Student Affairs

      Penn State community reminded to take COVID-19 precautions

      The Student Health Center on Penn State's University Park campus. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

      UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With COVID-19 activity on the rise in Pennsylvania and nationally, Penn State is urging its community to continue to take health precautions and follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep themselves and others healthy. 

      Earlier this year the CDC’s guidance for COVID-19 moved to a symptom-based strategy that eliminates the need for people with COVID-19 to isolate for at least five days. The guidelines align with recommendations for common respiratory illnesses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

      it is important to practice preventive measures to reduce the chances of getting sick: 

      • Hand-wash with either soap and warm water or hand sanitizer frequently and before eating.

      • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

      • Wear a high-quality mask when traveling through crowded or poorly ventilated spaces like buses or highly populated buildings or if you are already experiencing respiratory symptoms.

      • Avoid sharing food and drinks.

      • Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices.

      • Rest and re-charge, as adequate sleep is imperative in keeping your immune system running at full capacity.

      • Stay up to date with vaccines.

      “The most important thing you can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses is to practice the basic principles of prevention outlined above and to stay home when you are experiencing symptoms,” said Bruce Kraut, senior director of University Health Services. “With all the activities associated with the start of the academic year, including tens of thousands of students and visitors returning to our campuses for classes and events, it would not be unexpected to see a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in our communities. While we are prepared for this, it is vital for everyone on our campuses to follow preventive measures and monitor themselves for symptoms, especially after potential exposure. Vaccination remains one of the bedrocks of prevention, and we encourage all community members to stay up to date with both flu and COVID-19 vaccination schedules.” 

      If you feel sick or test positive 

      Those who test positive should stay home and away from others. Students can return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, their symptoms have improved with no fever without the help of fever-reducing medication. For the next five days, students should continue to wear a well-fitting mask, keep their distance from others and get tested. Those who test positive but do not have symptoms can curb asymptomatic spread by wearing a well-fitting mask and keeping a distance from others for five days following the positive test. 

      Students who are unsure if they should see a clinician can call University Health Services’ 24/7 Advice Nurse line at 814-865-4847, option 3. 

      Vaccines 

      Penn State strongly encourages all members of the community to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. At University Park, students can make an appointment with University Health Services (UHS) through myUHS to receive the Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine availability is anticipated for later this month. Students at Commonwealth Campuses and faculty and staff should visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider.  

      Penn State continues to ask that students share their most recent COVID-19 vaccine information with UHS. Students at University Park, Commonwealth Campuses and Dickinson Law can upload their vaccination records through myUHS.  

      Testing 

      At University Park, students can schedule a COVID-19 test by making an appointment with a health care provider via myUHS. At Commonwealth Campuses, students should consult with their campus health center or Student Affairs regarding the availability of tests. In addition, students are encouraged to have at-home rapid tests readily available.  

      Individuals should contact their health insurance provider to determine coverage for COVID-19 testing. 

      Online resources 

      The University community is urged to refer to the CDC website for the latest information on COVID-19 trends and prevention. 

      The University will continue to share any changes or developments with the community on Penn State News and in Penn State Today. 

      Last Updated September 9, 2024

      Tags