Health, Wellness, and Prevention
Following established guidelines for health and safety is a key factor in limiting the spread of COVID-19 on campus and throughout our community. Current information about its impact on campus can be found on our COVID-19 Dashboard.
In accordance with state, MDH, and ACHA guidelines, as well as recommendations by the Safely Returning to Campus Committee, the following health and wellness policies have been implemented:
- Mask Requirement:
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As of June 1, 2022, masks are optional for fully vaccinated and boosted individuals in most areas of campus.
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Masks continue to be required for everyone — regardless of vaccination status — in the following locations:
- Close contact lab and simulation settings
- Health and Wellness Center
- The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium
- The Catherine G. Murphy Gallery
- Early Childhood Center
- Masks also remain required for those who test positive for COVID-19 and choose to return to campus on days 6-10 of their isolation period (as outlined in the Preparedness Plan). Anyone not able to wear a mask must remain home for 10 days.
- For those exposed to COVID-19, a high-quality mask should be worn for 10 days following exposure.
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- Classroom Policies: Eating and drinking are not permitted in any classrooms or laboratories where masks are required.
- Visitors Policy: Visitors will be allowed on campus, however must be accompanied by a St. Kate’s community member and follow all campus policies and procedures. Buildings will remain locked and accessible by keycard only.
Testing, Isolation, and Quarantine
Testing
On-campus testing is available for all students, faculty, and staff by appointment. For information about saliva PCR testing, click here.
Our current testing plan is supported by MDH and is subject to change based on recommendations from MDH and/or the availability of testing supplies. The Health and Wellness Clinic is stressing the importance of testing for anyone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 OR who is asymptomatic with a known exposure.
MDH community testing information
MDH saliva testing information
Isolation and Quarantine
Isolation and quarantine will be implemented to help treat those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and those who have been in contact with or identified as a close contact of someone diagnosed with COVID-19, and limit the spread to others in our community.
Quarantine
Based on the latest guidance from the CDC, please follow the guidance below if you have been identified as a close contact:
- Vaccinated individuals who have been identified as close contacts should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days following exposure, and test on day five or six.
- Those on campus who are not fully vaccinated and boosted, but have approved exemptions, will no longer be required to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact. They should continue to mask as required and test on day five or six; we still strongly recommend that they limit their contact with others for five days after exposure.
Isolation
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination or booster status and whether or not they have symptoms, will need to isolate for at least five (5) days.
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The day the test is conducted is considered day 0.
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Individuals who never develop symptoms may end isolation after day 5, but must wear a well-fitting mask when around others or in public for an additional five days.
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Individuals who are symptomatic may exit isolation after:
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At least five days have passed since their positive test, and
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They are fever-free for 24 hours without medication, and
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All other symptoms have improved.
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They must wear a well-fitting mask when around others or in public until a full 10 days have passed.
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Individuals should avoid places where they are unable to wear a mask and avoid eating around others for a full 10 days after testing positive.
Learn more about the difference between isolation and quarantine
Diagnosis Notification
All St. Kate’s faculty, staff, and students are required to self-report if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The University will follow all best practices for COVID-19 notification, including following laws and health guidelines to ensure privacy and confidentiality.
Mental Health Resources
Understanding that physical, mental, and emotional health are all connected, below are resources for additional health and wellness support.