Dear Danforth Campus students, faculty and staff,
It’s hard to believe it’s already the beginning of August and that the summer months are beginning to wind down. As we prepare for the start of the fall semester in just a few weeks, we wanted to reach out to share the measures that will be in place to limit COVID-19 transmission on campus in the new academic year.
Although the situation has changed significantly since the pandemic began in spring 2020, we know COVID-19 remains widespread in our region, across the country, and around the world, and we continue to closely monitor conditions. Based on current levels of transmission in St. Louis and in consultation with our team of medical advisors, we plan to take the following steps for fall.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
All students, faculty, staff and trainees are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Current employees and returning students who have already submitted proof of vaccination do not need to do anything further, but should provide documentation of their boosters when/if they receive them. New students and employees must provide documentation of their vaccination on the Habif Health and Wellness Center website or the ReadySet portal, respectively.
At this time, we are not requiring boosters, but may do so if conditions change. We strongly encourage everyone to be up to date with the COVID vaccine as recommended for them personally. Being up to date reduces the risk of severe disease and currently prevents the need to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19.
Vaccines are available on campus free of charge. For Danforth Campus students, Habif Health and Wellness Center has the Pfizer vaccine and appointments are available through the student portal on the Habif website. Employees and trainees can schedule an appointment at the Center for Advanced Medicine on the Medical Campus or visit vaccinatestl.org or vaccines.gov to find a location.
Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available in the Vaccine FAQ.
COVID-19 Testing
We will continue to provide testing for all students, faculty and staff who develop symptoms of COVID-19 at any time, as well as broader testing as needed for exposures to prevent spread within our community. At this time, entry testing will not be required for students at the start of the fall semester.
Individuals with even mild symptoms – including those who have been fully vaccinated – should be tested for COVID-19. Members of the university community are advised to call the COVID Call Center at 314-362-5056 to report symptoms or exposure and to arrange for a free test. Students can call the COVID Call Center or Habif Health and Wellness Center at 314-935-6666. It is extremely important that anyone with even mild symptoms should not come to class or work until they have been fully evaluated.
Isolation/Quarantine Protocols
Students will receive instructions on whether and how to isolate/quarantine in their residence if they or their roommates test positive for COVID-19. In most cases students who test positive will remain in their residential unit with their roommates, following best practices for isolating in place. The university has set aside a limited number of separate spaces for use on an as-needed basis in high-risk situations where an immunocompromised student may need to be temporarily moved from their housing assignment.
Masking
At this time, masking is strongly recommended in all indoor spaces on the Danforth Campus. Masking remains a valuable tool in the mitigation of COVID-19, particularly in light of new and emerging variants. As we continue to monitor regional and campus conditions, we may implement a mask requirement as needed. Current policies are always available on the Health & Safety page of the WashU Together website.
While we’re pleased that we’ve been able to return to our in-person activities and be together for fall on the Danforth Campus, we are remaining vigilant. COVID-19 is not over, and we must continue to respond as circumstances require to protect the health of our community.
We can’t wait to see everyone on campus for fall. Best wishes for an enjoyable remainder of the summer. Stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Andrew D. Martin
Chancellor
Shantay N. Bolton
Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer
Anna “Dr. G” Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Beverly Wendland
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs