Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

The COVID-19 virus is spread mainly from person-to-person, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There may also be instances of spreading when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes.

How long after exposure does it take for symptoms to appear?

• Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and may 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

The quickest and safest way to minimize your risk of contracting COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Additional measures to reduce your risk of infection include the following guidelines for good health:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough and/or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for wearing a mask or other approved face coverings.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Effective February 15, 2023, proof of the COVID vaccination will no longer be required as a condition of enrollment for in-person students at St. Joseph’s University, New York. It is important to note, however, that students participating at clinical and/or internship sites and in field placements must continue to comply with vaccination and other COVID-19 policies in place at the facilities they are serving. Additionally, students who live in EHS housing and some study abroad programs may still require the vaccine to participate.

Effective February 15, 2023, proof of the COVID vaccination will no longer be required as a condition of employment at St. Joseph’s University, New York.

To find a vaccination center near you, please use the following links below:

• Nationwide
• New York City
• New York State

The mask mandate has been lifted as of Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Masks are optional in all St. Joseph's University facilities. It is understood that some individuals will still want to continue wearing masks and the University is supportive of that.

Masks and face coverings are optional for all members of the St. Joseph's University community. The University follows CDC guidance on what is considered an acceptable mask; gaiters, buffs, bandanas and face shields are not acceptable face coverings.