September 15, 2022
SIU updates virus information dashboard, monitors situation
As fall classes progress, the Emergency Operations Center continues to meet periodically to monitor the public health concerns caused by COVID-19 and monkeypox, and adjust our plans as needed. In the interest of transparency, the dashboard on the Virus Information website has been revised.
Starting this week, the dashboard will include positive cases from the Student Health Center, in addition to the weekly testing provided at Grinnell Hall. The number of monkeypox cases are reported to the university by a local health department, which is also responsible for contact tracing. No monkeypox cases have been reported to the university.
Be aware that the numbers are not all-inclusive. For example, employees and students who tested positive with at-home COVID tests are not included. Employees and students who seek medical attention off campus or in another county might not be reported to the university.
The Virus Information dashboard page also has resources on how to prevent and respond to monkeypox and COVID.
As of this writing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Jackson County is in an area of high community level transmission. The CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors and on public transportation, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and getting tested if you have symptoms.
Testing is available each Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m. at Grinnell Hall for asymptomatic employees and students. Students with symptoms can be evaluated at the Student Health Center – its personnel are there to help. Students can make an appointment online through the Saluki Health Portal, shc.siu.edu, or by calling the Student Health Center at 618-536-2391. Employees should reach out to their health care providers or SIH. (Note that masks are still required in health care settings such as the Student Health Center.)
If you are not feeling well, for any reason, do not go to class or work. Students can find more information about preventing illness in the FAQs of the Virus Information website.
If you are exposed, the CDC recommends taking precautions such as wearing a mask but not quarantining, regardless of vaccination status. Then get tested on day 6 after exposure or sooner if you develop symptoms. For complete information, consult the CDC website.
If you test positive, you must isolate for five days. After that, if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the help of medication) and your symptoms are improving, you can end isolation but must wear a mask for five more days. Consult the CDC website for complete information, including what to do if your symptoms are moderate or severe.
The university will continue to post updates to the Virus Information website. Queries may be directed to pandemicinfo@siu.edu.