UL Lafayette COVID-19 protocols: Here's what to expect for spring 2022 classes
For the first few weeks of the spring 2022 semester at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, there will be no in-person student organization meetings, socials or service projects and some in-person courses may be delivered remotely due to the latest COVID-19 surge.
Classes begin Jan. 12, and the university issued its COVID-19 health and safety protocols for the spring in a message to students, faculty and staff Thursday.
From Jan. 12-28, some classes scheduled to be face-to-face could be virtual "in an effort to protect the health and safety of university students and employees and the surrounding community," reads the message.
Faculty members will notify students and post information in the learning management system Moodle if there is a change in course delivery method.
During the same period, in-person student events, both on- and off-campus, will be suspended, and masks will be required.
Masks are required
Employees and students, regardless of vaccination status, must wear face coverings on their mouths and noses in all indoor spaces while on university property unless they are alone in a private office or workspace, reads the release.
Supervisors of university offices and departments where social distancing is not easily maintained may consider utilizing alternate work arrangements as needed through Jan. 28. The Office of Human Resources must approve alternate work arrangements.
Face coverings are recommended outdoors for those who are fully vaccinated. If not fully vaccinated, they must wear one in crowded outdoor settings or during outdoor activities that involve sustained close contact with other people who are not fully vaccinated.
Where to get tested and vaccinated
COVID-19 testing for students and employees will continue. Unvaccinated students and those who live in an on-campus congregate setting, regardless of vaccination status, may be selected for testing.
All unvaccinated employees must get tested for COVID-19 weekly. Fully vaccinated employees may be randomly selected for testing.
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Vaccinations, including booster shots, are strongly encouraged and offered by appointment at Student Health Services beginning Jan. 10.
The Moderna vaccine is the one currently being offered. Vaccinations will no longer be given in the former University Bookstore building at 210 E. St. Mary Blvd.
To make an appointment, email shs@louisiana.edu or call (337) 482-1293.
Appointments also are encouraged for COVID tests, but walk-ins are accepted.
The on-campus testing site is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, beginning Thursday. Testing for COVID-19 is available to students, faculty and staff members, and the public in the former University Bookstore building at 210 E. St. Mary Blvd.
Parking for the testing site is available in the E.K. Long parking lot at the corner of East St. Mary Boulevard and Girard Park Circle. The testing site is administered by members of the Louisiana National Guard in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health and UL Lafayette.
The university is continuing its COVID testing strategy for the spring semester. PCR molecular tests are required. Antigen (Binex) rapid tests do not meet the requirement of the testing program.
PCR molecular testing will be available on campus in addition to select pharmacies, urgent cares and clinics sponsored by hospitals. A testing location can be found on the Louisiana Department of Health website or at the state's vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.
When to stay home
Students who do not feel well for any reason are asked to stay home and complete the Anticipated or Unplanned Absence form.
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If experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19, students are asked to:
isolate at home/stay in their residence,
contact their medical provider or call the Student Health Services at (337) 482-1328; and
inform roommates and avoid contact with them.
If told to quarantine or isolate because of exposure to COVID-19 or presumed positive because of symptoms and testing, they should complete the isolation and quarantine form only. They do not need to complete the Anticipated or Unplanned Absence form in this case.
Staff and faculty members must complete the Daily Self-Check Questionnaire each day prior to arriving to work on campus. University faculty and staff who are considered health care personnel and are at risk of contracting COVID-19 in a health care setting must complete the HCP Daily Self-Check Questionnaire.
Contact children's issues reporter Leigh Guidry at Lguidry@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter @LeighGGuidry.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: UL Lafayette COVID-19 protocols for spring 2022: What to expect
