Campus Healthcare Services
Belmont’s Health Services team remains in close contact with local and state health officials and continues to follow guidance issued by the CDC and the American College Health Association (ACHA). Protocols for the Spring semester will include:
- The Belmont Health Clinic on the first floor of McWhorter Hall will remain available at regularly scheduled campus hours for wellness visits, immunizations, allergy injections and non-COVID-related visits.
- A satellite clinic established on the second floor of the Gabhart Student Center is available for potential COVID-related concerns. The CDC maintains a current list of COVID-19 symptoms.
- Testing will be available on campus for symptomatic individuals and any campus member determined by Health Services to require testing.
- A Belmont Contract Tracing Team, trained and supervised by nurses and nurse practitioners, will be conducting contact tracing for the campus community in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Health using a confidential, web-based form customized for Belmont University.
- Belmont’s Campus Pharmacy, also located on the first floor of McWhorter Hall, will continue to operate at regularly scheduled hours.
- All students will again be required to read and acknowledge the "Staying Healthy, Together" pledge prior to returning for the spring term.
- If you have questions, please contact covid19response@belmont.edu.
Reporting Illness
Daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker
All students, faculty and staff will be asked to complete a daily self-screening for symptoms of and exposure to COVID-19. The Daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker form through Belmont’s Health Portal must be completed every morning, except for students who are conducting their studies 100 percent online for the semester. This process is HIPAA and FERPA privacy and security compliant. All faculty, staff and students will receive email and optional text reminders to complete the form every morning. The form includes the following questions:
- In the last two weeks did you live or have close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with someone diagnosed with COVID-19? Exception: you can check "NO" if you have been in a clinical setting wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Have you tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 10 days, or are you currently experiencing any of the following:
- *Fever of 100.4 or higher
- *Cough
- *Shortness of breath
- *Sore throat
- *Body aches
- *Vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours
- *New loss of taste or smell
Belmont’s Health Services team will be alerted to any potential concerns that arise from screening responses and can determine next steps based on the protocols outlined below. An FAQ on the Symptom Tracker can be found at the bottom of this page.
Employee Reporting Protocols
Employee reporting protocols can be found on the Working On Campus page.
Student Reporting Protocols
Like employees, all students will be required to complete the Daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker for symptoms and exposure. Belmont’s Health Services team will be alerted to any potential concerns that arise from screening responses and can determine next steps based on the protocols outlined below.
- Off Campus Student with Symptoms of COVID-19 or Positive COVID-19 Test
- If a student who lives off-campus has symptom(s) of COVID-19 or tests positive for COVID-19, the student will be required to stay off campus and self-isolate.
- The student should complete the Daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker within the Belmont Health Portal as soon as possible and notify professors of absence. Health Services will be notified of the concern and reach out directly to determine next steps.
- During regular clinic hours (Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.), the student should call Gabhart Clinic at 615-460-5865 to speak with a healthcare provider and schedule an appointment for testing if indicated.
- If outside clinic hours, the student will stay isolated off campus and contact the Gabhart Clinic as soon as it opens. (If symptoms require immediate attention, the student should contact a local hospital or urgent care clinic--contact information for those sites can be found on the Health Services website.)
- If the student tests positive, they will be given instructions regarding self- isolation and symptom management at their off-campus residence. Belmont will notify the Tennessee Department of Health of positive results so they can initiate their contact tracing protocols, which the University will supplement with its own contact tracing as described below.
- If student tests negative, but is symptomatic, the clinician may make a presumed diagnosis of COVID-19 and/or perform a confirmatory PCR test. It will be at the clinician’s discretion for continuation of self-isolation protocols and additional testing/treatment.
- Health Services will contact Student Care and Support who will reach out to the student and advise of supportive services and connect them to necessary resources during their isolation period including food, tele-counseling, Learning Centers, etc.
- Isolation will be discontinued:
- 10 days after symptoms began AND
- At least 24 hours with no fever of 100.4 or higher (without the use of fever-reducing medications) AND
- Other symptoms are improving.
- As a reminder, students who receive a positive COVID test or are placed in quarantine due to exposure are asked to notify professors of their situation and expected length of absence. Upon a student’s request, the Student Care and Support Team will provide notification of quarantine /positive test to professors and are available to assist with academic needs.
- Residential Student with Symptoms of COVID-19 or Positive COVID-19 Test
- If a residential student has symptom(s) of COVID-19, the student will be required to stay in place in his/her room, wear a face covering, avoid contact within 6 feet from others and clean any surfaces he/she touches. (Any residential student who receives a positive test result from an off campus testing site should immediately report the result to Health Services and proceed with the prescribed isolation plan.)
- The student should complete the Daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker within the Belmont Health Portal as soon as possible and notify professors of absence. Health Services will be notified of the concern and reach out directly to determine next steps.
- During regular clinic hours (Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.), the student should call the Gabhart Clinic at 615-460-5865 to speak with a healthcare provider and schedule an appointment. At the scheduled appointment time, the student will come to Gabhart Clinic for testing and assessment
- If outside clinic hours, the student will notify the Gabhart Clinic as soon as it opens. (If symptoms require immediate attention, the student can call Campus Security at 615-460-6911 to assist with identifying transport for immediate care at a local hospital or they can contact a local urgent care clinic--contact information for those sites can be found on the Health Services website.)
- If the student tests positive, Health Services will develop a treatment and isolation plan with the student and the student’s parent/emergency contact. Isolation can be at the student’s permanent residence, at another appropriate off campus location, or in one of Belmont's pre-determined isolation rooms. Prescription/ non-prescription medications as well as medical supplies will be available through the Gabhart Clinic. Belmont will notify the Tennessee Department of Health of positive results so they can initiate their contact tracing protocols, which the University will supplement with its own contact tracing as described below.
- If the student tests negative but is symptomatic, the clinician may make a presumed diagnosis of COVID-19 and/or perform a confirmation PCR test. It will be at the clinician’s discretion for continuation of self-isolation protocols and additional testing/treatment.
- Health Services will contact Student Care and Support who will reach out to the student and advise of supportive services and connect them to necessary resources during their isolation period including food, tele-counseling, Learning Centers, etc.
- Isolation will be discontinued
- 10 days after symptoms began AND
- At least 24 hours with no fever of 100.4 or higher (without the use of fever-reducing medications) AND
- Other symptoms are improving.
- As a reminder, students who receive a positive COVID test or are placed in quarantine due to exposure are asked to notify professors of their situation and expected length of absence. Upon a student’s request, the Student Care and Support Team will provide notification of quarantine /positive test to professors and are available to assist with academic needs.
- Off Campus Student with Exposure to COVID-19 (Asymptomatic)
- If an off-campus student has had a known exposure to COVID-19, the student will be required to stay off campus and self-quarantine.
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The student should complete the Daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker within the Belmont Health Portal as soon as possible and notify professors of absence. Health Services will be notified of the concern and reach out directly to determine next steps
- A student may be notified by Belmont's Contact Tracing Team of an exposure, or a student may call Gabhart Clinic at 615-460-5865 during clinic hours (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.) to report an exposure. A contact tracer will review quarantine and self-care instructions. If testing is indicated, an appointment will be scheduled.
- NOTE: After an exposure to COVID-19, a negative test does not shorten the quarantine period as infection can occur anywhere from 2-14 days after the exposure.
- If after further investigation, student is not considered a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, they will resume normal activity and will continue to self-screen for symptoms and take temperature daily.
- Students in quarantine will self-screen for symptoms and temperature and report to the contact tracer daily. Belmont contact tracer will conduct regular check-ins to ensure the student is doing well, does not need to seek additional medical attention and is compliant with quarantine. Health Services will be available for telehealth visits as needed.
- Health Services will contact Student Care and Support who will reach out to student and advise student of supportive services and connect them to necessary resources during their isolation period including food, tele-counseling, Learning Centers, etc.
- Quarantine will be discontinued 14 days after the last contact with the person infected with COVID-19.
- As a reminder, students who receive a positive COVID test or are placed in quarantine due to exposure are asked to notify professors of their situation and expected length of absence. Upon a student’s request, the Student Care and Support Team will provide notification of quarantine /positive test to professors and are available to assist with academic needs.
- Residential Student with Exposure to COVID-19 (Asymptomatic)
- If a residential student has had a known exposure to COVID-19, the student will be required to stay in place in his/her room, wear a face covering, avoid contact within 6 feet from others and clean any surfaces he/she touches.
- The student should complete the Daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker within the Belmont Health Portal as soon as possible and notify professors of absence. Health Services will be notified of the concern and reach out directly to determine next steps.
- A student may be notified by Belmont Contact Tracing Team of an exposure, or a student may call the Gabhart Clinic at 615-460-5865 during clinic hours (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.) to report an exposure. If testing is indicated, an appointment will be scheduled.
- NOTE: After an exposure to COVID-19, a negative test does not shorten the quarantine period as infection can occur anywhere from 2-14 days after the exposure.
- If after further investigation, student is not considered a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, they will resume normal activity and will continue to complete symptom tracker daily.
- Health Services will develop a quarantine plan with the student and the student’s parent/emergency contact. Exposed but asymptomatic residential students may quarantine in their on campus rooms or at their permanent residence. If roommates and suitemates are all close contacts, they will quarantine as a “family group” in their suite.
- Health Services will contact Student Care and Support who will reach out to the student and advise of supportive services and connect them to necessary resources during their isolation period including food, tele-counseling, Learning Center, etc.
- Students in quarantine will self-screen for symptoms and temperature to report to the Contact Tracing team. Belmont Contact Tracing will conduct daily check-ins to ensure the student is doing well, does not need to seek additional medical attention and is compliant with quarantine. Health Services will be available for telehealth visits as needed.
- Quarantine will be discontinued 14 days after last contact with person infected with COVID-19.
- As a reminder, students who receive a positive COVID test or are placed in quarantine due to exposure are asked to notify professors of their situation and expected length of absence. Upon a student’s request, the Student Care and Support Team will provide notification of quarantine /positive test to professors and are available to assist with academic needs.
Belmont Contact Tracing Program
Belmont University conducts contact tracing for our campus community to ensure the highest degree of health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. The Belmont Contact Tracing Program is not a replacement for contact tracing performed by public health organizations but aims to assist and reinforce public health guidance within the unique context of our educational institution. The program will continuously monitor only members of our campus community to connect them to healthcare services and decrease potential exposure and risk of transmission of COVID-19 at Belmont University.
For any student who tests positive, Belmont’s contact tracing team will conduct regular check-ins to ensure the student is doing well, does not need to seek additional medical attention and is compliant with isolation. Health Services will be available for telehealth visits as needed. Belmont contact tracers will also identify close contacts within the Belmont community for prompt notification and appropriate cleaning/disinfecting measures. The contact tracing team will educate students on time period for isolation in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Asymptomatic Testing
Because Belmont’s Health Services Team must prioritize testing individuals who are symptomatic or have known exposure – as well as subsequent treatment and contact tracing – in order to manage risk to our campus community, we are not able to offer tests to those solely wishing to be tested prior to travelling. However, free asymptomatic COVID testing continues to be available through the Metro Nashville Health Department's drive-thru locations, with results typically received in 2-5 days.
In addition, CareNow urgent care clinics offer COVID testing billed to insurance with results typically received in 1-2 days. Same day appointments are made online at CareNow.com.
Isolation/Quarantine
Belmont University has worked in tandem with public health officials and communicable disease experts to develop comprehensive policies and procedures to mitigate COVID-19 risks on campus and provide high quality support services to all students, so they may continue work towards their academic success. Isolation housing will be available in the event a residential student becomes ill with COVID-19, and University Health Services, Dining Services, Student Life and faculty will partner to ensure each student's needs are met.
FAQ for Daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker
- How often will I receive the daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker email and text?
- Can I control what time I receive my daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker reminder?
- How do I sign up for a daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker text reminder?
- Log into your MyBelmont account
- Click “Health Services” on left side of screen
- Click “Health Portal”
- Click “Go to Health Portal”
- Click your name located in blue in the upper right corner
- Click Edit Profile
- Verify or add your cell phone number
- Select your cell as your preferred number
- Check the box verifying that you would like to receive the text messages
- Click “Save”
- Can I opt-out of the e-mail and text daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker reminder?
- Why didn’t I receive my morning COVID-19 Symptom Tracker e-mail?
- Can I access the daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker link anywhere else besides the link sent in the e-mail or text?
- If I stay at home on a particular day but come to campus on other days, is the daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker still required?
- Do I need to fill out the daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker if I am going to classes or teaching 100% on line?
The e-mail will be sent every morning including the weekend. All faculty, adjuncts, staff and students are required to complete the daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker form each morning, unless you are conducting your studies or teaching 100% remotely this term.
The text reminder will be sent ONLY if you elect to sign up for that option. Due to some cell provider processes, you may receive your text reminder later than your e-mail notification.
No, the e-mail is automatically generated every morning to arrive around 7am. You are able to STOP the text message reminder at any time if you selected to opt-into that notification. The daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker form can always be accessed at this link https://belmont.medicatconnect.com/
STEPS FOR OPTING INTO TEXT MESSAGING FOR YOUR DAILY COVID-19 SYMPTOM TRACKER FORM:
It is NOT possible to opt of the daily e-mail notification. You are able to STOP the text message reminder at any time if you selected to opt-into that notification.
Be sure to check your Junk or Clutter folders. If it is in the Junk folder, you should be able to right click the message, scroll down to Junk Mail in the popup menu, then select Mark as Not Junk. This will prevent it from going to that folder in the future. If it is in the Clutter folder, you can move it to the Inbox. In the event that the message is not in the Junk or Clutter folders, the daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker form can always be accessed at this link https://belmont.medicatconnect.com/
Yes, the daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker form can always be accessed at this link https://belmont.medicatconnect.com/
Yes, All faculty, staff and students are required to complete a daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker form each morning, unless you are conducting your studies or teaching 100% remotely this term. We do ask that you complete the tracker if you plan to be on campus in any capacity.
All faculty, staff and students are required to complete a daily COVID-19 Symptom Tracker form each morning unless you are conducting your studies or teaching 100% remotely this term. We do ask that you complete the form if you plan to be on campus in any capacity.