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. On Jan. 3, 2024, Saint Joseph’s policy for both COVID-19 and the flu vaccinations will be effective for all faculty, staff and students at all University locations, including the SJU Lancaster location. The University continues to recommend, but not require, COVID-19 vaccination for employees and students. 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.

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). 

If you are isolating in place:

• You should avoid close contact with anyone outside of your room.
• If you are out of your assigned room, you should wear a well-fitting mask except when you are showering, bathing, brushing teeth, shaving and sleeping. Masks are available in the Student Health Center for students who may need one.
• You should not attend class — reach out to your dean and your professors to make plans for navigating your academic work while you are in isolation. Saint Joseph’s University Student Health Center does not provide medical excuse notes for students due to illness, injury and/or mental health problems that may lead to missed classes, exams or academic deadlines. 
• You should not go to work.
• You should not attend social activities.
• Please communicate with your roommate(s) and respect each other's needs.

Strategies for Minimizing Contact with Your Roommate

• Keep 6 feet of distance as much as possible.
• Arrange the room and beds so that sleepers' heads are as far apart as possible.
• Open the window as long as the weather allows.

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.

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.