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Coronavirus
(COVID-19)

Information Center

Isolation and Quarantine Protocol

Last Updated:

This protocol provides general information regarding isolation and quarantine. Any directives provided by Health & Wellness Center or a health provider supersede what appears here.

Isolation

For Positive COVID-19 Cases 

Isolation is the separation of someone who is ill and is awaiting a test result or has tested positive for COVID-19.  One can test positive for COVID-19 without symptoms. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people can test positive.

Vaccines, as well as new testing and treatment options, have allowed us to adjust our response to the disease. COVID cases among students on our campus have typically been mild. Vaccination and boosters continue to reduce the severity of COVID, especially for those without other risk factors. 

Students isolating in their residence are required to follow CDC guidelines and rules that reduce their exposure to their roommates and others. This includes wearing a high-quality and well-fitted mask (such as KN-95 or similar, or a surgical mask covered by a cloth mask). COVID-positive students also may choose to complete their isolation period elsewhere if they are able to travel by private vehicle. Our Health and Wellness Center (HWC) will continue to provide support to all students who are symptomatic and require care.

Quarantine

For Exposure to COVID-19, Close Contacts

Quarantine is the separation of someone exposed to a COVID-19-positive individual from others to monitor the exposed person for signs of illness. 

If you’ve been identified as a close contact, regardless of vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection, you are not required to quarantine if you are not experiencing symptoms. 

  • Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days upon exposure. 
  • Test on day 6 after exposure even if you don’t have symptoms 
    • Students can pick up an at-home antigen test from the Health & Wellness Center and test on or after day 5 of exposure, or if they have symptoms.

Additional Resources

Isolation Kit

We encourage all students and their families to discuss and prepare a plan for if they or their roommate contract COVID and to have an “isolation kit” prepared in advance that includes cleaning materials, medicine and other necessities.

Supplies you may want to include in your Isolation Kit:

  • Academic Materials: All class materials, including academic books, notebooks, laptop and other necessary supplies.
  • Personal Medications: Prescribed medications you need for at least 10 days (the duration of the infective period).
  • Hygiene Supplies: Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, etc.
  • Technology Supplies: Phone charger, laptop charger and a back-up battery.
  • Comfort Food: Consider packing your favorite comfort snacks and drinks as well as a reusable water bottle.
  • Self-Care Items to support your well-being: Art supplies, puzzles, crafts, playing cards, books
  • Blanket

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions marked with a bell emoji have been added recently.

CDC guidelines regarding isolation and quarantine are available here. Students should follow the instructions provided by the Health and Wellness Center. 

If you have questions related to specific medical concerns or symptoms, call the Health and Wellness Center at 610-758-3870 or contact us through the HWC secure message portal.

No. Once the isolation period has been completed and an individual is cleared to return to work or school, evidence of a negative test is not required. 

We have gained a better understanding of COVID and its impact on our community. Vaccines, as well as new testing and treatment options, also have allowed us to adjust our response to the disease. COVID cases among students on our campus have typically been mild. Vaccination and boosters continue to reduce the severity of COVID, especially for those without other risk factors. With this context, our focus will shift towards mitigation efforts that are focused on protecting the most vulnerable from serious illness.  

Students who are required to isolate or quarantine must not go to class in person. They should inform their professors and instructors of their need to isolate/quarantine and work with them to keep up with their coursework. Faculty and instructors were encouraged by the Provost to provide guidance and flexibility for students who require isolation or quarantine. 

 

If you’ve been identified as a close contact, regardless of vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection, you are not required to quarantine if you are not experiencing symptoms. 

  • Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days upon exposure. 
  • Test on day 6 after exposure even if you don’t have symptoms 
    • You can pick up an at-home antigen test from the Health & Wellness Center, and test on or after day 5 of exposure, or if you have symptoms.

Additional close contact information can be found here: CDC guidance for Close Contacts.