University COVID-19 Website Updates Include Daily Report of Cases

The COVID-19 Planning and Information site continues to be updated regularly and now includes detailed information on:

  • The University’s approach to testing symptomatic students
  • A daily report of cases by isolation and quarantine status for the past 7 days
  • Duquesne’s approach to testing asymptomatic students and employees
  • The University’s approach to testing symptomatic employees.

Covid-19 Micro Site: Welcome to the Covid-19 Student and Parent eNews Update. We are committed to keeping the Duquesne community informed during this challenging time. Find the latest news, University updates, facts and resources. Covid-19 News

Regular and ongoing updates continue to be made to the FAQs for Faculty and Staff as well as Parents and Students. In addition, specific guidance for the University community related to COVID-19 can be found on the COVID-19 Testing and Symptom Instruction webpage.

Beginning next week, Duquesne will periodically conduct randomized testing of asymptomatic students and employees to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 on campus at various points in time. Participation in randomized testing is completely voluntary. After these periodic tests are done, the results will be presented on the COVID-19 Planning and Information site.

Besides conducting a Daily Health Screen prior to returning to campus, employees who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, according to their daily health screen, should contact their PCP and University supervisor. Testing results, medical treatment and return-to-work clearance are the responsibility of the ordering health care provider or an employee’s designated PCP. Employees must follow TAP policies referenced in TAP No. 15 and TAP No. 23 and obtain medical clearance before returning to on campus work.

The Office of Human Resources will contact employees to find out whether any co-workers are considered to be “close contacts,” defined as someone who was less than six feet from a confirmed case for 15 minutes or more within the previous two days. The applicable county health department will conduct formal contact tracing when necessary.

It is important to keep in mind the use of the following terms:

ISOLATION keeps someone who is sick with symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 and is without symptoms away from others. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

QUARANTINE keeps persons who have had known close contact with someone who has COVID-19 away from others. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Contact the Office of Human Resources with any questions or for more information.