Frequently Asked Questions 

Updated 8/2/21

How do I get tested for COVID-19?
Walsh University encourages those who are symptomatic or have been exposed to COVID-19 to contact their primary care physician for guidance regarding testing.  For more information about local testing centers, Click Here. 

Campus Surveillance Testing
The Governor has issued a recommendation that all residential colleges and universities in the state regularly test a sample population of asymptomatic members of their campus communities for COVID-19.  Surveillance testing will be available on a voluntary basis throughout the summer months for all Walsh students and employees. Additional information on the testing process will be provided to our residential students prior to return to campus.

Do I need to quarantine if I have received the vaccination and been exposed to COVID-19?
Per guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and Stark County Health Department (released on February 10, 2021) , individuals having received their second dose of the COVID19 vaccination are not required to quarantine if all the following criteria are met:

  • they are asymptomatic
  • it has been 2 weeks since their second dose of the vaccine
  • it is within 3 months of their second dose of the vaccine

Any student or employee who has received the second dose of the vaccine but does not meet these criteria will need to quarantine.  Students and employees will be directed to quarantine until proof of receipt of the second dose of vaccine can be provided and confirmed by the COVID19 Community Health & Response Team.

What is the plan for athletics? 
Student-athletes will receive specific guidance regarding NCAA COVID safety protocols at a later time. Please continue to monitor your emails for communications regarding NCAA safety guidance and the Walsh University protocols.

What happens if a member of the campus community tests positive for COVID-19? 
It is the responsibility of all members of our campus community to monitor his/her health and report to the COVID-19 Community Health and Response Team using our Reporting and Response Protocols.  Members of our campus community who test positive will need to complete an isolation period as outlined per our university protocol.

Some items to know:  

  • Isolation refers to separation of an ill person from others to minimize the spread of the illness.  Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 or exhibiting symptoms will be asked to self-isolate either at home or in one of the isolation rooms being set aside on campus.  CDC guidelines require self-isolation in cases of COVID-19 for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms and for the individual to be free of fever and other symptoms for 24 hours before returning to normal activities.
  • Quarantine is the separation of someone who has been exposed to the virus.  In those cases, individuals will be asked to self-quarantine either at home or in one of the quarantine rooms being set aside on campus for this purpose.  CDC guidelines require self-quarantine when exposed for 10 days after exposure to someone with COVID-19.
  • The University will refer suspected cases of COVID-19 to one of the local, authorized testing centers.  Individuals will be asked to self-quarantine until test results are received.  Positive results will require self-isolation (see above).  

Are masks required on campus? 
In consultation with state and local health officials, Walsh University is adopting the updated CDC guidelines campus-wide. Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask, physically distance, or quarantine.   

We strongly encourage CAV Nation to continue to practice good judgement. Mask up:

  • If you are not fully vaccinated
  • If you have been vaccinated but would feel more comfortable wearing a mask
  • Out of courtesy for someone else’s comfort
Please continue to wash your hands frequently, self-monitor, and stay home if you are sick.

What is the status of University-sponsored travel? 

Walsh University is continuing to monitor travel guidance provided by federal, state and local health authorities. To view the unviersity's latest travel guidelines, Click Here.

Will Holy Mass be celebrated in the Chapel? 
Yes, Holy Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel. All Holy Masses and Services are now open to the Public as well as the Walsh Community.

We ask that participants adhere to CDC and state guidelines while on Campus.  The lower level doors to the Chapel will remain locked, and all attendees will come to the main Chapel doors. Where necessary, stanchions will be used to create an area for people to line up while waiting to gain entry to the Chapel.

  • Hand sanitizer will be provided at all the doorways.
  • Seating will be in designated spots to comply with physical distancing guidelines.
  • Capacity will be capped at 150.
  • People will be asked to remain in their pews and ushers will release pews to receive Holy Communion.
  • People are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings, and all Diocesan guidelines will be followed for reception of Holy Communion. 

Will campus buildings be cleaned more frequently? 
The Facilities staff will continue work with each department head/manager to identify problem areas and implement solutions. The emphasis has been on creating distance and increasing ability to disinfect. To learn more about campus cleaning and safety protocols, click here. 

What can I do to help prevent the spread of germs?
According to the guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control and the Ohio Department of Health, the most important thing our community can be doing at this time is to practice simple strategies to prevent the spread of germs:

  • Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. 
  • Clean surfaces such as door knobs, remote controls, cell phones frequently. 
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with your bare hands. 
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue away. 
  • Stay away from people who are sick.    
  • If you are ill or become ill, stay at home.

I’m a member of the Walsh community and I feel unwell.  What should I do? 
Contact a medical professional for advice. Please do not come to work or class while ill and avoid close contact with others. 

How will information be shared with the campus community? 
The University will send out update notices to the campus as necessary.  For detailed information on the Coronavirus and the University response, visit: https://www.walsh.edu/coronavirus.html