Updates Regarding Close Contacts and Face Coverings

DEPARTMENT(S): 
Health Services & Resources
June 29, 2021

 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has redefined what a close contact is as more people become vaccinated across the state. To align with that new definition, WPI is updating its own guidelines on close contacts:

  • Neither vaccinated nor unvaccinated/partially vaccinated individuals are considered close contacts for outdoor exposure to someone who has COVID-19.
  • If you have been fully vaccinated, you will be considered a close contact if you have been within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 indoors for a cumulative time of 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period. You will not be required to quarantine, but you should monitor yourself for symptoms.
  • If you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, you will be considered a close contact if you have been within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 indoors for a cumulative 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period—regardless of whether you or they are wearing face coverings. You will be required to quarantine.
  • If you think you might have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please stay away from others and report it immediately on the WPI Symptom Tracker.

 

As a reminder, WPI has updated its guidance about wearing face coverings for the summer:

  • Face coverings are no longer necessary on campus if you are outdoors.  
  • Indoors, for this summer only:
    • Face coverings are not required if you are fully vaccinated and can maintain six feet of social distancing.
    • Face coverings are required if you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, regardless of whether you can maintain social distancing.
    • Face coverings are required for all individuals regardless of vaccination status in the Health Services office, in the Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC), and in WPI-sponsored transportation vehicles.
    • Face coverings are not required if you are in a private office or residence.
  • You will be considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after your final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Please note that anyone who prefers to continue wearing face coverings—for any reason—should feel free to do so. Please respect that choice without question.