COVID-19 Information

August 19, 2020

Recently, SIUE updated the siue.edu/coronavirus site. As a result, some links from our July 30 message needed to be updated. We apologize for any inconvenience, and please note the following:

• Student FAQ
• Illness & Exposure 
• COVID-19 Training Video

The Illness & Exposure page provides step-by-step instructions for those who are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms but have not yet tested positive or are awaiting test results, those who have experienced close contact exposure; and anyone diagnosed as presumptive or confirmed positive. In addition to these campus-detailed directions, you will be given specific instructions by your health care provider.  At no time should an individual come to campus or leave their home if they are experiencing any of the above COVID-related concerns or are awaiting COVID test results. 

The site includes the following sections: 

• Definitions of the terms COVID-19 related symptoms, but not yet tested positive; close contact exposure; and, diagnosed as presumptive or confirmed positive
• Student Role: step-by-step instructions 
• Faculty, staff, and student employee step-by step instructions 
• Department Chair, Director, and Manager Roles 
• Faculty Member Role When a Student Reports an Illness/Exposure
• Staff Member Role When a Student Reports an Illness/Exposure 
• Student Role When another Student Reports an Illness/Exposure 

How are quarantine and isolation different? 

Quarantine 

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department. (Usually 14 calendar days) 

Isolation 

Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and have been instructed by a medical provider to isolate) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it is safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available). (No set days – until symptom free for 24 hours without medicinal intervention) 

How are quarantine and isolation similar? 

Both quarantine and isolation: 

• Involve separation of people to protect the public
• Help limit further spread of COVID-19
• Can be done voluntarily or be required by health authorities

Notifying people about an exposure is the responsibility of the Health Department (Contact Tracers will do this work.) 

Centers for Disease Control Guidance 

It is important to understand Centers of Disease Control guidance related to quarantine and isolation for those with COVID-19 symptoms, close contact exposure, or presumptive or confirmed positive COVID-19 test.  Below are some of the most common questions related to COVID-19.  It is important to refer often to these resources as they are frequently updated by the CDC.   

• Should you get tested?   
• What to do if you MIGHT be sick and have COVID-related symptoms? 
• What to do if you ARE sick? 
• Who needs to quarantine and when it should stop and start? 
• Who needs to isolate and when it should stop and start? 
• When you can be around others (end home isolation)?  

Stay Healthy. Be well. Mask Up.

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor 
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs 
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement 
Rich Walker, Vice Chancellor for Administration 
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs