Isolation and Self-Quarantine Guidelines

Isolation and Self-Quarantine Guidelines

Updated 01/04/2022

The following are current/updated guidelines for self-isolation and self-quarantine at DCC. These are guidelines and may need to be adjusted based on the individual circumstance of the positive case or exposure.

Isolation

Is when you have been infected with the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms.

If an individual has tested positive for COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status), they should self-isolate themselves for 5 full days, and then if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. This requirement is for anyone who tests positive, regardless of vaccination status. While isolating please consider the following:

  • Monitor your symptoms. If you experience trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care.
  • Do not share personal items such as cups, towels and utensils.
  • Wear a mask when around others.​
  • Contact your Instructors to develop a learning plan. It is the student's responsibility to maintain communications with instructors.

Quarantine

Is when you might have been exposed to the virus.

  • If you are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.
  • If you are less than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or less than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) or have received their booster shot you do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.  For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19. 

While quarantining please consider the following:

  • Wash your hands often
  • Don't share your stuff
  • Disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day
  • Monitor your symptoms

You may or may not experience COVID-19 symptoms (coughing, fever and shortness of breath) during your quarantine. If you do begin experiencing symptoms:

  • Wear a cloth face mask when you're around people or using common spaces 
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes and immediately wash your hands afterward
  • Contact your healthcare provider if COVID-19 symptoms (coughing, fever and shortness of breath) appear.

REPORTING OF ILLNESS

DCC students should engage in the following notification procedures:

  • Please complete the Voluntary COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form, additionally:
  • Students participating in athletics should contact their coach if they experience COVID-19 symptoms (coughing, fever and shortness of breath).
  • Housing students should contact Director of Housing Kerry Hooks if they experience COVID-19 symptoms (coughing, fever and shortness of breath). khooks@dawson.edu
  • Students should contact their Instructors to develop a learning plan if they will have an extended absence from class.
  • Students who are not athletes nor living on campus should contact Justin Beach, Dean of Students Success if they experience COVID-19 symptoms (coughing, fever and shortness of breath). jbeach@dawson.edu

COVID-19 Testing

  • Dawson County Health Department--- 207 West Bell,  Glendive, MT  59330,  406-377-5213, Testing is done 9:00AM - 10:00AM Monday - Thursday
  • One Health---303 N Harmon, Glendive, MT 59330, 406-815-5831
  • GMC Urgent Care--- 202 Prospect Dr, Glendive, MT 59330, 406-345-3311 

RELEASED FROM ISOLATION

When County Health has released you from isolation and you can return to classes.  Please contact Kerry Hooks in Housing at khooks@dawson.edu.  Students not residing in campus housing may communicate directly with their instructors and/or coaches.

Additional Resources

Tips for social distancing, quarantine and isolation

How to stop the spread of germs

CDC's page on the science behind hand washing

 

Local, State and National Public Health Officials

Glendive Medical Center

Montana Department of Health and Human Services

CDC