COVID-19 Communications
As of Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.
Please see the September 30, 2020 COVID-19 Update email
Please see the September 23, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the September 16, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the September 9, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the September 2, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the August 26, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the August 19, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the August 12, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the August 5, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the July 29, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the July 22, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the July 17, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the July 10, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the July 3, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the June 26, 2020 COVID-19 Update email.
Please see the May 29, 2020 COVID-19 Weekly Update email.
Please see the May 22, 2020 COVID-19 Weekly Update email.
Please see the May 15, 2020 COVID-19 Weekly Update email.
In light of concerns about the spread of novel coronavirus and the disease that it causes ("COVID-19") in the United States, the SXU Health Center would like to share some information about the virus and the protocol that is in place for all communicable diseases on campus. A communicable disease is an infection that can spread from one person to another by direct or even indirect contact.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is low at this time. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation. For the most up-to-date information, please see the CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 website. The SXU Health Center will also continue to update their Public Health Notices website as new information becomes available.
Please be aware of updated travel advisories. Currently the CDC has issued a Level 3 Warning (avoid all nonessential travel) to both mainland China and South Korea due to the widespread, ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in both countries. A Level 2 Alert (practice enhanced precautions) is in effect for Iran, Italy and Japan. These countries are experiencing sustained community transmission of COVID-19. If you have traveled to any of these countries in the past 14 days, please contact the SXU Health Center at 773-298-3712 and await instructions before returning to campus.
SXU has a Communicable Disease protocol that we follow for all infectious diseases that may be introduced to our campus. The
University and the Health Center follow guidelines set forth by the Illinois and Chicago
Department of Public Health for any communicable diseases that may affect students,
faculty and staff. This includes the recent guidelines sent to all outpatient clinics
by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding suspected cases of suspected
COVID-19.
If you think you may be sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are sick with COVID-19 the
CDC offers specific guidance including staying at home except to seek medical care. Before seeking medical care,
call ahead of time and explain your symptoms and that you may have COVID-19.
Prevention: There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. As with any respiratory virus, students and staff can protect themselves and others by taking every day common sense actions, such as:
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This CDC video provides advice for proper handwashing.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying home when you are sick.
Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throwing that tissue in the trash.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
CDPH does NOT currently recommend:
The use of masks or gloves
Canceling mass gatherings
Canceling classes
SXU will continue to issue updates as the situation changes. Any questions can be directed to the SXU Health Center at 773-298-3712 or healthcenter@sxu.edu.
On February 4, 2020, the Chicago Department for Public Health (CDPH) provided guidance for universities. Pursuant to this guidance, SXU has implemented the following measures:
Any SXU student, faculty member, or staff returning from mainland China on February 3, 2020, and onward should not attend school or work for 14 days after the return date.
Anyone under this category should call the SXU Health Center as soon as they return from China so that instructions can be given for monitoring your health.
Absences for this purpose will be excused and alternate arrangements will be made for online assignments as needed.
SXU students, faculty members, or staff who returned from mainland China prior to February 3, 2020 can remain in school and work.
SXU students, faculty members, or staff who returned from mainland China between January 21, 2020-February 2, 2020 and develop respiratory symptoms including fever (100.4F/38C), cough, and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention:
Call the SXU Health Center immediately and await instructions. Call 773-298-3712 during business hours or Public Safety 773-298-4400 after hours in order to page a provider. The SXU Health Center will communicate with the Chicago Department of Public Health in order to facilitate the proper response.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. As with any respiratory virus, students and school personnel can protect themselves and others by taking every day common sense actions:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
CDPH does NOT recommend:
The use of masks or gloves
Canceling mass gatherings
Canceling classes
See the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information.