Respiratory Illness Guidelines
Measles
If a member of the campus community is exposed to measles, develops symptoms of measles, or is diagnosed with measles, they are strongly encouraged to follow the appropriate recommendations, along with instructions from their personal healthcare provider and the Salt Lake County Health Department.
Stay up to date on the Utah Department of Health and Human Services' measles response and review a list of exposure locations by county.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne illness that spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. Anyone who is not immune to measles (2 MMR doses or serologic test of immunity, or individuals born before 1957) is at risk.
Vaccination is the most effective protection against measles infection. Two doses of MMR are about 97% effective. In addition to vaccination, wearing a high-quality mask such as an N95 or KN95 can reduce risk of exposure or spread, especially after a reported exposure or during outbreaks. Stay home when sick.
Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. The rash usually starts 3-5 days after other symptoms appear.
A person who is sick with measles can spread the virus from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the rash appears. The Salt Lake County Health Department will provide guidance when you can return to campus.
If you are vaccinated:
- Monitor symptoms for 21 days
- No quarantine required
- Stay home if any symptoms develop
If you are not vaccinated:
- Quarantine and refrain from attending in-person campus activities for up to 21 days
- Do not attend classes, work sites, or campus activities in person
- Remain at home and avoid public contact
If you develop symptoms:
- Stay home immediately
- Monitor the severity of your symptoms and seek medical care as appropriate
- Do not visit healthcare facilities, including campus Medical Services, without calling first
- If you need medical care, use virtual care options when possible
If you are diagnosed with measles:
- Isolate immediately
- Remain isolated until at least 4 days after rash onset
- Follow all public health guidance; You may be contacted by the Salt Lake County Health Department to get more information about your case
COVID-19
While COVID-19 remains a prevalent public health concern, the university currently provides general guidance on what community members and visitors should do to prevent infection. These principles align with protective measures for most infectious respiratory diseases and are based on the CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of respiratory diseases. Masks are encouraged in specific circumstances but not required in any campus locations.
COVID-19 testing is available at the Medical Services clinic in the L.S. Skaggs Integrated Wellness Center. Testing is free to all Westminster students and employees during Fall and Spring semesters. Call 801.832.2239 to schedule an appointment.
After you schedule an appointment, you must complete testing intake forms either over the phone or when you arrive for your appointment. Wear a mask if you have had close contact with someone who recently tested positive for COVID, or if you are feeling symptoms of illness.
Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should make an appointment to be tested if they are experiencing symptoms of illness or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. If you're experiencing symptoms after hours, try scheduling a test with your health care provider or urgent care instead of Westminster’s Medical Services clinic. You can also obtain and use an at-home COVID test.
Shared Responsibility for a Health Campus
It takes a community effort to create a safe and healthy campus environment. Understanding and employing some basic public health measures can help limit the spread of respiratory infections.
Get Vaccinated
Staying up-to-date with recommended immunizations is one of the best ways to get the most out of your campus experience.
Wash Your Hands
Washing hands is often the number one way to stop the spread of germs and to stay healthy. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if water is not available.
Wear a Face Covering
The right types of face coverings can help to prevent the spread of respiratory disease.
Check for Symptoms
Before coming to campus or leaving your residence hall, everyone, including contractors and visitors, must check themselves for symptoms. Do not come to campus if you are sick.
Stay Home When Sick
Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing and sneezing. Understand when it's safe to leave isolation.
Keep Campus Clean
Disinfect shared surfaces when you arrive and when you leave. Request office cleaning from campus cleaning staff.
Avoid Behaviors of Bias
Be aware that concern around infectious diseases can lead to stigma and bias.
Online Work and Learning Resources
Information Services and the Office of Student Success and Retention have compiled a list of helpful resources for university employees who may need to work from home or students who may have to attend class remotely.
Information Services Support Online Learning Resources for Students