Information about COVID-19 Reporting, Precautions

Following this morning’s notification of a likely case of COVID-19 in the Smith community, Smith students, faculty and staff are reminded of important steps they can take to protect themselves and others.

In a letter to the community, David DeSwert, vice president for finance and administration and chair of the COVID-19 Incident Response Team, asked any student, staff or faculty member who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 to act in accordance with CDC guidelines for those who have contracted the disease and:

• Contact their primary care provider for guidance. Do not go in person to any medical provider without first calling for advice. In support of social distancing, we recommend using telehealth resources. For employees, Harvard Pilgrim, the college’s health insurance provider, supports www.doctorondemand.com.
• Remain at home and practice self-isolation to limit the spread of the disease. 
• Employees are asked to notify their department head and fill out this private form to support the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness’ public health response. Updates can also be sent to healthservices@smith.edu with the subject “COVID follow up.” Employees should note that the Schacht Center cannot provide medical services to employees, and is only acting in this case as a repository of community health information.
• Students on campus are asked to call the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness at 413-585-2800. Students are asked to provide health updates to the Schacht Center via the secure and confidential patient portal.
• Students off campus are asked to call their primary care provider and seek medical care and guidance in their current location. All students are encouraged to provide an update to the Schacht Center via the secure and confidential patient portal. 

Dumont noted that to track the health of the Smith community, it is critical that Smith students, faculty and staff report if they are being tested for or are presumed positive for COVID-19. “The college will not release any identifying information about potential cases in accordance with privacy guidelines and HIPAA privacy law,” she added.

Full text of the March 23 letter is online.

Smith’s COVID-19 website provides comprehensive, up-to-date information.

Smith also is regularly updating its FAQ.