December 6, 2021
Dear Tulane Community:
This past weekend, the Omicron variant was identified from a COVID-19 test administered last week to a Tulane graduate student living off campus. This individual has been in isolation since first testing positive for COVID and all close contacts have been notified.
With the Omicron variant now reported in at least 17 states, its appearance within the Tulane community is not unexpected. In fact, the frequency of our testing regimen and our ability to sequence this new variant means that we are much more likely to detect the presence of this variant. We are confident that following established COVID-19 protocols, including frequent testing, receiving vaccination boosters and social distancing and masking in certain situations as recommended by the CDC, are the best way to protect our community.
We currently remain in a mask-optional status for most of the 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.
We continue to offer vaccination and boosters to all Tulane students, faculty and staff. We will begin testing all Tulane students, faculty and staff for COVID-19 in larger numbers daily, making sure all individuals complete a test every 7-10 days. Please note: not everyone will be tested or receive a QR code on the same day.
Planned Testing Schedule for the Remainder of December
We will begin testing 2,500 randomly selected individuals daily from the Tulane community through December 17.
- Any individual receiving a QR Code must schedule their test as directed in the testing email.
- If you receive a text message and have not completed testing with a current QR code, immediately make an appointment and complete your required test.
- Exit testing for undergraduate, graduate and professional students will begin 12/20/21.
- ALL faculty, staff, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students are REQUIRED to complete COVID-19 testing within 96 hours of receiving their QR code.
Please Note: Vaccination status does not preclude Tulane University COVID-19 testing requirements. All individuals on campus, regardless of vaccination status, are required to complete COVID testing when they receive their QR code.
The Tulane Testing Centers, both downtown (LaSalle) 226 South Villere Street, next to Tulane Hospital’s LaSalle Garage exit, and uptown (Phelps), are open. Tests are administered by appointment only.
If you have questions or need a QR code, email CHTestResults@tulane.edu.
The CDC is now recommending that everyone 18 and older receive a COVID-19 booster shot, six months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
Choosing Your COVID-19 Booster Shot
You may choose which COVID-19 vaccine you receive as a booster shot. Some people may prefer the vaccine type they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.
Scheduling Your Booster Shot
As a service to faculty, students and staff eligible to receive a booster, our uptown and downtown vaccine clinics are open. The Downtown Vaccine Clinic is currently operating in the lobby of the JBJ building, 1324 Tulane Avenue. The Uptown Vaccine Clinic is located in the 1834 Club on the second floor of the LBC. Appointments are required.
- To make an appointment to receive your booster vaccine, please use this link and choose "Third Dose" for the appointment reason.
- This consent form must also be completed, signed and brought to your scheduled appointment.
- TO RECEIVE YOUR THIRD DOSE, YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR CDC VACCINE CARD OR LA WALLET APP. DUPLICATE VACCINE CARDS WILL NOT BE CREATED AT THE CLINIC. If you have any questions, please email covidvaccine@tulane.edu.
- Booster vaccines are also available at many area pharmacies.
