Dear Loyola,

It’s a busy time here at Loyola while we all prepare for the start of the semester. As you pack your bags and finalize your travel plans, you likely have some questions about what campus life will look like once you arrive. We’ve provided answers below to some of the most common questions. Please know that we are staying in constant communication with city and state officials and will continue to update our guidelines as necessary.

I heard that Delta is causing a surge in cases. What is Loyola doing to keep campus safe?

We saw strong evidence over the last two semesters that our classroom protocols work. We did not see any evidence of students or faculty getting COVID through normal classroom activities. We also have two very effective tools on our side. First, 77% of students, faculty, and staff are fully vaccinated. While no vaccine is 100% effective, data has shown that COVID-19 vaccines provide tremendous protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Second, we are all masking indoors right now to prevent the spread of the virus. Since we live in an area of high transmission, we are following CDC recommendations and mandates from the city and state for everyone to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth while indoors in public spaces. Just like when it’s raining outside we wear a raincoat to stay dry, masking helps protect us while the virus spreads at a higher rate.

I’m vaccinated, what is the chance of getting a breakthrough case of COVID?

Breakthrough cases are possible but rare. Vaccines are very effective at preventing serious illness, so breakthrough cases that occur will likely be mild or asymptomatic. However, the latest findings from the CDC show that a vaccinated person who contracts a mild breakthrough infection may still transmit the virus to others. That’s why masking is so important right now as the Delta variant spreads through our community at a higher rate.

But keep in mind—the Delta variant is primarily spreading among unvaccinated individuals. In Louisiana, 18 – 29-year-olds account for the largest population of COVID-positive cases. If you’re unvaccinated, you are much more likely to get infected, have more serious symptoms, and pass the virus to others. That’s why the CDC recommends additional precautions for the unvaccinated, like social distancing from others who are unvaccinated, when possible.

Can I get vaccinated once I arrive for the semester?

While the majority of us are already vaccinated, we know that some students may not have had access to the vaccine in their home location. And others may have changed their mind about getting vaccinated. It’s not too late—you have many options to get vaccinated!

Get Vaccinated at the Airport: Ochsner Health has a vaccination site set up at Louis Armstrong International Airport so you can get vaccinated right when you arrive in New Orleans. Walk-ins accepted.

Available Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Offering Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson
Located on Level 1 next to baggage claim at the customer service desk between doors 1 and 2.

Get Vaccinated at Loyola: Ochsner Health will offer vaccinations on campus, available August 16 – 18 and August 23 – 24, and Loyola shuttle service is available for transport to nearby pharmacies. We will share more details soon regarding these events.

Check our Vaccine Resources for access to more vaccination sites. If your vaccination status changes, make sure your vaccine records are updated by emailing covid@loyno.edu.

What should I do if I’m exposed to COVID-19 before the start of the semester?

Due to the high transmission rate of the Delta variant, everyone – vaccinated or unvaccinated – who lives in a household with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 or who is currently experiencing symptoms of the virus should stay home and refrain from coming to campus. Report your exposure on the Public Health Portal (see below) or email covid@loyno.edu immediately.

If you’re notified of potential exposure to the virus through contact tracing or were in close contact with someone outside your household who has tested positive, report your exposure on the Public Health Portal (see below) or email covid@loyno.edu immediately. We are following current CDC guidelines following exposure:

Fully Vaccinated After Exposure

Get tested for COVID 3 – 5 days after exposure and submit proof of negative test
Self monitor for symptoms for 14 days
Continue to wear a mask indoors in public settings

Unvaccinated After Exposure

Get tested 3-5 days after last exposure and submit proof of negative test
Complete a mandatory quarantine for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19
Be alert for symptoms and submit daily assessments that monitor for symptoms for 14 days

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will need to self-isolate and must be cleared by Student Health Services before you can come to campus.

How to Log Into the Public Health Portal

Students, faculty, and staff can access Loyola's Public Health Portal via this link or through SSO in the "Quick Links" tab by selecting "Medicat Public Health Portal" from the menu. Once you are on the page, you can log in using the following credentials:

Your username is your full Loyola email address. For example: xxxxxxxx@my.loyno.edu
Your password is your Microsoft password. If you have changed your Microsoft password, use what you changed it to. If you have not yet changed your Microsoft password, the default password is the first two letters of your first name, followed by the last 4 digits of your social security number, then an uppercase LU. For example: abXXXXLU

If you cannot sign in, go to office.com to reset your Microsoft password. If you need assistance, please email support@loyno.edu using your Loyola email address or call the Help Desk at 504.865.2255.

Don’t forget to pack your masks! We recommend at least a one-week supply of comfortable, reusable masks. Masks should fit snugly on your face, covering your nose and mouth, and have at least two layers of breathable fabric. Check our Face Coverings page for more tips to care for your masks!

During this transition, make extra time for self care. University Counseling is here to support you, and our partners at InsideTrack are available for on-demand personalized coaching if you are experiencing stress and anxiety or need a little extra support.

Faculty, staff, and students should report symptoms of COVID-19, exposure, or a positive test result on the Public Health Portal accessible on the “Quick Links” page through SSO. See the section above for instructions to log into the Public Health Portal. Email covid@loyno.edu if you are unable to access the portal.

COVID Connections is a round-up of important information to help keep everyone in our campus community informed and safe. It arrives in your inbox every Tuesday, with special editions on other days if needed. Explore our archive on the FAQ website to see previous editions.

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