COVID-19 FAQs

COVID-19 Information and FAQs for Faculty and Staff

Effective March 1, 2024

The CDC released updated recommendations on how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance now provides a more unified approach to preventing the spread of respiratory viruses that include COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

What if I have respiratory virus symptoms that are not explained by another cause or I test positive for a respiratory virus including COVID-19?
Please refer to the latest CDC guidance.

Stay home and away from others if you have respiratory virus symptoms that are not explained by another cause or if you test positive for a respiratory virus including COVID-19. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, body aches and headache among others.

You can return to your normal activities (including work on campus) when, for at least 24 hours both these statements are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
When you go back to your normal activities (including work), take added precautions over the next 5 days by masking.
If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you’ve gone back to normal activities and work, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true again: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever without the use of fever reducing medications. Then take added precaution by masking for the next 5 days.

What is the guidance for faculty and staff who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or other respiratory virus including flu and RSV?
Faculty and staff who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or other respiratory virus but have not tested positive or shown any symptoms may continue to work on campus as usual.

Does Bowdoin require faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID–19?
Bowdoin strongly encourages faculty, and staff to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, but the College does not require them. As part of the new CDC guidance on preventing the transmission of respiratory viruses and protecting people against serious illness and hospitalization, the CDC recommends staying up to date with vaccination including flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.

Are masks required on campus?
Bowdoin is a mask-friendly campus, and we encourage anyone who desires to wear a mask to do so at any time with our full support.

Are COVID-19 tests, vaccines, and antiviral medications covered by the College’s health plans?
The College’s medical plans with Cigna provide coverage as follows:

COVID-19 as well as flu (and RSV if eligible) vaccines are covered at 100% (in-network only) under preventive health plan benefits.
FDA-approved antivirals and therapeutics are covered with the cost share subject to health plan design (e.g. copayments, plan deductible, and coinsurance).
Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are not covered. However, the IRS does consider these tests an eligible expense reimbursable under health savings accounts and medical flexible spending accounts.
PCR lab testing are covered with the cost share subject to health plan design (e.g. deductible and coinsurance).

How do I record my time if I am out of work ill with COVID?
For day-to-day absences due to illness, including COVID, employees must use their sick time. If no sick time is available, vacation time must be used.

How do I record my time in Workday if my spouse/partner or child is sick with COVID or any other illness, and I need to remain home to provide care?
The College’s family care absence policy provides up to forty hours of job-protected leave per calendar year. The time can be drawn from your sick or vacation balances as “Family Care Absence–Sick” or “Family Care Absence–Vacation.” If both balances are depleted, employees can take unpaid time as “Family Care Absence–Unpaid.” This allowance can be used for illness or medical appointments where your presence is required to care for a spouse/partner, child, or parent. Additional time above the forty hours per calendar year can be taken as “Vacation” time.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Additional questions can be addressed to Mary Cote in Human Resources (207-725-3033).