COVID-19 Update: New university quarantine protocols align with CDC guidance

Per the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 are no longer required to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. The university has revised its quarantine protocols for the fall 2022 semester. Please read the new detailed guidance online. The new guidance states: 

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you must isolate. The standard isolation period is 10 days. The isolation period can be shortened to five days if you are asymptomatic or your symptoms are improving and you do not have a fever for 24 hours.  If you meet these criteria, you can return to campus on day six or later. Wear a well-fitted mask when around others through day 10. (Note: Your first day of symptoms is day “zero.”) Those who test positive on campus or submit a self-disclosure will receive resources and guidance from the Marquette Medical Clinic. 
  • Though quarantine is no longer required, if you are exposed to COVID-19 and regardless of vaccination status, wear a well-fitted mask around others for 10 days after exposure and get tested on day five or later. (Note: Your last date of exposure is day “zero.”) Monitor for symptoms for the full 10 days. If you become symptomatic, self-isolate and get tested.  

Note: Only the university’s quarantine protocols have been updated — isolation protocols remain unchanged. 

A limited number of isolation rooms are available on campus. Families should discuss their plans for isolation prior to returning to campus. The GetWell Loop resource from Froedtert Hospital will remain available for students in isolation on campus.  

IMPORTANT: The following COVID-19 mitigation protocols remain in place for the fall 2022 semester to protect the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. Members of the Marquette University COVID-19 Response Team provided recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team. The executive committee of the University Academic Senate provided input to the provost.   

The university continues to consult with the COVID-19 Response Team as well as local and national public health experts. Protocols will be reevaluated as conditions change.  

Mitigation protocols for fall 2022 semester:  

Masks  

Students are encouraged to bring disposable or KN95/N95 respirator masks to campus to ensure they are able to follow mask guidance.  

  • Classrooms and labs: Our goal is to remain safe and provide a meaningful in-person learning experience. Instructors teaching in-person classes or labs this fall may encourage students to wear masks. Students are asked to comply with any such request in the spirit of fostering a respectful, inclusive community.   
  • On-campus clinical settings: Masks are required.  
  • Elsewhere on campus: Masks are strongly recommended indoors if Milwaukee County is at a “High” CDC Community Level or when the city issues a mask advisory. Anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask is encouraged to do so.   

Free masks are available on campus  

Students are encouraged to bring disposable or KN95/N95 respirator masks to campus to ensure they are able to follow mask guidance. In addition, disposable masks and nonmedical grade N95 respirator masks for voluntary use are available at the AMU Information Desk and Raynor Memorial Libraries. Each school, college and residence hall also have a supply of masks to distribute.  

For departments, all mask styles can be ordered by submitting a requisition form to the Dental Store by emailing dentalstore@marquette.edu. Access to the requisition form is located on the Purchasing Department website. Schools and colleges should place consolidated mask orders for their faculty, staff and students instead of individual academic departments ordering masks on their own. For COVID-related purchases, use your department RC along with the COVID natural 6202.  

CDC definition of up to date with COVID-19 vaccination  

You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible. Read more on the CDC website. Please note that the CDC has updated booster recommendations for individuals aged 50 and older to include a second booster at least four months after the first booster. Individuals are considered up to date immediately after getting all recommended boosters. 

COVID-19 vaccination for students  

The primary series and booster (if eligible) are required for students. Upload proof of vaccination and booster online. Exemptions must be submitted to the Medical Clinic.  

  • Students who are not update to date on COVID-19 vaccination and those who have an approved exemption must complete the daily COVID Cheq screening.  
  • Any student who has not provided proof of vaccination or received an exemption within 30 days of the start of their first semester/term will receive a medical hold preventing future class registration. 

COVID-19 vaccination for faculty and staff  

The primary series and booster(s) (if eligible) are strongly encouraged for faculty and staff. Upload proof of vaccination and booster online.  

Important note for individuals aged 50 and older: The CDC has updated booster recommendations to include a second booster at least four months after the first booster. Individuals are considered up to date immediately after getting all recommended boosters. Read more on the CDC website. 

On-campus testing and self-disclosure  

Free PCR testing is available for symptomatic students and their close contacts at Coughlin Hall. Students are urged to use the on-campus testing clinic to ensure contact tracing and inclusion in the Marquette COVID-19 dashboard of case counts. Appointments can be made by calling the Medical Clinic at 414-288-7184.   

Surveillance or required testing for the campus community is not planned at this time; however, the university will consider reinstating required testing if conditions change.  

Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, regardless of whether you were on campus, should self-disclose using this form and provide a copy of the test results. Having this information on file with the Medical Clinic will ensure inclusion in the COVID-19 dashboard.   

Off-campus testing options  

The City of Milwaukee offers free PCR testing at various locations. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services launched an online program for Wisconsinites to get free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests delivered directly to them. Starting on Thursday, Sept. 1, Wisconsin residents can go to the Say Yes! COVID Test website and place an order for a package of five rapid antigen COVID-19 tests at no cost. Initial supplies will allow each household to order one package that will arrive in one to two weeks.

The federal government will end its program offering free at-home tests to each household as of this Friday, Sept. 2.   

All individuals on Marquette’s medical plans can purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 tests authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that will be covered at a reimbursement rate of up to $12 per test. 

Call center and contact tracing  

Marquette’s COVID-19 call center remains active to help students assess symptoms and schedule an appointment for testing, if indicated, and to help support the contact tracing process. Contact the Marquette University Medical Clinic at 414-288-7184. 

Symptom screening/use of COVID Cheq  

Stay home if you feel sick. Individuals who develop symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection, should self-isolate, get tested and complete their daily COVID Cheq noting their symptoms.  

COVID Cheq will continue to be used as a symptom screening tool, to aid in supporting the COVID-19 attendance policy for students, and for managing isolation requirements. A COVID Cheq green badge is no longer required for entry into campus buildings. 

  • Students
    Students will continue to use COVID Cheq, as it is a key tool to support the COVID-19 attendance policy for academic purposes and for managing students who are in isolation. Students with vaccine exemptions or those not up to date will be required to complete the COVID Cheq daily screening. Students who are up to date on vaccinations will receive the COVID Cheq daily green pass automatically. If a student develops symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection, they should self-isolate, get tested and complete their daily COVID Cheq noting their symptoms.
  • Faculty and Staff 
    For faculty and staff, COVID Cheq will only be used for those who must isolate based on self-disclosure. The daily green pass will no longer be required or emailed. If a faculty or staff member develops symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection, they should self-isolate and get tested. 

COVID-19 dashboard  

The university will publish new case counts each Thursday. Cases are reported through campus testing, self-disclosure forms submitted by students, faculty and staff, and area health departments. 

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