Updated COVID-19 Protocol

As the fall semester quickly approaches, we are looking forward to the return of in-person events and standard chapter operations. However, the highly transmittable Delta variant of COVID-19 presents new complications and challenges as hot spots develop across the country.

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 must adjust our COVID-19 protocol to align with the latest expert guidance. Please find Phi Sigma Sigma's updated COVID-19 protocol, below, including updated housing procedures.

We know you are looking forward to a fun-filled semester and the return of in-person activities including recruitment, sisterhoods, social activities and more! By implementing these COVID-19 protocols and precautions now, it is our hope that we can minimize transmission during the early weeks back on campus and can continue with many of these in-person activities, as planned.

It isn't always easy, but as a leader on your campus, we know that you will step up to the challenge. Thank you for your continued partnership.

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, 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.

INDOOR MASK REQUIREMENT

Phi Sigma Sigma members, volunteers, staff and guests, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks at all in-person, indoor events.

This requirement includes chapter members during pre-recruitment, recruitment and bid day, as well as potential new members (PNMs) during recruitment. This decision was not made lightly, but is our best chance at preserving as much normalcy as possible for the fall semester.

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

All Phi Sigma Sigma residents, non-residents, guests and staff are required to wear masks in the common areas of Phi Sigma Sigma facilities. Residents are not required to wear masks when in their personal bedrooms.

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

Our staff looks forward to returning to the road and providing in-person support on a number of campuses this semester. To prioritize their safety, staff members will wear masks when attending chapter events or meeting with chapter members in an indoor environment. All chapter members will be asked to also wear a mask when meeting with a staff member, regardless of vaccination status.

ONGOING ASSESSMENT

We cannot predict the impact of COVID-19 this fall 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 cultureofcare@phisigmasigma.org