Purdue announces additional details for employees on normal operations for Fall 2021

Details for students are available here.

Purdue University Trustees on July 7 approved a resolution to open Purdue’s West Lafayette campus to normal operations for the 2021-22 academic year and directed Purdue senior leaders and the Protect Purdue team to actively monitor COVID-19 developments and take action as necessary to maintain campus continuity.

On Tuesday (July 20), Purdue communicated additional details relative to the employee (Faculty and staff) experience for Fall 2021 intended to preserve the wellness of the community and the continued operations of the University. A series of FAQs and answers below address vaccination, surveillance testing and the consequences for failing to participate, isolation and quarantine protocols, and in-person work policies. 

The latest information and updates can also be found on the Protect Purdue website.

Am I required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to work at Purdue University?

Reinforcing the need for each individual to take personal responsibility to protect themselves, others and the community, the key to upholding the Protect Purdue Pledge going forward will be choosing to be vaccinated and submitting valid proof by August 13 OR taking part in routine surveillance testing, which will begin on August 23 and could be as frequent as weekly. Employees (Faculty and staff) designated as 100% remote will be exempt from routine surveillance testing. Employees designated as critical to the continuity of core university operations (e.g., police, fire, medical, utility operators and others) who choose not to be vaccinated will be required to continue to participate in weekly surveillance testing. 

What is the consequence for a staff member who misses routine surveillance testing?

1. First time: written warning and staff member must test as soon as possible.
2. Second time: final written warning and staff member may not return to campus until a negative test result is achieved. Remote work, paid vacation or personal leave must be used pending compliance. Clear warning that failure to comply in the future will result in termination of employment.
3. Third time: termination of employment.

What is the consequence for a faculty member who misses routine surveillance testing, regardless of tenure status?

1. First time: written warning and faculty must test as soon as possible.
2. Second time: final written warning and faculty may not return to campus until a negative test result is achieved. Clear warning that failure to comply in the future will result in placement in unpaid leave status. 
3. Third time: placed on unpaid leave until a negative result is provided.

How long must I miss work in-person and quarantine if I have a high-risk exposure to someone who has COVID-19? 

A high-risk exposure is defined by the extent of time spent together, masking and proximity: time greater than 15 minutes while within 6 feet of one another AND at least one individual is not masked. 

The Protect Purdue Health Center’s medical protocol, based on CDC guidance and scientific reports, requires that:

• An unvaccinated individual who has had a high-risk exposure may not attend work in-person and will be required to quarantine for 14 days after any and every high-risk exposure, regardless of symptoms.
• A vaccinated individual who has had a high-risk exposure may continue with normal day-to-day activities, including attending work in-person, and will not be required to quarantine as long as they remain asymptomatic. 
• All employees, including those in isolation or quarantine, may access and receive medical support from the Protect Purdue Health Center (PPHC). 

What are the protocols if I test positive for COVID-19?

• Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate and cannot work in-person. 
• All employees, including those in isolation or quarantine, may access and receive medical support from the Protect Purdue Health Center (PPHC). 
• Employees must follow medical protocols as directed by Protect Purdue Health Center (PPHC). 

What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?

• Quarantine keeps someone who might have been exposed to the virus away from others.
• Isolation keeps someone who is infected with the virus away from others.

If I must quarantine or isolate, can I work remotely?

It depends on the specific nature of an individual’s job duties and responsibilities. In some cases, a temporary adjustment to work location might be possible. Please discuss with your direct supervisor or HR business partner if needed.

If I must quarantine or isolate, can I use sick leave?

Yes, when under the care/direction of the Protect Purdue Health Center (PPHC), sick leave for both quarantine and isolation is allowable. 

Am I required to monitor for symptoms like last year? 

Per the Protect Purdue Pledge, if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, whether  vaccinated or not, you should contact the Protect Purdue Health Center (PPHC) right away, quarantine in the meantime, and follow additional instructions.