Omicron Rules & Updates

December 16, 2021

Dear Tulane Community:

Like universities and communities throughout the country, we continue to see a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, primarily among our undergraduate population. In light of this, we are taking the steps below and reinstating certain campus restrictions, effective immediately, to mitigate further spread.

We also ask for everyone’s patience as we identify COVID-19 positive individuals and secure isolation space for them. The current surge in cases has resulted in a limited number of rooms to house COVID-positive individuals and may necessitate that those in isolation share living space with other positive individuals. This is an unavoidable result of the latest surge and is something being experienced by institutions throughout the country.

Testing & Contact Tracing

Tulane Testing Centers are open and available for testing. If you need a QR Code, please email CHTestResults@tulane.edu.

Due to the current surge, Contact Tracing is focused on working to make sure all known positives are notified and connected to services. We are actively working all cases and contacts will be notified as soon as possible. Those calling contact tracers should expect delays in return communication as we focus on our known positive cases.

If you believe you are a close contact, get tested through the available campus resources or at local pharmacies and other off-campus locations. If you test positive, please complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form.

Indoor Mask Mandate

Everyone, regardless of their vaccine status, is required to wear masks while inside any campus building.

Dining Services

Dining services at The Commons and the LBC Food Court will switch to a to-go option only. Once patrons receive their to-go orders, we encourage everyone to eat their meals in outdoor areas such as Pocket Park or Gorson Porch.  

Campus Events

Last week, we announced changes to our events and gathering policy which encouraged all non-essential events with food and beverage to be re-located to outdoor spaces. Given the increased positivity rate among our undergraduate population detected by yesterday’s testing, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all non-essential events, including those with food and beverages, throughout our campuses.

Boosters

Leading studies suggests that receiving booster vaccines is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and the community against Omicron and other COVID-19 variants. While the Tulane community has a primary vaccination rate of nearly 97 percent, we urge everyone over 16 years of age to get a booster shot six months after completion of their primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

To schedule an appointment to receive your booster at one of Tulane’s Vaccine Clinics, use this link. If you have any questions, please email covidvaccine@tulane.edu. Please note that our vaccine supply is limited. If you have trouble getting an appointment at one of the university’s clinics, remember that many local pharmacies and hospitals also provide free boosters.

The rapid onset of the current surge of COVID-19 cases has taxed our systems and those at other institutions due to its very sudden emergence over a matter of days. While a return to the mitigating steps outlined above are not welcomed, we are confident that they will help protect our community from further spread as we head into the holidays and a long-awaited Winter Break.