COVID-19 Latest Information
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Joseph’s has followed the guidance of local and national health agencies. Saint Joseph’s policy for all faculty, staff and students at all University locations, has been to recommend, but not require, the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. As of April 2023, the University no longer requires community members to report positive test results. Students who test positive should speak with their faculty about classwork.
One Important Exception: At this time, the majority of clinical sites have flu and COVID-19 vaccine requirements. Participants are required to follow clinical site mandates, including vaccinations. In cases where a participant is requesting a vaccine exemption, it is the participant’s responsibility to seek and to be approved for a vaccine exemption directly from the clinical site prior to the start of the clinical rotation. Failure to meet vaccination or exemption requirements will delay progression in the program.
CDC’s Bridge Access Program provides COVID-19 vaccines for adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover COVID-19 vaccine costs. This program will end August 2024.
Please refer to the CDC website for up-to-date information regarding isolation, mask, and vaccine recommendations.
Any student with the following symptoms: fever, cough, or shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; or contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure.
Before you throw out "expired" rapid COVID tests: Check FDA's website to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
Students who test positive are encouraged to stay home and away from others until, for 24 hours BOTH your symptoms are getting better AND you are fever-free (without fever reducing medications). When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
Manage your symptoms the way you would a typical illness.
- Do not take any medication to which you have a known allergy.
- Examples of self-care medications:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) per package instructions for management of fever, headache, sore throat, aches and pains unless you are allergic.
If you need MEDICAL ASSISTANCE after hours please refer to the Local Resources webpage. Transportation options include the Office of Public Safety & Security Escort Service at (610) 660-1111 (Hawk Hill campus) and (215) 895-1117 (University City location). Be sure to leave adequate time, as the escort services are based on availability. *Transportation & escort services are not available to Lancaster students at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends masking as an important tool in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. Members of the community who are symptomatic for any respiratory illness are encouraged to wear a mask when indoors. Masks are available in the Student Health Center for students who may need one.
The University supports mask-wearing, whether you're unvaccinated, protecting someone you love, or simply because you feel more comfortable. Students are required to wear a mask while in the health center when symptomatic. Masks are available in the Student Health Center for students who may need one.