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COVID-19 Information

The health and well-being of our entire community is paramount in Seton Hall University's planning and actions. As conditions related to the pandemic change and as more valuable resources such as vaccines and medications become widely available, our response to the pandemic has also continued to evolve. The following information represents current conditions. 

We know that more changes may come, so we continue to monitor public and University health statistics, along with government guidance. Any significant change in University health and safety protocols or resources will be clearly communicated.

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact the HICT here.

On this page:

Masking

University Health and Safety Measures

  • Anyone wishing to wear a mask is welcome to do so.
  • Faculty may request masks be worn in their classes, clinicals, and labs, and students should comply.
  • University community members are welcome to request others to wear a mask when meeting. We ask everyone to be considerate of such requests.
  • KN95 and surgical masks are available at various locations across all three campuses.
  • Building signage notes "Masking Welcome."
  • Everyone should always carry a mask with them for those situations where one is desired or needed.
  • IHS campus guidelines may differ slightly.

Vaccinations and Boosters

COVID vaccination is no longer required for the 2023-2024 academic year. The University encourages individuals to follow current COVID vaccine recommendations which can be found at
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html or speak with your healthcare provider for individualized vaccine recommendations that consider your personal health and that of your household members

Testing for Students

COVID-19 rapid Antigen and molecular testing are available for students at Health Services on the South Orange campus and are administered according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") and NJ State Department of Health at no cost. However, molecular testing is sent to an outside lab for processing. The lab fee is billed to the student’s health insurance, with uncovered expenses billed directly to the student by the lab. Health Services hours are posted on the website.

Testing Positive and Next Steps

Being Identified as a Close Contact and Next Steps

Contact Tracing

Consistent with what has become widespread practice in most communities and many campuses, Seton Hall has transitioned to a self-disclosure method for purposes of contact tracing. This means that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is responsible for notifying those individuals identified as Close Contacts, as defined by the CDC.

Additional Tips for Staying Healthy and Safe

  • Vaccination and being boosted help to avoid serious illness, but do not prevent transmission.
  • Masking may be helpful if you are attending crowded events during times of high transmission. A well fitted and high-grade mask (N95 or KN95) is best.
  • Avoid high risk (immunocompromised) individuals if you have any symptoms
  • Transmission can be minimized by:
    • Testing if you have any symptoms.
    • Testing prior to events that involve close contact with others masked or unmasked.Testing prior to leaving or returning to campus for an extended period of time, such as holidays.
    • Testing 5 days following high risk activities that involve close contact with a lot of people.
    • Test immediately if you develop symptoms, even mild symptoms.
    • Testing is widely available. Please don’t wait to test if you have symptoms.

Testing Positive – Next Steps for Students

All students who test positive for COVID-19 MUST notify Health Services by immediately calling 973-761-9175 within 24 hours of testing positive and provide evidence of the positive test result.

Undergraduate Students - Health Services will notify the Dean of Students' Office who will send absence notification to the student's professors. No absence notification will be sent without Health Services' verification.

Law Students are governed by the Law School's attendance policy.

Graduate students should consult with their professor or program director/chair regarding absence.

  1. Health Services will inform the undergraduate student of their isolation period/dates. Isolation, regardless of vaccination status, is for five full days, starting with the day after symptoms begin or positive test result.
     
  2. You are responsible to identify and notify your Close Contacts.

    Who is a Close Contact?
    Anyone with whom you were in close contact (talking with, eating with), within 6 feet or less for a cumulative period of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period within the past 2 days – with or without a mask. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/determine-close-contacts.html

    Who is Not a Close Contact?
    Anyone you were sitting next to in class, but not interacting with UNLESS you were sneezing/coughing. 

    After you have identified your Close Contacts, you must contact them and inform them that you have tested positive for COVID-19 and have identified them as a Close Contact of yours. Provide them with this link (or refer them to the University website) for what they need to know about their next steps.
     
  3. Monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms daily. If your symptoms worsen, contact Health Services or your health care provider immediately.
     
  4. If you have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication and symptoms are improving, you may leave isolation on the sixth day. You must wear a well-fitting mask (N95 or KN95) for an additional five (5) days when around others. If you continue to have symptoms after five (5) days, follow the directions of Health Services or your health care provider.

Isolation for Resident Students 

  • Resident students who test positive for COVID-19 will isolate or quarantine in their residence hall room for the prescribed isolation period. There is no separate isolation housing on campus. Students must contact the Dean of Students Office ([email protected]) to make arrangements for ordering and picking up their meals in the dining hall while in isolation.

Testing Positive – Next Steps for Faculty, Staff and Administrators

  1. Follow the directions of your health care provider or use the COVID-19 calculator to determine the dates of your isolation period.
     
  2. Inform your supervisor of your absence as you would for any other illness and follow the University's sick leave policy.
     
  3. You are responsible to identify and notify your Close Contacts.

    Who is a Close Contact?
    Anyone with whom you were in close contact (talking with, eating with), within 6 feet or less for a cumulative period of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period within the past 2 days – with or without a mask.

    After you have identified your Close Contacts, you must contact them and inform them that you have tested positive for COVID-19 and have identified them as a Close Contact of yours. Provide them with this link (or refer them to the University website) for what they need to know about their next steps.
     
  4. Monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms daily. If your symptoms worsen, contact your health care provider immediately.
     
  5. If you have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication and symptoms are improving, you may leave isolation on the sixth day. You must wear a well-fitting mask (N95 or KN95) for an additional five (5) days when around others. If you continue to have symptoms after five (5) days, follow the directions of your health care provider.

Being Identified as a Close Contact – Next Steps

If you are notified by someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 that they have identified you as a Close Contact, follow these next steps.

If You Have COVID-19 Symptoms:

  • Test immediately.
  • Isolate until test results are received.

If You Are Asymptomatic:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask (N95 or KN95) for ten (10) days after your last exposure to the person who tested positive.
  • Continue to monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms.
  • If you remain asymptomatic, test for COVID-19 five (5) days after your last exposure to the person who tested positive. Test sooner if symptoms develop. 
    • Students may test at Health Services
    • Faculty, Staff, Administration may test with their Health Care Provider or use an at-home test kit.
  • There is NO need to quarantine as an asymptomatic Close Contact.