Holiday and winter health and safety reminders

​​Dec. 14, 2022

With the holidays almost upon us, the DePaul Community Health Team wants to again share information and recommendations for the health and safety of the DePaul community as the Chicago area experiences rising cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19.

Chicago’s COVID-19 risk level remains at medium. This is based on the number of new local COVID-19 cases, the number of new local COVID-19 hospital admissions and the proportion of local hospital beds occupied by patients with COVID-19.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now strongly encourages the use of a high-quality, well-fitting mask to prevent the spread of respiratory illness (including COVID-19, RSV and the flu). As a result, everyone should continue to be diligent and follow safety guidelines outlined by the CDC both during winter break and when classes begin again at DePaul on Jan. 2. While mask-wearing is not currently required on-campus, this precaution will be especially important as we start the winter quarter, directly following large gatherings and travel.

To help mitigate the risk of infection, please remember the following over the holidays:

• Wear a mask indoors, especially if you are gathering in a large group. If you are joining a meeting or gathering and a participant asks you to wear a mask, please do so.
• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Stay up to date on your COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or were exposed. Visit this link for more information on what type of test to use and when to test.
• Visit this link for more information on where to find COVID-19 testing options. Please note that rapid tests will not be available for pick-up at DePaul when the university is closed.
• If you test positive for COVID-19, follow all isolation guidance, including wearing a face mask.
• If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.
• If you plan on traveling this holiday season, review the CDC's travel guidelines.
• As a supervisor or colleague, show grace when employees call in sick and are unable to work.

As always, we are carefully following guidance from the CDC and Chicago Department of Public Health. If their guidance should change, our recommendations may change, and we will communicate with you as early as we can.

Take Care, DePaul and happy holidays,

DePaul’s Community Health Team