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Moving Forward Together

Latest Update

  • Updated COVID-19 protocol

    Since the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Monmouth University has strictly adhered to the guidelines provided by the CDC. Effective March 1, 2024, the CDC has lifted the 5-day COVID isolation requirement. 

    Although COVID-19 infections are still present within our communities, new infections are causing less severe illness and far fewer complications among the general population. It is still imperative to know your level of risk and to take personal protection and precautions against severe respiratory virus illnesses.  

    COVID-19-specific guidelines will now be streamlined with the CDC’s Respiratory Guidelines. This updated guidance includes strategies to protect those at the highest risk of getting seriously ill, and provides actionable recommendations for people with common viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

    Health services will continue to offer COVID-19 testing and will continue to test for diagnostic purposes per clinician discretion.  

    Prevention strategies:

    1. It’s not too late to vaccinate against some respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, Flu, and RSV. Vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. Use vaccine.gov to find vaccination sites near you.
    2. Wash hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
    3. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often.
    4. Maintain adequate sleep and proper nutrition to enhance your immune system.

    If You Get Sick:

    If you develop respiratory symptoms, please stay home from class, work, practices, clinicals, internships, or social events until at least 24 hours after both:

    1. Your symptoms are getting better overall, AND
    2. You have not had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
    3. Upon resumption of everyday activities, you are to continue preventative hygiene practices, consider wearing a well-fitted mask, and keep a distance from others until entirely symptom-free.

  • COVID-19 Fall 2023 Protocol

    As we enter into Fall 2023 semester, the University has moved to a COVID-19 endemic approach. As an endemic virus, COVID-19 is expected to follow a regularly occurring pattern with transmission spikes in the colder months of fall and winter. Endemic viruses, though predictable, can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe, hospitalization and even mortality. It is important to know your level of risk and take personal protection and precautions against severe disease. 

    COVID-19 Symptoms

    We encourage all members of the university community to be cognizant of COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary depending upon the current circulating variant and some people may have no symptoms. Everyone should familiarize themselves with COVID-19 symptoms which can be found on the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. 

    COVID-19 Testing and When to Test

    If you develop symptoms of COVID, get tested as soon as possible. Most often, COVID-19 presents with upper and/or lower respiratory symptoms. For those who develop a fever, it is often difficult to distinguish between COVID-19 and seasonal influenza. Testing can determine which is the causative virus and the best treatment approach. 

    During this endemic phase, most people now have a history of repeated COVID infections and/or a history of vaccinations. It may take up to 3 days for a symptomatic person to test positive due to a certain amount of “viral load” needed to test positive with rapid antigen testing. Do not assume you are COVID-free if you test negative on the first day of symptoms. Remember to test again for the next few days.

    Rapid antigen testing is available at no cost at the on-campus Health Center. Antigen tests are also widely available for purchase at local pharmacies. 

    If You Have a Direct Exposure to a COVID-19 Positive Person

    If you are a direct contact of a COVID-positive case, test yourself 3-5 days post exposure or earlier if you develop symptoms. Testing earlier than days 3-5, may produce a premature negative test result. You do not have to quarantine if exposed but you should test yourself during the recommended time frame. 

    If You Test Positive for COVID-19

    • If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home or if on campus, stay in your room. Report your positive test result to Health Services (732-571-3464) or emailing health@monmouth.edu with a photo of your positive test and the date you tested positive. Reporting should be done in a timely manner, during your absence period.
    • DO NOT attend in-person classes, clinicals, practice, work, internships or social events during this period. 
      • Wear a mask when accessing food or moving through public/common areas. Do not eat in public/common places.
    • Date of your positive test is day 0. Stay home or in your room for 5 days. You may return to school or work on day 6. The CDC recommends you be masked for days 6-10, especially if you still have symptoms. You may unmask during days 6-10 if you test negative with a rapid antigen test. 
    • You are responsible for notifying professors or place of work that you are out sick and your anticipated date of return. 
    • Medical Excuse Notes: If you tested positive for COVID-19 at the Health Center, we will provide you with a medical excuse note outlining the days you will be out due to illness.
      • If you tested positive at home and notified Health Services via phone/email during your absence period, you will be sent an email that can be used as documentation of a reported, positive COVID test.
      • If you tested positive at an off-campus medical facility/provider, you will need to obtain an absence notification from that facility/provider. 

    COVID Vaccination

    COVID Vaccination is highly recommended but not required. COVID vaccination remains one of the health “tools” to protect yourself against severe disease and hospitalization. Know your health risk and vaccination recommendations. Current recommendation is for adults to receive a bivalent COVID vaccination. Most likely, COVID-19 immunization will become an annual vaccine recommendation, along with seasonal influenza. 

The University’s plans and protocols are subject to change in response to evolving guidance from local, state, and federal government and public health officials. We will continue to update this website regularly and encourage you to check back often for the most up-to-date information.