COVID-19 guidelines for spring 2023: Marquette continuing to follow CDC guidance

Marquette University continues to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which states that individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 are no longer required to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. The current guidance can be found online, which 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, 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. 

A limited number of isolation rooms are available on campus. The GetWell Loop resource from Froedtert Hospital will remain available for students in isolation on campus.   

Spring 2023 COVID-19 mitigation protocols

The following COVID-19 mitigation protocols that were in place in fall 2022 remain in place for spring 2023 to protect the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.  

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.   

Masks 

Students are encouraged to have disposable or KN95/N95 respirator masks on hand to ensure they are able to follow mask guidance if they test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed, and in case Milwaukee County or City mask guidance changes. 

  • Classrooms and labs: Our goal is to remain safe and provide a meaningful in-person learning experience. Instructors teaching in-person classes or labs 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   

There are disposable masks and nonmedical grade N95 respirator masks for voluntary use available at the AMU Information Desk, Raynor Memorial Libraries, and residence hall front desks. Each school and college also has a supply of N95 masks to distribute.   

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. Read more on the CDC website. Please note that the CDC has updated booster recommendations for individuals aged 18 years and older to include a bivalent booster at least two months after the first booster or second primary series dose. Individuals are considered up to date immediately after getting all recommended boosters. 

COVID-19 vaccination for students   

The primary series and booster are required for students. Upload proof of vaccination and booster online. Exemption requests must be submitted to the Medical Clinic.   

  • Students who are not up 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) are strongly encouraged for faculty and staff. Upload proof of vaccination and booster online. 

On-campus testing and self-disclosure   

Free PCR testing is available for symptomatic students and their close contacts at the Marquette University Medical Clinic, which students are urged to use to ensure contact tracing. 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.   

Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, whether or not they 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. Wisconsin residents can go to the Say Yes! COVID Test website and place an order for a package of 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 re-opened the free at-home tests to each household this winter.  Check if you are able to get another set.    

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 to manage 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   

As of Jan. 3, 2023, the university’s COVID-19 Dashboard is no longer being updated and published. Information for Milwaukee County can be found at the county’s online COVID dashboard. Milwaukee information is also available online. 

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