COVID-19
While our community is almost fully vaccinated and protected from the most serious impacts of COVID-19, we have developed a set of policies and protocols that will continue to:
- Mitigate the spread of the virus on campus
- Support those who become ill
- Keep our community informed
Elon will remain adaptive and responsive as conditions evolve. The university’s Infectious Disease Response Team meets regularly, working closely with local and state health officials, and leading efforts to support the university community.
Sources of information
The information and links below will answer most questions, but additional consultation is available from the following sources:
For students:
- Student Health Services, 336-278-7230
- Office of the Dean of Students, 336-278-7200 or deanofstudents@elon.edu
- Quarantine & Isolation Support, 336-278-7200 or quarantine-support@elon.edu
For staff and faculty:
- Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic, 336-278-5569
- Human Resources, 336-278-5560, HREmployeeCovid@elon.edu
Mask policy and information
Elon currently has an indoor mask optional policy for all campus spaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends masking as an important tool in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. Always be respectful of those who choose to wear masks to protect themselves or others.
All students, faculty, staff and visitors should keep a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask with them for situations when extra protection is needed or if they are not feeling well. Masks are available at the Moseley Information Desk for visitors or members of the university community who need a mask.
Masks are required for:
- Everyone in Student Health Services, the asymptomatic testing center at McCoy Commons, the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic, and the School of Health Sciences medical outreach programs
- Anyone experiencing COVID-like symptoms or any other respiratory illness
- Five additional days after completion of an isolation period after a positive test
- Ten days for close contacts of an individual with a positive diagnosis
Students, faculty and staff who need a mask to protect themselves and others can find limited supplies at the following locations: Moseley Center Information Desk, entrance to campus dining locations, Belk Library, Campus Recreation and Wellness check-in desk, residential neighborhood offices, Alamance Building rotunda, Lindner Hall first floor, Global Commons, Koury Business Center first floor.
The university reserves the right to modify this mask policy based on campus, local and state conditions.
Vaccine recommendations and requirements
Elon strongly encourages all students, faculty and staff to be fully up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and annual flu shots, including booster doses when eligible. Vaccines are available at all local pharmacies. Although the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine are not required, we know it is effective in reducing severity of symptoms, mitigating the spread of the virus and preserving health care resources.
Students are encouraged to upload the documentation of additional doses or boosters to their Phoenix Health Portal. Staff and faculty upload documentation of additional doses or boosters through eDocs.
For more information about state-required vaccines please see the Immunization Requirements & Compliance webpage.
Please note: Some clinical placements, internships and/or travel programs may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. Check program requirements for details.
Testing resources
Sick visits, including diagnostic testing for those with COVID-19 symptoms, are available for students by appointment at Student Health Services and for staff and faculty by appointment at the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic. Students, faculty and staff who are ill and schedule an appointment will be seen and evaluated by a medical provider.
Four tests can be obtained free of charge from the CDC COVID-19 test website, and they may also be purchased at local pharmacies or at Fountain Market in Clohan Hall. The expenses for at-home test may be reimbursable by insurance plans. For information on local testing options, visit the NC Department of Health & Human Services COVID-19 test locator page. For those looking for transportation to local pharmacies, check out the Elon Express bus schedule.
Who to contact if you test positive
Students who test positive with at-home tests or through an off-campus provider should contact quarantine-support@elon.edu for assistance. Students who test positive through the on-campus resources at asymptomatic testing in the Oaks or symptomatic diagnostic testing at Student Health Services will automatically be contacted by Quarantine Support.
Staff and faculty who test positive at on-campus testing will be contacted by Human Resources for follow-up. Those who test positive with an at-home test or through an off-campus provider should contact Human Resources at 336-278-5560 or HREmployeeCovid@elon.edu for assistance and next steps.
Resources for students who test positive or are roommates/close contacts
Guidance for students who test positive and their roommates or close contacts will be provided by the Isolation & Quarantine Support staff in the Office of the Dean of Students.
Students who test positive
- Reporting positive test results: Students who test positive with at-home tests or through off-campus providers should contact quarantine-support@elon.edu for assistance. Students who test positive through the on-campus resources at asymptomatic testing in The Oaks or diagnostic testing at Student Health Services will automatically be contacted by Quarantine Support.
- Required isolation: Students who test positive will be required by CDC guidance to isolate for at least five days and, once out of isolation, wear a well-fitting mask around others inside their home or in public (including in class or at work) through at least day 10.
- Isolation location: Isolation will take place in their residence hall room, apartment or house while wearing a well-fitting mask until the date indicated by Quarantine Support.
- Meals: Students with a meal plan will be able to arrange to pick up meals-to-go through Elon Dining. Instructions will be shared by email and by Quarantine Support staff.
- Notification to faculty: Quarantine Support/Office of the Dean of Students will notify faculty members via email and OnTrack roster of student positive test results and periods of required isolation.
- Students should work directly with their faculty regarding missed classes and work.
- All absences are handled on a case-by-case basis between faculty members and students, following guidelines set in course syllabi. University policies related to absences and attendance are described in the Academic Catalog and determined by academic departments.
- Individual faculty members may work with students to ensure course learning outcomes can be met, but without any expectation of hybrid instruction.
- Resources and support: Resources for students in isolation can be found on the Dean of Students website and support is conducted by staff from that office.
Roommates and those identified as close contacts
Those who have had a close contact exposure to a positive case should follow CDC guidance and all safety recommendations:
- Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days
- Test on day five after your last exposure, if you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19
- If you develop symptoms, get tested immediately and begin isolation
Quarantine Support will help relocate medically high-risk on-campus students who are roommates of students who are diagnosed with COVID-19, if necessary.
Resources for faculty/staff who test positive or are close contacts
Isolation and close contact guidance will be provided to staff and faculty by the staff in the Office of the Human Resources.
Staff and faculty who test positive at on-campus testing, with at-home tests, or through an off-campus provider should contact Human Resources at 336-278-5560 or HREmployeeCovid@elon.edu.
Individuals who test positive will be required by CDC guidance to isolate for at least five days and, once out of isolation, wear a well-fitting mask around others inside their home or in public (including at work or in class) through at least day 10.
During the period of isolation, faculty and staff can elect to use accrued sick or vacation time, or utilize the university’s Temporary Continuity of Work Policy, which will remain available for as long as required isolation protocols are in place.
Those who have had a close contact exposure to a positive case should follow CDC guidance and all safety recommendations:
- Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days
- Test on day five after your last exposure, if you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19
- If you develop symptoms, get tested immediately and begin isolation
Elon’s Temporary Continuity of Work Policy for faculty and staff is also available for individuals who are caring for an immediate family member with COVID-19 or affected by the closure of a daycare or school due to COVID-19.