Respiratory Virus Protocols for 2024-25

Luther College’s Respiratory Virus guidance and protocols for students during the 2024-25 academic year are described below. The guidance and isolation protocols, including those that impact roommates of students who test positive for a respiratory virus, are consistent with the August 2024 guidance issued by the American College Health Association (ACHA). The COVID Response Team (CRT) continues to monitor the presence of COVID on campus and may adjust the protocols as needed in response to prevailing conditions or further guidance from the ACHA.

Students are encouraged to take steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses as a strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses.

General Guidance for Students with a Respiratory Virus

The CRT strongly encourage students to:

• Receive the current flu and COVID vaccines and boosters.
• Contact the Luther Clinic at 563-387-5400 for medical guidance if they are exhibiting symptoms.
• Have personal at-home COVID tests on campus to use as needed. Rapid, at-home COVID tests are available for purchase at Nordic Mart in Dahl Centennial Union.
• Discuss isolation plans with their families and roommates, so that everyone is prepared if someone in the room tests positive for a respiratory virus.
• Contact the Office of Student Engagement (563-387-1020; students@luther.edu) for questions regarding the guidance and protocols described below.

Guidance for Students Who Test Positive for a Respiratory Virus

1. Students should contact the Luther Clinic at 563-387-5400 to seek medical guidance and report their test result.
2. Students should contact the Office of Student Engagement (563-387-1020; students@luther.edu) to report their test result. The Office of Student Engagement will then notify faculty that a student will not be attending classes due to illness.
3. Students who are living in the residence halls will be strongly encouraged to return home for their isolation period. Students will not be reimbursed for costs associated with isolation off campus.
4. Students who are not able to return home may isolate themselves in their residence hall room, provided that they follow the additional protocols noted below. Failure to adhere to the protocols will result in the student being relocated to a local hotel for the remainder of their isolation period at their own expense.

Protocols for Students Who Are Isolating in the Residence Halls

1. Students must remain in their room except to obtain meals from the Grab N Go, use the restroom/shower facilities, wash clothing, or seek medical services. The Grab N Go is closed on the weekends. On the weekends, students in isolation should call the cashier phone at 563-387-1811 to arrange to pick up a meal from the cashier. This can be done for any meal period on the weekends.
2. Students must wear a mask when around others in their room and at all times outside of the room.
3. Students are not allowed to linger in public spaces.
4. Students are not allowed to have guests in their room. Only roommates are permitted in the room.
5. Students should continue to follow CDC guidance regarding how to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when ill.

Guidance for Roommates of Students Who Test Positive for a Respiratory Virus

1. Students should follow CDC guidance for those who have been exposed to a respiratory virus.
2. Students are expected to continue to live in their residence hall room with their roommate, given that they have already been exposed to a respiratory virus.
3. Students who are not comfortable living in their residence hall room may temporarily relocate to the room of a friend or acquaintance during their roommate’s isolation period. Luther College does not at this time have sufficient spaces on campus to provide dedicated alternative housing to all students who are not comfortable living in their residence hall room.
4. Students with a documented underlying medical condition or risk factor that is considered to be high risk for severe illness should contact the Residence Life Office (563-387-1330; reslife@luther.edu) to seek access to a limited number of temporary spaces. Students placed in a temporary space may also be assigned a temporary roommate.

Last updated: September 4, 2024