Fall 2023 COVID-19 Response
Updated Aug. 18, 2023
The University of Richmond scaled back its COVID-19 protocols on May 8, 2023, in line with the end of the federal emergency declaration and very low COVID-19 rates on campus and in the local community. We will treat COVID-19 as we do other communicable illnesses that impact our campus community. Details include:
Testing
COVID-19 Tests
COVID-19 testing for students is available at the Student Health Center on the same basis as other laboratory testing. COVID-19 self-test kits will also be available for purchase at the Spider Shop and ETC.
Our community is not required to report positive COVID-19 tests to the University; however, please continue to monitor your health and stay home if sick. As with any other illness that requires missing class or work, students should notify their professors, and employees should notify their supervisors if they are ill and unable to attend class or come to work.
Information about what to do if you are exposed to COVID-19 is available on the CDC website.
Isolation Protocols
Students, staff, and faculty who test positive for COVID-19 are expected to follow current public health guidance, which may include isolating at home and not coming to class or work. Information regarding isolation is available on the websites for the Virginia Department of Health and the CDC.
Students who test positive for COVID-19 may need to isolate in their residence hall room or off-campus residence, at their home, or another off-campus location. Students will be expected to reach agreements with their roommates regarding isolating in their rooms. Students with COVID-19 will be permitted to go to retail dining locations for grab-and-go meals only if masked.
The University will, however, maintain limited isolation space for serious cases of COVID-19 and other illnesses that require isolation.
Employees should work with their supervisors to take sick leave or work remotely should they test positive for COVID-19 and need to isolate.
Masking
Masking is not required, though anyone is welcome to wear a mask. Facial coverings are available on a limited basis at our Facilities front desk area located at 131 UR Drive during business hours. Masks may be ordered by University departments in the same manner as they order other supplies.
Vaccines
The University does not require COVID-19 vaccines but encourages members of our campus community to get vaccinated consistent with public health guidance. The University intends to offer COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine clinics to students, faculty, and staff periodically.