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KCAI Health Plan

FALL 2022 - Health Plan

COVID AND MONKEYPOX PROTOCOLS

For the week of November 12 through November 18, the number of confirmed COVID- 19 cases on campus was as follows. 
 
4 students (all commuting students)
1 employee

*Individuals who test positive are required to isolate. Through contact tracing, anyone who was exposed to the individuals has been notified. 


Covid Protocols

The college monitors our local Kansas City, Missouri Health Department and the CDC for Covid response guidelines. Based on this information, we determined the following protocols for fall and will adjust our policies as needed. 

Classes

  • All courses will be taught in-person. 

  • There are no food or drink restrictions, unless specified by the department.

  • Field trips and guest speakers are permitted. 

Vaccinations 

  • KCAI employees and students are not required to be fully vaccinated; however, we strongly encourage members of the community to be fully vaccinated and boosted. 

Masks

  • Masks are optional on campus and in campus buildings, but recommended in the following instances. The campus community will be notified if:

    • Jackson County has a high transmission rate https://www.cdc.gov.

    • There are high transmission rates on campus. 

  • Masks are required in the following instances:

    • If you have been directly exposed to a positive case 

Reporting your Symptoms, Positive Test, or Exposure to a Positive Case

  • Employees: stay off campus and contact hr@kcai.edu for assistance. 

  • Students: stay off campus and contact covid@kcai.edu for assistance. 

    • A Covid case manager will conduct interviews to help determine the student's individual situation, notify instructors if a student will be absent due to symptoms or a positive case, and will notify instructors when the student may return to class.

  • Symptoms include - Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

Quarantine and Isolation

KCAI follows CDC guidelines with respect to quarantine and isolation requirements. 

Quarantine

  • If you have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid, wear a mask for 10 days and test on day 5, but you are not required to quarantine. 

Isolation

  • If you are sick and suspect that you have Covid but do not have test results yet.

  • Those who have tested positive for Covid will be required to isolate for 5 days and wear a mask for 10 days. 

  • KCAI has designated an isolation space for residents in campus housing at the Extended Stay America. Meals will be delivered. 

Testing

  • For a list of current testing sites, click here. 

Dining

  • Wylie Dining and Cafe Nerman will be open to the public.  

Buildings, Visitors, Speakers, and Travel

  • The Sherman Family Student Union is open to campus and visitors.

  • The Barbara Marshall Residence Hall is open to guests on residential floors. 

  • There are no restrictions on events and speakers. Food and drink are permitted. 

  • Visitors are welcome, but asked to self-monitor their symptoms and stay away from campus if symptomatic or ill.

  • There are no restrictions on travel; however, it is recommended to test 3-5 days upon arrival from international flights. 



Monkeypox 

Although Monkeypox is rare, it is important to know the symptoms and what to do if you have symptoms or have been exposed. 

Who can get Monkeypox

Anyone can get monkeypox. It is spread through close contact with someone who has the monkeypox virus and exhibits symptoms. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

What are the symptoms of Monkeypox

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 2 weeks of exposure to the virus. 

  • Key symptoms include rash, bumps, or blisters. These may appear anywhere on the body, including the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, torso, genitals, and anus.

  • This may look similar to syphilis, herpes, pimples, or other common skin rashes.

  • The sores may be painful or itchy. 

  • The sores will scab over before healing

  • Other symptoms might include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and low energy.

  • All or a few of the symptoms may be present. Most will have a rash or sores.

What to do if you believe you have symptoms or have been exposed to Monkeypox

  • Call your doctor or call the Kansas City Health Department (816-513-6152) to answer your questions or schedule an appointment AND report to studentaffairs@kcai.edu. Your personal information will be kept confidential, but it is critically important that we know so that we may take necessary steps to help prevent additional exposure and positive cases. 

  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact until you have been checked out by a doctor or nurse. This includes kissing, hugging, cuddling, massaging, oral, anal, or vaginal sex or touching.

  • Avoid gatherings until you have been checked out by a doctor or nurse.

  • Talk to your sexual partner(s) about any recent illness. Ask if they have had any new or unexplained sores or rashes. 

There are effective vaccines for Monkeypox. Health Department nurses and investigators can determine if vaccination is necessary for you or your contacts. Visit KCMO Health Department website for more information.