Loyola Community,

While the fall semester already feels like so long ago, we want to share some of the successes and lessons from 2020 that we will carry with us into this new year. The data, collected by our Public Health experts, directly reflects the hard work and sacrifice of every member of our community. With your help, we are hopeful we can continue on the same path this semester.

Here’s what the data shows:

Cases never rose above 1.2% of the campus population
We had no severely ill COVID-positive students
No more than six new positive cases were reported in any single day
500+ students trained as Wellness Monitors to help educate their peers and enforce protocols on campus

Through the use of #CampusClear and rapid testing protocols, we were able to take action quickly to test, isolate, and conduct contact tracing with students. We have no evidence of viral transmission in our classrooms, residence halls, or at Loyola-sponsored events. Similarly, there is no evidence of large-scale asymptomatic transmission on our campus in the fall.

The data shows that our health and safety protocols work.

As the virus continues to spread at high levels in Louisiana and we continue the rollout of the vaccine, it’s more important than ever to strictly abide by our policies:

Wear a face covering that stays on comfortably, covering your nose and mouth without any gaps. Wash reusable cloth coverings daily after each use and store in a clean container or bag.
Avoid indoor gatherings without masking and social distancing—even if it’s only a few people outside your household. You can check HowlConnect for safe alternatives to socialize on campus or virtually.
Keep 6’ of space from others and avoid crowded spaces where social distancing can’t be maintained.
Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching shared surfaces or going to public spaces like the grocery store, pharmacy, or Danna Center. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

We know you’ve heard this all before, but it’s worth repeating. Now is not the time to relax your routine. These are our most powerful tools against the pandemic.

COVID Community Testing

Our free community testing continues! We will have testing available for Loyola students, faculty, and staff on the first floor of Mercy Hall this Wednesday, January 27 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tests are available on a first come, first served basis. Loyola ID required. You can find a full list of all available free testing sites around New Orleans from NOLA Ready.

Our Residential Life Coordinator and Certified Nursing Assistants work hard to help support resident students in quarantine or isolation on campus. We’ve outlined what to expect in quarantine/isolation for residential students, from laundry to meals to support services, so everyone knows the process.

Remember that “close contact” is defined as being within 6 feet from an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, starting from 2 days before symptoms appear or 2 days prior to testing of someone who is asymptomatic. Contact our Public Health Coordinators at 504.865.3757 or covid@loyno.edu immediately if you’re concerned about exposure.

Rapid testing is available through Student Health Services for students, faculty, and staff showing symptoms of COVID-19. Results take 15 – 30 minutes. Student Health Services is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Call 504.865.3326 to make an appointment.

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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6363 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA | 70115 US

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