Public Health Strategies

Last Updated: May 17, 2022

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.

Indoor Masking Strongly Recommended

Citing rising COVID-19 cases, New Orleans health officials have strongly recommended masking indoors as of May 17, though they stopped short of returning to any previous requirements. The City of New Orleans also strongly recommends masking when taking public transportation.

As always, Tulane is following the city’s COVID-19 protocols and also strongly recommends masking when indoors or on public transportation.

According to public health officials, the city now faces a medium level of risk for COVID-19 transmission. Although cases and hospitalizations are still low compared to the state’s previous five surges, city health officials said that masking indoors now would prevent more cases, hospitalizations, deaths and disruptions to normal life.

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

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.