COVID-19 GUIDANCE: Email to resident students, positive test - Fall 2022 

Thank you for notifying us of your positive COVID-19 test. We know this may be a difficult time, and we’re here to help you get well and navigate next steps. Please read this entire message to understand what to do next. 

ISOLATION REQUIREMENTS

ISOLATE FOR AT LEAST 5 FULL DAYS from the date of your positive test. You may end isolation on or after Day 6 ONLY if you meet the following criteria:

• You must have a negative rapid antigen test on or after Day 6. You may use an at-home test. 
• You must be fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.
• Your symptoms must be gone or improving.
  If you have met all three criteria above, you may return to campus on Day 6 after testing positive. 

For a total of 10 days, you must wear a tight-fitted mask when you are indoors or in public. Avoid travel and being around others who are at high risk. Do not eat in restaurants or dine with others. 

ISOLATE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 5 FULL DAYS (for a total of 10 full days) if ANY of the following apply to you:

• You are not able to perform a rapid antigen test, or you test positive on or after Day 6 OR
• You continue to have a fever OR
• Your symptoms are not improving. Your return date to campus will then be 10 full days after you test positive. You do not need a negative test to return to campus on this date.

ON-CAMPUS STUDENTS (Residence hall and University-owned Chapter House residents)

We see that you live on campus in the residence halls or in a University-owned chapter house.  Please note that you may not isolate in your campus residence room/suite/apartment, or chapter house.  You must isolate off-campus. We found that most students who needed to isolate themselves preferred to do so in a more personal and comfortable place, most often at their permanent home. However, if you have an extreme circumstance that prevents you from going home and may need to isolate on-campus, there is a very limited number of spaces available. Please contact the HEAL line at 301.314.4325 (HEAL) so our staff can assist you  

• Your ID card will be deactivated for the residence halls through Day 6 based on the reported positive test result.
• Do not go to classes and/or to a job on campus. 
• Notify your instructors and/or your on-campus supervisor.  
• DO NOT COME ON CAMPUS FOR ANY REASON.

NOTIFY CLOSE CONTACTS

The CDC no longer requires contact tracing to notify those potentially exposed to COVID-19. However, notifying your close contacts of exposure allows them to be vigilant for symptoms and to test appropriately.  Please reach out to people with whom you have had close contact (within 6 feet of distance for 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period, masked or unmasked) within the 2 days before onset of symptoms or 2 days before your positive result if you have no symptoms. Notify them of your positive test. The health department may also reach out to you for additional contact tracing.

TESTING ADVICE

You should avoid taking a PCR test for 90 days from the date of your positive test result. Unlike a PCR test, which can detect very low levels of virus for 90 days after an initial infection, a rapid antigen test should be negative once you are no longer contagious, which is typically once you have ended isolation.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN YOU HAVE COVID

We know you may not feel well and that you might need guidance for managing your symptoms. Visit the CDC website for self-care guidelines and treatment information. 

If you feel your symptoms need to be evaluated by a medical provider, call the UHC at 301.314.8184 to schedule an appointment.

If you experience any worsening or severe symptoms, including shortness of breath or trouble breathing, then seek emergency medical care immediately.

Take care, Terp. We hope you feel better soon. Please contact the HEAL line at 301.314.4325 (HEAL) if we can be of further assistance.