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Covid-19

 

LATEST UPDATES

Drexel University no longer requires COVID vaccination as of April 11th, 2023, based on current science and City of Philadelphia regulations. HOWEVER, the University and the CDC strongly recommend full COVID vaccination and booster shots for all students and employees who are eligible, including the bivalent booster. Students can get their vaccine, including boosters, through Student Health (call 215.220.4700). Learn more about COVID vaccination and boosters.

Drexel’s Race Hall COVID testing site closed on March 24, meaning that employee COVID PCR testing is no longer available. Employees are advised to use rapid home tests as needed.

If you feel sick, get tested, stay home until you are well, and follow the guidelines below.

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Drexel has taken measures to keep our campus community healthier and safer in the face of constantly evolving science and an ever-changing disease landscape. From mask-wearing to vaccination to testing, here are the latest guidelines and health information related to the coronavirus.

More Information for Students     University Messages

IF YOU ARE INFECTED OR EXPOSED TO COVID-19

What should I do if...
 I have a positive COVID-19 test?  I have COVID-19 symptoms?
 I was exposed to COVID-19?
  • Stay home and isolate for 5 days from the date of your symptom onset or for 5 days from the date of your positive test, if you did not have any COVID symptoms.
  • Employees should follow CDC guidelines to determine when to return to work.
  • Wear a mask around other people at all times for 5 days after isolation ends.
  • Stay home and take a test* within 24 hours.
  • Isolate until test results return.
    • Negative test result: Continue to stay home until symptoms end, then return to normal activity. Retest after 48 hours if still symptomatic.
    • Positive test result: See positive test instructions.
  • Wear a well-fitting, high-filtration face mask around others while you have symptoms, even if you test negative.
  • In all cases of exposure:
    • Take a test (or retest)* 5 days from last exposure. If you test positive on day 5, follow "positive test" directions.
    • For 10 days after last exposure, wear a well-fitting, high-filtration mask around others and self-monitor for symptoms.
  • If you have no symptoms, you can otherwise continue normal activity.
  • If you have symptoms, stay home and schedule a test within 24 hours.*

NOTE: If you have severe or worsening COVID symptoms, please speak with a medical professional. Students can schedule an appointment at Student Health by calling (215) 220-4700 (if calling after work hours, select option 5 to speak with an on-call doctor).

MORE INFORMATION FOR FACULTY & PROFESSIONAL STAFF

If you are infected or have symptoms of COVID-19, first, stay home and self-isolate (separate yourself from others in your household). If you have symptoms and are concerned about your health, seek medical care by calling your primary care physician and ask to be evaluated for COVID-19.

Follow CDC guidelines to determine when to return to work. Wear a face mask around others (including in all Drexel spaces) for 5 days after the end of your isolation period.

Unable to work due to COVID-19

Effective through Dec. 31, 2023, per the City of Philadelphia’s Paid COVID-19 Leave Ordinance, all full-time and part-time benefit-eligible Drexel employees are provided up to 40 hours (or one work week) of COVID paid leave that will be reflected in DrexelOne as a separate leave code, C19. Employees will be able to use the COVID paid leave when they are unable to work for more than three days because they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or because they are caring for a family member with COVID-19. Eligibility and procedures for utilizing Paid Covid-19 Leave Time are posted on the Drexel Human Resources website. Please email loa@drexel.edu with any questions.

If you are unable to work for a longer period of time because you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or because you are caring for a family member with COVID-19, you may be eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or Drexel’s Non‐FMLA Medical Leave policy. Faculty and professional staff members are encouraged to contact our Leave of Absence Administrator, Lincoln Financial Group. You may file for a leave of absence by phone at 1.888.992.0549 or online by logging in to DrexelOne and selecting “Leave of Absence” in the Benefits Administration section under the “Employee” tab. Go to FMLA or Drexel’s Non‐FMLA Medical Leave policy for more information.

For more information on how to care for yourself or someone else who is sick, visit the CDC COVID-19 website.

VACCINATION AND BOOSTERS

Drexel and the CDC strongly recommend full COVID vaccination and booster shots, including the bivalent booster, for all students and employees who are eligible. Health care students and employees may be required to be up to date with COVID vaccination by their School or College.

Drexel students can sign up for vaccination or booster shots through Student Health (call 215.220.4700). Learn more about COVID vaccination and boosters.

Learn about Drexel's other vaccination requirements.

If you have a question or want more information, visit the CDC's COVID-19 website.

MASKS

Visit the CDC website to view guidelines.

COVID-19 Testing

If you recently tested positive, follow the instructions above under "If You Are Infected or Exposed". 

Other Guidelines

Planning events during times of regional increases in COVID-19 transmission should be done with careful attention to COVID safety, including ventilation in the planned location. Events can include Drexel students, employees and outside guests considered to be visitors to campus. Event hosts who are employees should work with Event Services for reservations and setups. Students should work with Student Life.

Drexel continues to follow CDC and OSHA guidelines to ensure that all spaces on campus are as safe as possible. If you have questions about facilities safety or concerns about your specific work space/classroom, please speak to your building manager and/or department manager. Departmental concerns should be brought to the attention of EHRS so that spaces of concern can be verified/evaluated as needed.

MORE INFORMATION

If you have questions about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s coronavirus website for additional information.