Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

As of March 2024, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has updated its guidance for respiratory viruses including COVID-19, flu and RSV. Current guidelines recommend a return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, a student’s symptoms are improving and they have not had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication. When students return to normal activities, they are encouraged to take added precautions over the next five days including: testing for respiratory viruses, taking additional steps for cleaner air (e.g., purifying indoor air, bringing in outside air), practicing good hygiene (e.g., washing hands frequently, cleaning frequently touched surfaces), wearing a well-fitting mask, and practicing physical distancing. Those who are not experiencing symptoms but receive a positive test for a respiratory virus may still be contagious. For the next five days, take added precautions such as those described above. Importantly, the CDC’s guidance does not end with staying home and away from others when sick, but also encourages added precautions for five days after time at home is over. Find more information here.

Students who experience symptoms of COVID-19, flu or other respiratory viruses and need to miss class are asked to work directly with their instructors to keep current on assignments.