Chicago City Wire

Owing to the emergence of the COVID-19 omicron variant and the holidays coming close, DePaul University administrators have updated its winter quarter information in a recent press release.

“DePaul administrators are closely attuned to information emerging about the omicron variant, its potential impact and the potential surge in COVID-19 cases as we travel and gather to celebrate the holidays. The Community Health Team and university leaders are making decisions based on the best scientific information and data available,” the university said in the press release.

The university will resume classes right after New Year, before other institutions in the country.

According to the press release, the first two weeks of winter quarter courses, Monday, Jan. 3 to Saturday, Jan. 15, will be held online.

However, the university also mentioned that exceptions could me made if a class cannot be offered online. Exceptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis and would need approval from Academic Affairs.

In-person classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, following the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The university asks students to continue wearing face masks indoors and stay home if they are sick.

The university also suggests getting flu shots and COVID-19 booster shots. All the residence halls of the university will open on Jan. 2. The university had advised all students who expect to live on campus to show a negative COVID-19 report after they return from their winter break. Starting Jan. 3, the campus buildings will remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., as per the press release. If someone needs to access the buildings outside of the official hours, they are recommended to contact Public Safety.

Other university services and operations will continue on a limited basis with a reduced in-person staff.