Public Health Strategies

Last Updated: Oct. 28, 2021

Tulane has implemented extensive protocols and procedures to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate potential exposure for the university and New Orleans community. To help achieve this goal, every student, faculty and staff member shares in the responsibility to comply with these health protocols.

Tulane has made, and will make continue to make, every decision about our plans in close consultation with physicians and public health professionals. More information about our health strategies can be found below.

COVID-19 related testing, working and isolation/quarantine protocols for healthcare workers may vary due to the nature of their work. Specific directions or exceptions to stated protocols will be communicated to those employees by their senior leader.

Mask Mandate Update

In compliance with updated guidance from the Louisiana Department of Health, the City of New Orleans and the CDC, Tulane will no longer require students, faculty, staff, visitors or vendors to wear masks indoors or outdoors while on any Tulane campus — including residence halls, classrooms, dining halls, offices, recreation centers, COVID-19 testing centers, and campus buildings effective Friday, Oct. 29.

Although the pandemic is not over, our case load on campus and our positivity rate is very low and we are now in a mask-optional status for most of campus. This means individuals in our community may choose to continue to wear masks for their own personal health and safety but are not required to do so. All unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in public indoor spaces.

Individuals are required to wear face coverings in the following settings:

• While passengers or operators of public conveyances, including trains, shuttles, streetcars, buses, taxis, ride-shares, airplanes, ships, ferries and within the corresponding transportation hubs.
• In all healthcare facilities, including physician’s offices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Social Distancing

Maintaining space between yourself and others is one of the best ways to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus and to slow its spread.

While there is no current social distancing requirement on campus, social distancing is an effective strategy you can use to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Social distancing is the practice of maintaining increased distance between people and avoiding direct contact with people in public. This minimizes the risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19, thereby slowing the spread. This means keeping six feet or more between you and other people who are not part of your family unit both inside and outside, avoiding large non-University-sanctioned events, and minimizing contact with people who are sick. When practiced along with everyday healthy habits such as frequent hand washing and wearing a face covering, these behaviors may reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Personal Hygiene

As masks are no longer required indoors or outdoors while on any Tulane campus, it is important to remember that we are also entering into cold and flu season. It is critical to continue our efforts to control both COVID-19 and flu through the following:

• Hand Washing – Washing your hands often will help protect you and others. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
   
• Stay Home When You’re Sick – Stay home from class, work and social activities when you are sick to prevent spreading your illness to others.
   
• Clean Your Room – Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your room, especially when you or someone who has visited your room is ill.
   
• Cover Your Mouth and Nose – Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
   
• Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth – Germs are often spread when you touch something that is contaminated with germs and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.