KALAMAZOO, MI — Western Michigan University has released protocols in regards to COVID-19 and monkeypox for the upcoming academic year, in an email from the university president’s office.
The university recommends community members pursue the COVID-19 vaccine, and booster shots when available. Testing is also recommended for community members who begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
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Non-medically necessary tests at Sindecuse Health Center cost $25, WMU spokesperson Paula Davis said.
In the past, WMU required students who had not verified their COVID-19 vaccination status with Sindecuse Health Center to test weekly. Masks were also required for all indoor and transit spaces, until May 6. The email noted wide-scale asymptomatic testing and daily health screenings are no longer recommended by the CDC.
WMU still recommends wearing a mask when Kalamazoo County reaches a high level of community spread, in accordance with CDC guidelines. The county is currently in the high risk category, according to the most updated data available on the Kalamazoo County COVID data website.
If exposed to a positive case, students are advised to wear a mask for ten days. Quarantining upon exposure is no longer recommended by the CDC, the email read.
Housing for exposed individuals will not be provided as the CDC now considers residence hall living a “low-risk congregate setting due to the lower risk of severe health outcomes,” WMU spokesperson Paula Davis said.
The email also informed the community of monkeypox symptoms and advised community members to contact Sindecuse if they have symptoms.
Western Michigan University resumes classes for the fall semester on Aug. 31.
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