COVID-19 Information

Based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Multnomah County Health Department, Lewis & Clark has simplified and updated many of its COVID-19 policies and requirements.

Vaccinations

As of June 1, 2023, Lewis & Clark no longer requires students or employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters to attend school or work.

Masking

Mask-wearing is optional on the Lewis & Clark campus. High-quality masks for community members are available for free in the following locations:

  • Health Promotion and Wellness office (Fowler Center 110)
  • Student Health Center (Fowler Center 160)
  • residence hall lobbies (Copeland main lobby, Platt main lobby, Holmes main lobby, Tamarack lobby, and Akin lobby)

If you are experiencing symptoms of an airborne illness (COVID-19, influenza, RSV, etc.) and are unable to stay home, we urge mask use to protect the community.

Testing

The federal government has resumed its free at-home COVID test program. Sign up to receive your tests in the mail.

In addition, antigen tests are available for purchase in the campus bookstore, at local grocery stores, and online. The bookstore is generally open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tests are no longer available for free on campus following the expiration of the Public Health Emergency and associated federal funding. 

Reporting

Lewis & Clark no longer requires community members to report positive COVID-19 tests. If your respiratory or other acute symptoms persist and you desire medical evaluation, please contact the Health Center or your primary care provider for guidance. If you are experiencing severe symptoms on-campus, call Campus Safety (503-768-7777) and 911.

Students and Employees Who Test Positive

If you test positive for COVID:

  • Isolate in place until your symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for 24 hours.
    • You do not need to get a negative antigen test in order to end isolation.
    • You do not need to isolate for 5 full days if your symptoms improve before then and you remain fever-free.
    • Leave isolation only for essential purposes, defined as accessing needed health care, picking up meals, using a restroom, taking out your trash, and responding to emergency alarms
  • Wear a high-quality mask for 10 days after symptom onset.
  • Avoid contact with those at increased risk for severe disease.

 Students who test positive and live on campus should consider the following:

Students and Employees Who Are Exposed to COVID

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID, it is recommended that you:

  • Wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Take a COVID test 5 days after exposure.
    • Test sooner if you develop symptoms.

For more details, see the CDC guidance for close contacts.

Visitors/Travel/Events