On Wednesday, February 15, Saint Xavier University sent out an email stating that they would stop tracking COVID-19 cases effective immediately; this applies to all students, staff, and faculty.
Changes to the COVID-19 reporting protocols were pitched by members of the Saint Xavier University Health Center (SXUHC) and later approved by administration.
In the email, SXU says this decision stems from other parts of the United States moving “toward ending the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency”.
Even though the United States is nearly three years into the pandemic, cases are still fluctuating due to new strains of the virus that keep mutating.
In addition to new strains of the virus, many people are refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to Statista, Illinois has the fifth highest number of cases in the country as of Feb. 2, with over 4 million. Only New York, Florida, Texas, and California are currently reporting more cases.
Kathryn Schlee, Director of Clinical Services at the Health Center, says the decision was based on CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and CDPH (Chicago Department of Public Health) “guidance”.
Saint Xavier has been following CDC and CDPH guidelines since the beginning of the pandemic and plans to continue to follow them as the country moves out of the public emergency.
As stated in the SXU Confirmed Case Guide, the old protocols (effective August 2020 – August 2022), state the university would report cases to the CDPH upon notice of a confirmed or presumed case.
Although no longer tracking the cases themselves, the Health Center urges members of the SXU community to continue following CDC guidance if they test positive.
For students who test positive, the Health Center recommends isolating for the first five days of symptoms before masking for days six through 10.
Because there is a lack of designated space for isolation on campus, the university recommends that “residents who test positive go home, if possible”.
SXUHC added that if you are to test positive for the virus, you can use the CDC’s Isolation and Exposure Calculator to advise you on how to move forward with your diagnosis.
The Isolation and Exposure Calculator figures out if, when, and how long someone exposed to COVID-19 needs to isolate, get tested, and wear a mask.
The Health Center may no longer be tracking COVID-19 cases, but will still be offering tests and vaccinations for anyone who is interested.
Saint Xavier’s Health Center can also prescribe treatment to individuals who are considered to be at high-risk for contracting COVID-19.
In the event that COVID-19 cases spike in the future, Saint Xavier and the Health Center will continue monitoring “CDC and CDPH recommendations and will make changes to our protocol as needed”.
If anyone has any questions regarding the new COVID-19 Protocols, are interested in a vaccination, or may need a COVID test, feel free to contact the Health Center. They can be reached via phone (773)298-3712, email at healthcenter@sxu.edu, or through SXU’s Patient Portal.