Coronavirus FAQs
What testing options are available on campus?
We have testing available at Student Health Services by appointment for students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to the virus. Call Student Health Services at 504.865.3326 to complete a phone screening and determine if testing is recommended. Walk-ins will not be accepted at Student Health. Please do not go to the clinic without calling first. Additional testing is available at In and Out Urgent Care, Ochsner Urgent Care, and testing stations throughout New Orleans. You can also visit the Curative Website for more free testing locations.
Are masks required on campus?
Following guidance from the CDC, city, and state officials, masks are optional for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, on Loyola's campus. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask is welcome to do so. Review our masking page for more details.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
What should I do if I am presenting the symptoms of coronavirus?
Students experiencing COVID symptoms can call Student Health Services (SHS) at 504.865.3326 for a telephone screening, available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. After hours and on weekends, students can access virtual care options.
Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms while in the office, should distance themselves immediately from anyone in the area and leave the office. Contact your preferred medical provider for additional guidance.
What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19 on an at-home or off-campus test?
Email the public health team at covid@loyno.edu to report a positive test result.
Is Monoclonal Antibody Treatment available?
Visit the Louisiana Department of Health for more information on FREE monoclonal antibody treatments.
Who is doing contact tracing for students/faculty/staff?
Universal contact tracing is no longer being utilized as a routine response to the COVID pandemic due to a number of factors including:
- The large number of asymptomatic and less severe cases due to changes in the virus and widespread vaccination in the U.S.
- Many infections are never identified because persons with asymptomatic or mild cases may not get tested, as well as the increasing use of “over the counter” at-home tests, which are generally not reported
- The highest risk of transmission to others occurring prior to symptom onset and during the first few days of symptomatic illness (or immediately after first testing positive for those who remain asymptomatic)
- The shorter incubation period of the Omicron variant
Loyola will continue to implement contact tracing for all employees, including student employees, as per OSHA guidelines.
What is the procedure if I test positive for COVID-19?
Students should notify Loyola's Public Health team by emailing covid@loyno.edu. Student Health Services will contact you M–F during clinic hours. If you are concerned, please call phone 504-865-3326.
What if someone in my household is exposed to COVID-19?
If someone in your household is exposed to COVID-19 (for example, if your child was exposed to the virus at school or if you live at home and your parent is exposed at work), please follow CDC guidelines regarding testing and quarantine for the exposed individual. You are only required to report to the public health team if YOU test positive for COVID.