WashU will be following best practices set forth by the CDC and our local departments of health for students who test positive for COVID-19/Influenza and other Respiratory Illness.
CDC guidelines for Respiratory Illnesses
WashU has undertaken a thorough review of the HVAC systems in residential spaces. Additional measures, where needed, including upgraded filtration, extended run time of air systems, and increased outdoor air supply were implemented in 2021 so that these spaces met CDC and ASHRAE guidelines.
Students will be given the following information when they are ill:
Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen for fever, headache, or body aches and a cough suppressant to help you feel better. Do not exercise strenuously.
Monitor your symptoms. Common symptoms of COVID-19/Influenza and other respiratory viruses include, but are not limited to:
- Fever
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- New or worsening cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
Call us at 314-935-4959 during business hours if you are concerned about any of your symptoms. If you are on campus and have concerning symptoms after hours, call WUPD at 314-935-5555; members of the Emergency Support Team will assess you. Off campus, call 911. Let the emergency providers know if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or Influenza.
When to seek emergency medical attention: Warning signs include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Reach out to Habif Mental Health (on or off campus): 314-935-6695 during office hours. After hours, please sign up to speak to a mental health counselor virtually at Timely Care.
Follow CDC guidance regarding hygiene (practices that improve cleanliness):
- Wash your hands and clean surface areas frequently
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid contact with others in your room/suite, as much as possible.
- Wear a well-fitting mask at all times when you are around other people in your room/suite.
- Donʼt share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
- Take steps to improve ventilation in your apartment by opening the windows, if possible and safe to do
If you would like to have food or other necessities delivered to your living quarters:
- Off Campus: Order through a food or grocery delivery service (eg. GrubHub, DoorDash, etc.
- On Campus: order through MobileDining on Campus. You can go to the dining hall masked to pick up your food (or have a friend pick it up for you). Please return directly to your room and eat in your room if possible.
- Currently, the university is not requiring notifications.