General Health Protocols
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These protocols are in place for the health, safety and wellbeing of our community. Following health protocols is everyone’s responsibility and creates a caring environment where we are all doing our part to help keep our community healthy. The institution reserves the right to institute or change protocols at any time for all or for any group or segment of the Lipscomb community.
Current COVID Protocols
(updated August 16, 2022)
Thank you for your partnership in getting our community through eight weeks of mandatory COVID-19 protocols. Due to your diligence, we have seen a significant decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases and individuals in isolation or quarantine.
Below are the current policies in effect.
Masks
We encourage everyone to make decisions regarding their health and wellness and decide if mask wearing is appropriate for their situation. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust as appropriate.
Report an Illness
Stay home when you are sick or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms and complete the Report an Illness form promptly.
International Travel
Students or employees who travel internationally should follow guidelines of the country that they will be traveling to or from.
COVID Vaccination
The CDC recommends everyone age 5 and older who is eligible to be immunized to protect yourself and others against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Per the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death, and reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19. You can schedule your vaccination appointment with the Lipscomb University Health Services by calling 615.966.6304 or visit another vaccine distribution location. Read more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and learn more about common vaccination myths here.
General Questions and Isolation Protocols
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What do I do if I have a fever or show other COVID-19 illness symptoms?
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What do I do if I come in contact with a person who is later diagnosed with COVID-19?
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What are the general guidelines for a COVID-19 positive case?
Are there myths about the COVID vaccine?
As with any new immunization, there are often myths and rumors that circulate. Read more about COVID-19 vaccine myths and facts here.
What do I do if I have a fever or show other COVID-19 illness symptoms?
Stay home or in your dorm room if you are sick or have any COVID-19 symptoms (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever of 100°F or higher, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new GI symptoms and new loss of taste or smell). Report your illness to the medical clinic. Students report their illness to their RA/RHD and employees report to their supervisor.
What do I do if I come in contact with a person who is later diagnosed with COVID-19?
- Direct Contact with a Positive COVID-19 Case. If you have been in direct contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, you need to report your exposure to the LUHS using the Report an Illness form. The LUHS staff will follow the most current CDC isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19 guidelines found here. The guidelines may vary based on the vaccination status of the person exposed.
- Report. Report any positive COVID-19 tests or exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case to the Lipscomb Health Center using the Report an Illness link.
- Students Report. Students who are in isolation or quarantine should report their status to the student care coordinator in the Office of Student Wellbeing by emailing studentlife@lipscomb.edu as well as to EACH of their instructors to request remote learning options.
- Employees Report. Employees who are in isolation or quarantine should report their status to their supervisor and contact the Office of Human Resources by emailing hr@lipscomb.edu or contacting Lynn Chappin at 615.966.7015.
What do I do if I have to isolate?
The quick identification and isolation of those with positive cases and quarantining of those who have been exposed to someone with an active COVID-19 case are essential in minimizing the spread of the virus on campus and will help us continue to manage and minimize its spread successfully. We will continue to follow CDC guidelines for isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19 guidelines. These protocols may vary depending on the vaccination status of the individual.
- Students who live on campus are recommended to have a plan for isolation in off-campus locations.
What are the general guidelines for a COVID-19 positive case?
When positive cases happen in our community, we will follow state and federal guidelines to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on campus.
- Symptoms Identified. Any person experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should stay home, consult a medical professional and be tested for COVID-19. Students and employees may contact Lipscomb University Health Services for a COVID-19 test. To contact the Lipscomb Health Center, email healthservices@lipscomb.edu or call 615.966.6304.
- Medical Care. Lipscomb University Health Services is available to any student experiencing any illness symptoms and will provide appropriate medical care and supplies. Students who need more extensive medical care than can be provided by the Health Center will be referred to a local hospital or other medical facility.
- Positive COVID-19 Test. Any employee or student who receives a positive COVID-19 test must report the results using the Report an Illness form. LUHS staff will follow the most current CDC isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19 guidelines found here. The guidelines may vary based on the vaccination status of the person exposed.
- Students. Before returning to normal community activities, students must be cleared by LUHS and notification sent to academic support and the student care coordinator.
- Employees. Employees may return to work once cleared by the LUHS staff and the Office of Human Resources.
- Direct Contact with a Positive COVID-19 Case. Any employee or student who has been in direct contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 must report the situation to LUHS using the Report an Illness form. LUHS staff will follow the most current CDC isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19 guidelines (found here) and monitor for signs and symptoms for illness and report using the Report an Illness form.
- Report. Report any positive COVID-19 test or exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case to LUHS using the Report an Illness link.
- Students Report. Students who are in isolation should report their status to the student care coordinator in the Office of Student Wellbeing by emailing studentlife@lipscomb.edu as well as to EACH of their instructors to request remote learning options.
- Employees Report. Employees who are in isolation should report their status to their supervisor and contact the Office of Human Resources by emailing hr@lipscomb.edu or contacting Lynn Chappin at 615.966.7015.
What mental health and counseling services are available?
For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a time filled with anxiety, fear, isolation, challenges and changes over the last few months. Lipscomb’s University Counseling Center is a resource available to any student who would like to access their services. The counseling center is available both in person and via telehealth as the medical governing boards allow. To contact the University Counseling Center, email counselingcenter@lipscomb.edu or call 615.966.1781.