Update - January 4, 2022
Returning for the Spring Semester
Whether you are already on campus or are planning to return this weekend, we welcome you back to the University of Evansville. Looking ahead, the public health community is expecting a surge in the recently identified Omicron variant of COVID-19. However, Omicron has shown to be milder and subside more quickly, despite its level of contagiousness, particularly among individuals who have received vaccinations or booster shots within the last six months. We encourage everyone to get a vaccination and a booster shot to help us limit the spread of the virus.
Given these findings, the Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC) has adjusted the guidelines for quarantine and isolation. Since the pandemic began, we have based our health and safety guidelines off the CDC as well as our local and state health departments. As of today, we will be operating under these new guidelines, and it is important you are aware of them.
If you test positive for COVID-19:
- Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must isolate for five days.
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after five days (fever free for 24 hours), you can return to work or class. Continue to wear your mask around others for an additional five days.
If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and have no symptoms:
- Those who have received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in the last six months OR a booster within the last six months OR received one dose of Johnson & Johnson in the last two months:
- Wear a mask around others for ten days
- We strongly recommend a test five days after exposure
- If you are unvaccinated OR have not received your second dose of the vaccine within the last six months or your booster within the last six months (note: six months for Pfizer or Moderna OR in the last two months for Johnson & Johnson):
- You must quarantine for five days, then you are required to wear a mask for an additional five days.
- We strongly recommend a test five days after exposure.
- Regardless of vaccination status, if you develop symptoms, you need to stay home and be tested (follow the above guidelines if you test positive)
If you are exposed to someone and develop symptoms:
- Regardless of vaccination status, you need to quarantine for five days or until symptoms subside. You should also be tested for COVID-19. Follow the above guidelines if you test positive.
If you are in need of a COVID-19 test, there are many locations in the area that offer antigen (rapid) and PCR tests, including Ascension St. Vincent, Deaconess, and CVS. A full list of testing sites is available online.
We understand you may feel confused or frustrated by the frequently changing guidelines. Please understand this pandemic is constantly evolving, and adjustments are made as more information is gathered. UE will generally operate under CDC guidelines regarding processes for isolation and quarantine while our Task Force will continue to monitor the situation at the local, state, and national levels.
Sincerely,
Coronavirus Task Force
