Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Updates

University of the Sciences continues to closely monitor the ongoing and evolving situation related to the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 in order to evaluate the outbreak’s impact on members of our campus community, visitors, and operations on campus.

USciences is fully open and operational for the academic year. The University will continue to align with local and federal public health guidance.  We have a very high rate of vaccination in our population – both students and employees, and decreasing rates of community transmission and hospitalizations. Therefore, effective Friday, April 22nd, we will no longer require masks to be worn indoors while on campus, in alignment with City guidance. Individuals who wish to continue to wear masks, for any reason, are encouraged to do so.

Students and employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms​, have been exposed to COVID-19​, or have been diagnosed with/tested positive for COVID-19, must fill out the USciences COVID-19 Screening Form. This form will be utilized for clinical follow up and contact tracing efforts.

USciences is committed to the health and safety of the University community. We continue to follow guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, Pennsylvania Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified and symptoms include fever and lower respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Currently, the incubation period is thought to be up to 14 days, meaning an individual can be infected, contagious, and showing minimal or no symptoms during this time. The CDC guidance indicates COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets with close contact, which is similar to influenza and other respiratory pathogens. However, infection from fomites or other sources of the body is yet unknown. 

What can I do to protect myself and others?

USciences is committed to the health and safety of the University community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are following state and local guidelines in order to act in the best interest of our community and the greater public health. Learn More.

Is it safe for me to attend onground classes?

The University has been updating plans based upon CDC, state, and city guidelines.   The University will continue to closely monitor any changes to these guidelines as the plans we have developed are flexible based upon developing information.  Please see some information for specific circumstances below:

• Students who may be immunocompromised – Students should contact the Office of Student Accommodations at 215-596-8758 to begin the accommodations process in order that responsible accommodations can be made.

Whom do I contact with concerns about my schedule – specifically about being on campus for labs?

Students who have questions about their academic schedule or participation in on campus labs, classes, or practicals should contact their academic advisor.

 

What can you do to protect yourself?

USciences, as a health and science-focused institution, requires our entire community to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine and indicated booster(s), unless medical or religious contraindications are present. All of the FDA-approved vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) are safe, well-tolerated, and effective at preventing serious disease and saving lives, and appear thus far to be highly protective - even against many of the new virus variants. Getting vaccinated not only helps protect you against disease, but may also protect those around you, especially those who are at high risk for getting severe illness from COVID-19.

None of the COVID-19 vaccines can cause the disease; there is no live virus present in any of the current vaccines, so they cannot make you sick with COVID-19. Similarly, the vaccines will not cause you to test positive for COVID-19 on a virus test.

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to stop the pandemic. We encourage you to ask questions of your healthcare provider or other informed, trusted sources. SHAC clinicians are also available to answer questions that you may have. Help us all fight COVID-19 together!

Practicing good hygiene can help prevent all types of infections, including COVID-19:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after sneezing or coughing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Do not share any food, drinks, cups, utensils, etc.
• Avoid close contact with those who are ill.
• Stay home when you are sick and do not have contact with others
• Clean and disinfect surfaces
• Monitor your health and be alert for symptoms

More information about COVID-19

You can find the latest information on the spread of COVID-19, CDC travel guidance, and the World Health Organization recommendations at the following sites.  Please check these sites often for important updates.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), www.coronavirus.gov
• CDC, Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel
• CDC, Travel Health Notices
• World Health Organization, COVID-19 Travel Advice
• Pennsylvania Department of Public Health, PA COVID-19 Update
• Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information