This Is How You Can Self-Report Exposure Or Infection Of COVID-19

Miami Dade College welcomed students taking blended courses back to campus on Sept. 28; with it comes concerns about the possible spread of COVID-19.

To prevent further transmission of the coronavirus, the College has developed protocols to identify, monitor and support people who have been infected or exposed.

“We are glad that Miami Dade College continues to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff,” said Kendall Campus Student Government Association Anthony Valenzuela. “If we each do our part, we can help protect other people from getting sick.” 

Here are is how you can report if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has:

Self-Reporting Using MDC’s Mobile App Or Website

Students, faculty, employees, and vendors or consultants who test positive to COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus can self-report using MDC’s coronavirus website. Students have the additional option of self-reporting via MDC’s mobile app, which will redirect them to the website. 

On the web application, they should provide:

• the date when they confirmed a positive test result (for infected people only)
• the last date of contact with the COVID-19 positive person (for exposed people only)
• the places they have visited at any of MDC’s campuses
• the names of college-related people they may have come into contact with and potentially exposed

The application will take them to a segment called “Recovery,” which will:

• advise the infected individual to consult a healthcare professional
• indicate the need to self-quarantine for 14 days after their last contact with COVID-19 (for exposed people only)
• inform about ways to monitor and safeguard their and others’ health
• explain how they can safely return to class or work after they have tested negative for COVID-19 and/or obtain a medical release stating they are no longer symptomatic.

The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs/ADA/Title IX will use the information provided on the website to contact the people that are identified as possibly exposed and guide campus cleaning protocols.

Reporting Protocol Directly To College Officials

There is also a protocol in place for students to report directly to college officials if they test positive to the coronavirus or have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person. 

1. The student informs any faculty member if they were infected or exposed to the virus.
2. The faculty will advise their chairperson, who will advise their campus’ Dean of Faculty and Dean of Students. 
3. The Dean of Students will advise the OEOP, who will provide a written acknowledgement, notify the Office of Emergency Management, and initiate inquiries within two business days.
4. The infected student must get tested for coronavirus 10 days after reporting. Exposed students must quarantine for 14 days after reporting.

The process starts again if the infected student tests positive after 10 days or if the exposed student is still experiencing COVID-like symptoms after quarantining. If not, a new process begins to determine if it’s safe for the student to return to campus.

For infected students who test negative after 10 days:

1. Previously-infected students must provide their negative COVID-19 test and a medical release to OEOP and the Dean of Students.
2. If OEOP approves their return to campus, it will notify campus administration, the Dean of Students, and the Dean of Faculty. If not, the process starts again.
3. The student will coordinate their return to campus with the Dean of Students.

For exposed students who don’t display COVID-like symptoms after 14 days:

1. Exposed students who aren’t experiencing symptoms must request approval to return to campus to the Dean of Students, who will consult with OEOP as needed. 
2. If approved, the student will coordinate their return with the Dean of Students.

Employee Reporting Protocol Directly To College Officials

The process for employees to report if they were infected or exposed to COVID-19 is similar to that of students.

1. The employee must inform their manager if they test positive to the coronavirus or have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person.
2. The manager will advise OEOP, which will provide a written acknowledgment and initiate inquiries within two business days. It will also notify the OEM.
3. Infected employees must get tested for coronavirus 10 days after reporting. Exposed employees must quarantine for 14 days after reporting.

The process starts again if infected employees test positive after 10 days or if the exposed employee is still experiencing COVID-like symptoms after quarantining. If not, the process to return to campus begins. 

For infected employees who test negative after 10 days:

1. Previously-infected employees must provide their negative COVID-19 test and a medical release to OEOP and their manager.
2. If OEOP approves their return to campus, it will notify campus administration and the manager. If not, the process starts again.
3. The employee will coordinate their return to campus with their manager.

For exposed employees who don’t display COVID-like symptoms after 14 days:

1. Exposed employees who aren’t experiencing symptoms must request approval to return to campus to their manager, who will consult with OEOP as needed. 
2. If approved, the employee will coordinate their return with their manager.