• COVID-19 Information

  • FAQ

    General Questions: Email aboutcovid19@hendrix.edu

    This FAQ list was most recently updated on July 17, 2023.

    Where can I find up-to-date information about COVID-19 transmission levels?

    For Arkansas: The Arkansas Department of Health

    For National: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s COVID Data Tracker

    What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

    Anyone who has COVID-19 should follow current CDC Guidelines for isolation and notify their close contacts. A close contact is someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. An infected person can spread the virus starting 2 days before they have any symptoms or, for people without symptoms, 2 days before the positive specimen collection date.

    What if I’ve been exposed to COVID-19?

    People who are identified as close contacts should follow CDC recommendations to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

    How should students with COVID handle missed classes?

    Instructors have been asked to work with any students missing class the way they normally would with any student who is ill and could not attend. Students are responsible for communicating any absences to their instructors.

    Can I isolate in campus housing? 

    Yes, students who live on campus may isolate in campus housing. To do so safely, you should avoid close contact with others as much as possible including wearing a well-fitting mask around others, asking others to help with food delivery and choosing to-go options from campus dining, not having visitors in your room, washing your hands more frequently, and using communal showers or bathrooms at less busy times. If you or your roommate have concerns about isolating in campus housing, contact Residence Life for assistance. If you need assistance with meals or other supplies such as masks, talk to your RA.

    How should I get meals during isolation?

    Students may access to-go options from the Dining Hall. To pick up meals, students should exit isolation fully-masked and distanced and then return to isolation to consume their meal. Remember to return your reusable to-go container or take the issued orange carabiner to the Dining Hall when using to-go services.

    Are face coverings required on campus? 

    Masks are optional in all campus buildings. The Campus COVID Steering Committee asks that all community members continue to support classmates and colleagues who elect to wear masks on campus. We will continue to monitor public health guidance and the presence and effect of COVID-19 variants in Arkansas. Based upon conditions, the College may update its mask policies and notify campus. Whenever feasible, an N95 mask is considered the most effective mask.

    Are there any COVID restrictions on guests/visitors on campus?

    Currently, there are no COVID restrictions that apply to guests or visitors. Guests should continue to follow regular college visitor policies.

    Whom do I contact if I need to request health-related accommodations? 

    Students who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may contact Julie Brown, Director of Academic Success, at brownj@hendrix.edu to discuss academic accommodations for health and safety concerns; staff members who are at high risk or have family who are high risk may contact Vicki Lynn in Human Resources at lynn@hendrix.edu to discuss work accommodations for health and safety concerns; and faculty may contact Vicki Lynn and/or the Office of the Provost.  

    Where can students get vaccinated?

    Students may obtain vaccinations at a provider of their choice. The Hendrix Medical Clinic is among the sites providing COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer and Moderna). Call 501-852-1366 to schedule an appointment.

    Where can I get tested or receive treatment if I am sick?

    Students may schedule healthcare visits by calling the Hendrix Medical Clinic, 501-852-1366. When you call, please mention that you are a Hendrix student and be prepared to give the clinic your student ID number. You may also make an appointment at www.conwayregional.org/hendrix. If COVID-19 testing is needed, the clinic has testing available.

    The clinic is open to students, faculty, staff, and the public. Students have three free visits to the clinic per academic year.

    Will official College travel be allowed?  

    Students, faculty, and staff are allowed to travel on official College business. Special COVID approval for domestic and international travel is no longer required, but we do ask travelers to follow any destination COVID protocols and to regularly monitor for COVID symptoms. Those who are traveling should follow COVID-19 safety policies as if on campus unless stricter guidelines are required by the program site. Please register your College-sponsored travel (domestic or international) by completing the Hendrix College Travel Management Form at least 30 days before you depart. The travel policy for U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Levels still applies. Anyone traveling to a Level 2 or 3 country should also complete the College’s supplemental liability forms. Travel to Level 4 countries will be strictly off limits (unless at a Level 4 only due to COVID-19). 

    What can I do to protect myself from severe illness?   

    The best way to prevent severe illness from COVID-19 is vaccination and staying up to date on your vaccination (including receiving all recommended boosters when eligible). 

    What treatment options are currently available for COVID-19? 

    Various COVID treatments are available depending on one’s age, health status, and symptoms. Ask your health care provider about your options. 

    Treating mild to moderate disease.   

    Paxlovid and Lagevrio (mulnupiravir) are oral medications that have been shown effective at preventing mild/moderate disease from progressing to severe disease. They are available for individuals with increased likelihood of developing severe disease due to age, immunodeficiency, or certain other medical problems. To be effective, either drug must be started within five days of the onset of symptoms. Trials have shown Paxlovid to be more effective for most patients, but Lagevrio may be appropriate for others under specific circumstances.   

    Remdesivir is an injected drug that helps people recover more quickly but has little if any effect on the development of severe disease. It is given by injections (over the course of three days) which must begin within seven days of the onset of symptoms.  

    Whom do I contact if I have other questions?

    Email aboutcovid19@hendrix.edu