once an individual resumes their normal activities and returns to work, they are required to wear a well-fitting mask for the next five days.
Employees should advise Human Resources of their return to work once they have recovered from COVID-19. Please be sure to enter any sick days into ADP.
Additional prevention strategies to help control the spread of disease are highly encouraged. These include taking more steps for cleaner air (opening windows, striving for outdoor activities etc.), enhancing hygiene practices, and staying up to date with vaccinations for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including the very young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
For more information, please visit the CDC webpage on respiratory illnesses.
Information for managers (8/29/22)
Q: An employee in my department thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?
A: Refer to the FAQ “What if I was in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19?”
Q: An employee in my department started to feel ill during the work day. What should I do?
A: You should advise the employee to go home immediately, and the employee should contact their physician. If they are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 they should get tested and quarantine until they receive their test results. They should work from home if they are able, or enter a sick day in ADP if they are too ill to work. Refer to the FAQ: "What do I do if I feel sick?"
Q: An employee in my department tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?
A: The employee should not report to work and should be directed to isolate at home. Managers should report the case to their Human Resources representative. Refer to FAQ: "What if I test positive for COVID-19?"
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Employees should feel free to speak with their manager or their HR representative if they have any questions.
Maintaining a Healthy Workplace (CDC information sheets & videos)
Resources for Employees
Employee’s Pledge to Commit to Safe Behaviors:
(one-time completion required)
As a member of the Centenary University community, I commit to engaging in safe behaviors to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These behaviors include but are not limited to:
- frequent handwashing and hand sanitizing
- disinfecting surfaces that I may come in contact with
- engaging in coughing/sneezing hygiene and etiquette
- monitoring myself on a daily basis for symptoms of COVID-19
- reporting symptoms of COVID-19 to the appropriate campus personnel if I am exhibiting them
- removing myself from the campus community if I am exhibiting symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19
- not discriminating against or stigmatizing individuals or groups of people associated with COVID-19 such as individuals who have been released from COVID-19 quarantine, those who have tested positive for the virus, those who have recovered from the virus, or due to vaccination status.
Centenary University’s protocols for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic are based on ensuring the safety of our students, employees, healthcare providers, and the public we interact with. Centenary’s plans are aligned and consistent with local orders and ordinances, as well as the State of New Jersey. Centenary’s plans will also follow recommendations from the federal government, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NJ Department of Public Health, and Centenary Health Services. As our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, our procedures and plans will be updated as appropriate as more information becomes available.