Testing Positive or COVID Exposure
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with a person with COVID-19, get tested 5 days after exposure. You may be infected even if you do not have symptoms.
If you test positive for COVID-19:
- Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate yourself from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.
- Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
- Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
- Do not travel.
- Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
- Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
- Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
- Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
- Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19.
- Let your professors and supervisors know if you will miss class or work. Contact your faculty (and supervisor, if you work for the university) and let them know you are isolating pending receipt of medical consultation or testing. Students may also reach out to [email protected] if assistance is needed with contacting faculty.
COVID Exposure
If you have been exposed and test negative for COVID, there is no need to isolate. It is recommended that you take precautions and wear a high-quality mask when around others at home and indoors in public.
If you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 or have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority that you were exposed, here are the steps that you should take, regardless of your vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection.
- Wear a well-fitting mask (surgical, KN95 or N95) for 10 days after exposure
- You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you have been exposed
- Watch for symptoms which may include: fever (100.4°F or greater), cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and other COVID-19 symptoms
- If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately, get tested, and stay home until you receive test results
- It is recommended that you get tested 5 days after exposure
- See additional CDC guidance regarding exposure to COVID-19.
If you have been exposed and test positive for COVID-19, isolate immediately.
If you develop symptoms after your exposure, STAY HOME and get tested ASAP. See COVID-19 symptoms here.