COVID-19 Protocol

Updated January 2022

Phi Sigma Sigma believes in fostering a Culture of Care within our chapters and communities. To prioritize the health, safety and wellbeing of our sisters, we have adjusted our COVID-19 protocol to align with the latest expert guidance. Please find Phi Sigma Sigma's updated COVID-19 protocol, below.

PROTECTING EACH OTHER

As women of substance, character and influence we recognize our responsibility to foster a community of care. The simple measures to reduce the risk of transmission have not changed and include:

• Wearing masks when around others (even if you are vaccinated)

• Washing your hands

• Limiting close contact with others

Phi Sigma Sigma requires compliance with all state/province, local health and/or public health department, venue and university directives regarding attendance at events and participation in activities associated with the chapter, and Phi Sigma Sigma requires compliance with all directives communicated by the owner or manager of any facility where an event or activity associated with the chapter is held.

MASK REQUIREMENT

As part of our Culture of Care, we believe that mask wearing protects you and protects those with whom you interact. Where appropriate, wear a mask.

Rules on masking vary by location and are changing as the pandemic evolves. Phi Sigma Sigma members, volunteers, staff and guests, are required to follow all state/province, local health and/or public health department and university directives regarding mask requirements. Additionally, Phi Sigma Sigma requires compliance with all directives communicated by any vendors or venues associated with chapter activities or events.

If masks are not required at an event, Phi Sigma Sigma requests that you consider what makes sense to keep people as safe as possible. If you will potentially be interacting with vulnerable populations, consider wearing a mask even if it is not formally required.

OUTDOOR EVENTS

Outdoor settings have a lower rate of transmission and allow for more social distancing. Therefore, you generally do not need to wear a mask when outdoors. However, the CDC recommends wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.

Phi Sigma Sigma highly recommends wearing masks outdoors when social distance cannot be maintained. This includes bid day, football games, etc.

HOUSING REQUIREMENTS

At this time, masks are not mandatory for day-to-day life in Phi Sigma Sigma facilities. Chapters are required to wear masks during recruitment activities conducted in the chapter facility and at any trainings conducted in the chapter facility by a member of Phi Sigma Sigma staff or other outside presenters. Chapters may consider a mask requirement for other events where high risk community members are present such as Parents’ Day.

Phi Sigma Sigma facilities are not to be used as an isolation or quarantine space. All residents are required to submit a personal isolation/quarantine plan in case they show symptoms, test positive for COVID-19 or come in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

STAFF SAFETY PROTOCOLS

As Phi Sigma Sigma staff members are not a part of the campus communities they are visiting, staff members will continue to wear masks when attending chapter events or meeting with chapter members in an indoor environment. To prioritize everyone’s safety, all chapter members will be asked to also wear a mask when meeting with a staff member or volunteer, regardless of vaccination status.

ONGOING ASSESSMENT

We cannot predict the impact of COVID-19 over the coming year and therefore will be reviewing and adjusting our protocols, procedures and guidelines on a regular basis.

Please continue to work with your chapter services manager to plan events and activities to prioritize safety and sisterhood.

Questions can be sent to prepare@phisigmasigma.org.