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Although COVID-19 is still with us, we are in a better place to respond than we were in 2020. The U.S. national emergency to the COVID-19 pandemic ended April 10, 2023, when President Biden signed a bipartisan congressional resolution, and a separate public health emergency expired on May 11. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the global health emergency on May 5 that year.

However, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself and your community safe from COVID and other illnesses such as influenza.

  • If you are not feeling well, stay home. We understand that students don’t want to get behind on their studies, and employees want to keep up with work. But going to classes or work when you are not feeling well increases the risk of passing on an illness to someone else. Also, you need the time to rest and allow your body to get better. For most people, that means you can resume normal activities if you have been fever free without medication for 24 hours and your symptoms overall are improving. For the next five days, you should take precautions such as wearing a mask. If you have to go out for any reason while you are sick, please wear a mask to protect others.
    • Students who live on campus can isolate in their own rooms or go home.
    • Students are responsible for contacting faculty and making arrangements to make up missed work.
    • Students who need a note for class or work can get one at the Student Health Services website.
  • Wash your hands. This is the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness. Soap and hand sanitizers are equally effective.
  • Avoid crowds or crowded areas if possible. Large group gatherings, especially in enclosed spaces, are high-risk environments for spreading illnesses.
  • Wear a mask if you are feeling ill. Even though there is not a mask mandate on campus, it is a good idea to wear a mask to protect yourself from illnesses, especially in indoor settings.
  • See a medical provider if you are not feeling well. Students can make an appointment at the Student Health Center to be evaluated through the Saluki Health Portal or by calling the Student Health Center at 618-536-2391.
  • Get vaccinated. Vaccinations still provide the best protection against hospitalization and death from COVID and flu. Visit vaccines.gov to find a provider near you. In addition, the Student Health Center offers flu vaccines to students on a walk-in basis in the pharmacy. Students who have SIU health insurance will receive the shots at no charge; other students must pay $25.

FAQs

I have tested positive for COVID. What do I do?

If you have tested positive for COVID, please follow CDC guidelines. In most cases, that means you can resume normal activities if you have been fever free without medication for 24 hours and your symptoms overall are improving. For the next five days, you should take precautions such as wearing a mask.

If you need to miss class or work, it is your responsibility to contact your instructors and/or supervisor and work out arrangements. Students who need a note for class or work can get one at the Student Health Services website.

You do not need to test again to return to class or work.

Where do I get vaccine against COVID and flu?

Visit vaccines.gov to find a provider near you. 

The Jackson County Health Department expects to receive the 2024-25 formulations of the COVID-19 and Flu vaccines by the end of September and will post updates to its social media page. Visit jchdonline.org.

Students

Where can I be tested for COVID?

The Student Health Center offers COVID tests and care during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The fee is $20. If you have COVID symptoms such as coughing, fever, or new loss of taste or smell, please wear a mask. You can make an appointment through the Saluki Health Portal or by calling 618-453-3311.

I tested positive for COVID and live in the residence hall. Where do I go to recover?

As with any other illness, you have the option of recovering in your own room or going off campus to stay with family. If you stay on campus, you can get a Wellness Meal for up to 5 days to help you avoid crowded areas such as dining halls. Fill out the confidential University Housing Wellness Form and be prepared to upload proof of illness such as a positive test.

I need to miss classes because I have COVID or the flu. How will my instructors be informed?

If you need to miss class or work, it is your responsibility to contact instructors and supervisors and work out arrangements.

Do I need a negative COVID test before returning to class?

No test is necessary. However, please follow CDC guidelines. In most cases, you can resume normal activities if you have been fever free without medication for 24 hours and your symptoms overall are improving. For the next five days, you should take precautions such as wearing a mask. Consult the CDC website for complete information.

My roommate tested positive for COVID. What do I do?

Unless you have symptoms, you can proceed with your daily activities. It is a good idea to take precautions such as washing your hands, wearing a mask and avoiding crowds.

If you have symptoms such as coughing or fever, you can be tested at the Student Health Center during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The fee is $20. You can make an appointment through the Saluki Health Portal or by calling 618-453-3311. 

If you have other concerns, email pandemicinfo@siu.edu.

Employees

One of my students or colleagues tested positive for COVID. What do I do?

Unless you have symptoms, you can proceed with your daily activities. It is a good idea to take precautions such as washing your hands, wearing a mask and avoiding crowds. If you have symptoms, consult your health care provider.

Be aware it is the student’s responsibility to inform instructors and/or supervisors that they need to miss class or work due to illness. Also remember that medical information is confidential. Do not share that information with anyone else, including students in the same classroom or colleagues in the same workspace.

You do not need to make any report.

I am a faculty member who teaches face-to-face classes and I have COVID. What do I do?

If you have tested positive for COVID, please follow CDC guidelines. In most cases, that means you can resume normal activities if you have been fever free without medication for 24 hours and your symptoms overall are improving. For the next five days, you should take precautions such as wearing a mask. Please consult your school director or dean about alternative arrangements to face-to-face instruction.

How do I order cleaning supplies?

Send an email to foc.facilities@siu.edu.

Can a supervisor order an employee to go home if they are sick?

If an employee discloses that they have a contagious illness like COVID, supervisors should ask them to isolate, per CDC recommendations, and use appropriate time off and/or work from home. For most people, that means you can resume normal activities if you have been fever free without medication for 24 hours and your symptoms overall are improving. For the next five days, you should take precautions such as wearing a mask. Remember, medical information is confidential. Supervisors should not ask an employee about their diagnosis.

I tried to get a flu and/or COVID vaccination at a retail pharmacy, but I’ve been told I will need to pay for it.

According to Central Management Services (CMS), if a participant in a state health insurance plan obtains the vaccination through their in-network medical provider (primary care provider, clinic, etc.), the vaccinations will be covered 100% via the claim being submitted to the medical carrier. No payment will be due from the member at the time of service.

If a participant uses a pharmacy for the vaccination, they will be required to pay for the vaccination at the time of service then submit a paper claim to CVS Caremark, the prescription plan administrator for all OAP and PPO plans, for 100% reimbursement. Visit the CMS website to access the form. Claim processing may vary based upon the insurance provider, including HMO plans.