Booster requirement and other COVID-19 policy updates

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Linfield has worked closely with the Oregon Health Authority and county-level health departments to ensure its campuses are following the recommended protocols and making the best data-driven decisions about safety and well-being. The institution is continuing to do with the following updates to its COVID-19 protocols:

Changes to isolation

Effective immediately, Linfield will follow the guidance of the CDC, OHA and county health authorities in shortening the recommended time for isolation following a positive test. Students and employees with COVID-19 should be under strict isolation for five days and – if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (fever-free with no fever-reducing medicines for at least 24 hours) – follow that with five more days of modified isolation. This replaces the 10-day mandate for strict isolation. Details about “strict isolation” and “modified isolation” are available on the university’s COVID-19 page.

Changes to quarantine

Quarantine policies, for those who had close contact with a COVID-positive person, will be in effect only for those who are not fully vaccinated. No sooner than five days after exposure, those persons can take a PCR COVID-19 test. If the test comes back negative, they can be released from quarantine. More details can be found at https://linfield.edu/coronavirus-update/positive-cases.html.

Booster shots now required

Effective Feb. 7, Linfield will require all students and employees to receive a booster shot as soon as they are eligible. Those who already had an accepted exemption as part of Linfield’s vaccine policy do not need to resubmit documentation for a new exemption. Anyone who would like to receive a booster shot can get one at the Student Health Center in McMinnville or at one of the booster clinics that will be hosted on both campuses.

The same processes to document boosters for students and employees will be used for vaccinations in the fall. More information about the policy, and steps to upload your updated vaccination card, are available at linfield.edu/covid-vaccine.

Face covering policy updated

Linfield has made modifications to its face covering policy. Please note the following changes:

  • All campuses: Linfield strongly recommends all community members wear high-filtration efficiency masks – N955, KN95 or KF94 – or double mask with a single disposible mask next to your face, followed by a cloth mask, where masks are required for Linfield University community members. Neck gaiters, bandanas and scarves are no longer acceptable for use as a face covering to protect you and others.
  • Nursing students: Due to the COVID-19 emergency, Linfield Schoool of Nursing students, staff and faculty must wear a KN95 mask or equivalent during on-campus clinical activities as part of their uniform
    • This policy is effective immediately and will be in place until further notice.
    • This policy applies to ON-CAMPUS CLINICAL ACTIVITIES ONLY. At clinical partner sites, students and faculty will follow the policies of the clinical site.
    • KN95 masks and individual storage boxes are provided in the ELC.

Questions and ongoing updates

Linfield’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Team continues to monitor the effects of the pandemic in our region. Any changes to policy will be announced in Linfield Ahead, the university’s twice-per-week newsletter. Many of the most common questions, and their answers, are available on Linfield’s COVID-19 FAQ page. The most up-to-date information and COVID-19 dashboard is online at linfield.edu/covid. Questions not addressed on the COVID-19 webpages can be directed to covid19ert@linfield.edu.