Dear Loyola,

We’re entering a new phase of the pandemic. Thanks to the increased access to testing and the power of the vaccines, we can safely resume activities and build on the progress we’ve made together. Following the Omicron spike, COVID-19 cases continue to decrease. As such, we have updated our public health guidelines to align with the recommendations of city, state, and federal officials. 

We no longer need to mask at all times indoors. Instead, we ask each member of the Wolf Pack to be thoughtful about their decision to mask and to use all the tools available to us to reduce the impact of COVID in our community. Keep reading for a list of the most important steps to follow as we enter the next phase of the pandemic. 

According to the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, December 2021 estimates suggested that vaccines saved over 1 million American lives and successfully prevented over 10 million hospitalizations. Vaccines are the most powerful way to prevent severe illness and reduce the impact of COVID on our healthcare system.

We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to receive a booster shot to get one. You’re eligible if:

For your convenience, we are offering Moderna booster shots at Student Health Services on Thursdays by appointment only from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Register for an appointment or call 504-865-3326.

Masking is no longer required on campus. That means it is up to you to decide when you need to wear a mask around others in order to protect our Wolf Pack community. 

We recommend masking if:

Everyone should mask for a full 10 days after testing positive and following exposure to COVID-19. For detailed instructions regarding our isolation and quarantine policies, please review our COVID-19 Symptoms, Testing, and Contact Tracing page. 

Per City of New Orleans guidelines, masks are still required on the Loyola shuttle and in Student Health Services. View the NOLA Ready website for more information about the city's current guidelines.

We continue to monitor for variants of concern that may cause additional spikes in cases. Our masking policies will change as needed to fit the current case counts on campus and in our region. More broadly, the CDC has updated their masking guidelines depending on the current level of risk, rated as a low, medium, or high risk level by county/parish. Keep this in mind if you plan to travel over Easter break to an area with a higher risk level.  

COVID testing is now readily available and should be used to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

You should get tested if:

Remember that common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

As we approach spring, seasonal allergies can also flare up. Unlike COVID, allergies tend to cause the following symptoms: 

If you are experiencing any symptoms and unsure of the cause, we recommend taking a COVID-19 test.

Tests are available for free online and can be shipped to your home or residence hall. They are also available for purchase at Loyola's bookstore, or at Walgreens and CVS. Insurance companies are required to reimburse you for the cost of at-home tests. 

Student Health Services offers testing for students who are symptomatic or have had exposure to COVID. Please call 504-865-3326 Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m. to make an appointment, or for a telephone consultation. Additionally, New Orleans has a listing of community testing sites at various locations, and the Curative website can connect you to free on-demand testing.

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 monthly, with special editions on other days if needed. Explore our archive on the FAQ website to see previous editions.