How does the HEAL line work?

For questions about a positive COVID-19 test or exposure, call (301) 405-HEAL (4325). You will first be connected to the virtual assistant that can answer many of your questions. If you need to speak with a HEAL line staff member to provide additional information, you will be prompted to leave a message. HEAL Line staff will respond to messages during HEAL line hours. Most times, we will communicate with you by sending a secure message through our patient portal, but occasionally we will need to speak with you by phone. 

If you are having symptoms and need to speak to a nurse, you will be contacted by one of our team members during HEAL line hours. Outside of the HEAL line's designated hours, you can contact the After Hours Nurse Line at 301-314-9386. 

Please call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Where can I get tested on campus for COVID-19?

• COVID testing (rapid antigen and PCR) may be done at the UHC for individuals who have a scheduled appointment with a provider, or who are traveling outside of the US and need a PCR test to enter their international destination. Please call the UHC at 301.314.8184 for more information.

• Free COVID-19 self-test kits are currently available at the UHC pharmacy and registration desk on the first floor while supplies last. Please show your University ID card to pick up your test kit. Students do not need an appointment to obtain a self-test kit. Many COVID-19 rapid tests have extended expiration dates. Before you throw out your "Expired" tests, check to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended. 

• Beginning September 25, 2023, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Visit https://www.covid.gov/tests for more details. 

Please Note: The FDA has extended the expiration date for COVID-19 self-tests.  Please click here to check yours. 

Isolation For People Who Test Positive

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 you will need to isolate for a minimum of 5 full days from the date your positive test was conducted. Wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home. Students living in residence halls or university owned fraternity and sorority houses will need to isolate at their permanent home or another off-campus location if they test positive. The university does not provide designated isolation housing on campus. There are a number of hotels in the College Park area where you may choose to isolate. You can view local accommodations and make reservations by clicking here. For more resources for individuals who need to isolate off campus, click here.

Students living off-campus should isolate at their permanent home or may isolate in their off-campus residence, preferably if they have their own bedroom and bathroom. 

You may end isolation on day 6, if you meet ALL of the following conditions:

• You have been fever free without fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol or Advil) for 24 hours AND

• Your symptoms have resolved or are steadily improving AND

• You test negative with a rapid antigen test on day 6 of isolation. 

If you are able to meet all of the above conditions, you may return to campus. However, you must continue to do the following for an additional 5 full days (for a total of 10 days since the date of the positive test):

• Wear a well-fitted mask for any time you are around others inside your home or in public. With two sequential negative tests 48 hours apart, you may remove your mask sooner than day 10.

• Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask. 

• Avoid travel, and avoid being around others who are high risk.

• You should not eat in restaurants or dine with others.

• Students with a resident dining plan can request a Sick Meal to eat in their room.

If you do not meet all of the above conditions to end isolation on day 6, then you must continue to isolate for an additional 5 full days (for a total of 10 days of isolation) or until you receive a negative test (whichever occurs first). You also must be fever free for 24 hours and have improvement of symptoms in order to leave isolation. Please note, if you have a negative test between day 6 and day 10, you may end isolation on the day of the negative test, but you must continue to wear a well-fitting mask while around others through day 10.

Taking Care of Yourself When You Have COVID-19

It is important that you take care of yourself when you have COVID-19.  Please click here for important information about what to do when you are sick.

If you are sick and need medical care, you may be seen at the University Health Center or a local healthcare facility of your choice.

To schedule an appointment at the UHC, please call (301) 314-8184.

What to do after being exposed to someone with COVID-19

A close contact is someone who was less than 6 feet away from an individual with COVID-19, for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24 hours period (masked or unmasked).  If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, regardless of vaccine status, you should take these precautions.