In March 2024, the CDC provide guidance that included COVID-19 as part of a range of common respiratory viral illnesses (including the flu and RSV). In their Respiratory Virus Guidance, the CDC shares practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. More information and CDC resources can be found at:

• Respiratory Virus Guidance
• Preventing Respiratory Viruses
• Updated Guidance on What to Do When You Are Sick

The University of Evansville subscribes to a framework for public health decision-making that follows the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. As more updates become available, we will provide information and resources about COVID-19 and other respiratory virus information on the University’s Health Center website.

Protect Yourself From Getting Sick

UE recommends getting up-to-date vaccinations against COVID-19, especially for those with conditions that place them at higher risk. A vaccinated community will help to protect the campus from spreading COVID-19. You can find a vaccine and/or booster location near you and learn more by visiting coronavirus.in.gov.

Schedule your appointment 

Masks

Mask and Face Covering Guidelines

UE will remain a mask or face covering-optional community. Current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidance does not require universal masking, although it is recommended to wear a mask or face covering in public settings when rates are categorized as “high.” We welcome and support individuals who choose to wear a mask or face covering for extra protection for yourself and others. (Masks or face coverings are still required in healthcare settings.)

Some faculty members may require masks or face coverings in their classrooms. Faculty may request accommodation through the Provost’s office to require masks or face coverings in their classroom.

• Students: contact the Office of Disability Services
• Employees: contact the Office of Human Resources

Members of our campus community are encouraged to follow CDC’s guidance on Masks and Respiratory Virus Prevention.

COVID-19 Testing

Testing for Respiratory Viruses

Testing for respiratory viruses can help you decide next steps in your health care, including getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading a virus to others. The CDC has additional information on testing as a strategy to further protect yourself and others.

Students can call 812-488-2033 to schedule an appointment at the UE Student Health Center for a $20 fee.

UE Faculty/employees can schedule a covid test at the onsite Employee Medical Clinic by calling 888-492-8722 or by scheduling an appointment online through the patient portal.

What Can I Do If I Have a Respiratory Virus including COVID-19 or the flu?

CDC released updated Respiratory Virus Guidance in response to the decreasing risk that COVID-19 poses to the population. This updated Guidance includes strategies to protect people at highest risk of getting seriously ill and provides actionable recommendations for people with common viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

People who are at higher risk for severe illness who start to feel sick should seek health care right away so that they can access testing and/or treatment. Early treatment for COVID-19 or flu may prevent severe disease in people at higher risk, even if they are up to date with their vaccines.

If You Get Sick

The updated CDC guidance recommends two actions:

• Step 1:
  Stay at home and away from others until, for at least 24 hours, both of these are true:
  1. your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  2. you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).

  Remember, not all respiratory virus infections result in a fever, so paying attention to other symptoms (cough, muscle aches, etc.) is important as you determine when you are well enough to leave home. If your symptoms are getting better, and stay better for 24 hours, you are less likely to pass your infection to others and you can start getting back to your daily routine and move on to step 2.

• Step 2:
  Take added precaution for the next 5 days including taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. Since some people remain contagious beyond the “stay-at-home” period, taking added precautions during these 5 days can lower the chance of spreading respiratory viruses to others.

View UE's COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions