April 11, 2024

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic four years ago, we’ve continued to address the health and safety needs of our community. As we continue to adapt to those needs, we wanted to share a few important updates.

Isolation
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) made changes to their protocol recommendations.  The new recommendations state that after testing positive you can resume normal activities when you’ve been fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication and feeling well for at least 24 hours. Additional precautions are still recommended for the next five days including using masks and practicing physical distancing. Community members who are at high risk for complications should still contact their doctor to see if you may benefit from taking an antiviral medication. 

We are updating our COVID guide to reflect these recommendations. Students should continue to communicate directly with faculty to plan for any missing work due to illness. In accordance with university leave policies, faculty and staff should notify their supervisor.

Testing and Masks
On December 15, we shared that free COVID self-tests will be provided to the community until May 10^th at three campus distribution points. After May 10, we will discontinue distributing self- tests.

After May 10^th, COVID testing will continue to be available to students by scheduling an appointment for a healthcare provider-administered test with a nominal fee at the student health center.

Also, on May 10 we will conclude distribution of free masks to the community.

For any questions, please contact covidhealth@american.edu. 

Thank you for your continued support for the health and well-being of our AU community.

Sincerely, 

Raymond Lu Ming Ou
Vice President of Student Affairs

Sarah Baldassaro
Chief of Staff and Counselor to the President