Current Covid FAQs

Masking is optional but encouraged starting Sunday, February 5. Masking (KN95 or better) remains mandatory for:

• All indoor academic activities (classes, labs, etc)
• Health & Counseling Services
• The Hampstore
• People with symptoms: Stay home and mask until after either a negative PCR test result is returned, or after two negative rapid home antigen tests taken 24 hours apart. See Experiencing Symptoms FAQ (below).
• Close contacts: Mask for 10 days following the last day of exposure. See Close Contacts FAQ (below).
• People with COVID-19: If cleared to leave formal isolation, must mask through day 10 following a positive COVID-19 test results. See Positive COVID-19 Test Result FAQ (below).

Mandatory.

All students and employees must receive all doses in a primary COVID-19 vaccine series plus one booster (when eligible).

All students must receive a bivalent booster.

All students and employees are expected to remain up to date with CDC vaccination recommendations.

Students who remain unvaccinated or under-vaccinated without approved exemptions on file will not be permitted to attend Hampshire.

Employees who remain unvaccinated or under-vaccinated without approved exemptions on file will have their employment at Hampshire College terminated.

Hampshire College will accept any COVID-19 vaccine that has been approved by the World Health Organization.

An international student who has not been able to acquire a vaccine or received a vaccine that is not approved by the World Health Organization will be assisted by Hampshire Health Services in getting an approved COVID-19 vaccine series after arrival.

All students are expected to test at home before returning to campus, and participate in on campus PCR onboard testing. Onboarding testing includes a PCR test upon arrival followed by two PCR tests per week (on non-consecutive days) for the first two weeks. Employees may choose to participate.

Rapid antigen tests will be available all semester. Asymptomatic PCR testing will not be available after onboard testing ends.

Students and Employees

Must isolate for at least five days from onset of symptoms or from the date of positive COVID test if asymptomatic.

May exit isolation after five full days, if (1) symptoms are resolving and no fever for 24 hours; and (2) after two negative antigen tests spaced 24 hours apart (i.e. the morning of day five and the morning of day six, before leaving your residence).

May exit isolation without testing after 10 days if symptom-free.

Must wear a KN95 or better mask indoors at all times after leaving isolation, until the 10th day after beginning isolation.

Students may remove their mask in their own room with the door closed; employees may not remove their mask indoors at any time during the 10 day period.

If you are experiencing symptoms, please wear a mask.

May not attend work, class, other activities, or dine indoors until either a negative PCR COVID-19 test result is received, or you have had two negative rapid antigen tests taken 24 hours apart.

A person with symptomatic illness but who has a negative PCR COVID-19 or two negative rapid antigen tests taken 24 hours apart may resume normal activities on campus; please wear a mask while symptomatic. 

A person with symptomatic illness who tests positive on either a PCR or rapid antigen test should refer to the Positive COVID-19 test result section for what to do.

Rapid home tests are available at Campus Safety and Wellbeing and the Wellness Center. Call your healthcare provider for guidance and additional symptomatic PCR COVID-19 testing. Notify your supervisor or dean of faculty.

Notify Human Resources within one business day in the event of a positive test result.

Asymptomatic Students and Employees

Should continue to work, attend class, and participate in activities.

Must wear a KN95 or better mask indoors for 10 days following exposure.* Mask must be worn at all times except in your private residential room and bathroom. No indoor dining.

Should COVID-19 test five full days after the last day of exposure.*

Indoor Dining (Including Visitors and Guests)

No indoor dining if:

• You are a close contact (exposed to Covid)
• You have recently had a positive COVID-19 test result and are within the first 10 days (or still testing positive on antigen tests after day 10).
• You have symptoms of COVID-19 and have not yet received a negative PCR result or two negative rapid antigen test results spaced 24 hours apart.

Regular space-specific food and drink restrictions still apply (e.g. laboratories, computer labs, etc).

Strongly encouraged.

Covered outdoor seating is available at the Dakin/Merrill pavilion and the solar canopy.