109. Update: Protocols for Positive COVID-19 Test Result

Dear Faculty & Staff,

We want to let you know that a member of our SSIS community has tested positive for COVID-19 through PCR testing. Fortunately, this person is experiencing mild symptoms and is expected to remain so. They are quarantining at home.

We are providing care, guidance, and support to this person and will continue to do so. Due to respect for privacy, the identity of the confirmed case will not be publicly disclosed.

Any individual who was in contact with this person has been notified. Contacts have tested negative and will self-isolate until 14 days after the most recent contact. If you have not been notified, you have not been in contact with this individual.

Although this is not the first case of COVID19 in our community, we think it is important that we all take this opportunity to review our protocols on what to do if you receive a positive COVID19 diagnosis.

What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19, “F0”

Naturally, we hope that no other members of our community will have to experience receiving a positive COVID19 diagnosis. But, if you do test positive for COVID-19, i.e., identified as an F0, you should contact the Health Office immediately so that SSIS can support you. Call Lisa Chute 093 823 7080 (English) or Nurse Thu 094 147 8317 (Vietnamese) from the Health Office.

Also, if you have symptoms similar to COVID19 and are worried, please contact the Health Office immediately.

SSIS Support for Faculty and Staff who are “F0”

1. The Health Office will open a case file with International SOS.
2. International SOS will contact you to answer questions about the quarantine, COVID19 testing, medical advice, follow-up.
3. One of our nurses will contact you daily to check on your status, offer support, and answer questions.

As HCMC continues to open up and as we go about our lives, we should not let our guard down entirely. We should not live in fear, but we should remain cautious. And, most importantly, we need to understand the steps to take if we are worried that we have been exposed to COVID19 or if we have tested positive.

International SOS has confirmed that our measures for employees who are entering campus are effective in preventing transmission. We will continue to heed their advice and adjust accordingly. We rely on everyone to follow the 5K guidelines and the campus COVID protocols.

I understand that this is a challenging time in many different ways. That is why it is more important than ever that we support one another. Our first priority is your health and safety, and we will keep you updated as the situation evolves.

All good wishes,
Catriona