Isolation Protocol & Close Contacts

Updated Aug. 30, 2022

Note: Most of the details below apply to students. Employees should consult the HR website for more information pertaining to faculty and staff.

The University's isolation protocols as part of its COVID-19 response are in line with the most recent guidance from the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health.

Details include: 

Isolation

  • Regardless of vaccination status, students who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 5 full days from the earlier of the onset of symptoms or a positive test (PCR or rapid antigen).
  • A self-test kit will be provided by the University. Students will be instructed to take the test on day 5 of isolation.
    • If the test is positive, they should report the test as instructed when placed in isolation and remain in isolation with a potential release on day 7.
    • Students may take another test on day 7 of isolation. Test results should be reported as instructed when placed in isolation. If the test is positive the student remains in isolation for 10 full days with release on day 11.
    • If the test is negative, the student is released from isolation as soon as they report the negative test using the appropriate form.
  • Release from isolation on day 6 may occur given the following conditions are met:
    • Negative self-test taken on day 5
    • No fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine; and
    • Other symptoms resolved or resolving

Note: Students released from isolation on day 6 must wear a mask for 5 days after release. The mask must be worn at all times except when sleeping or eating. The mask should be a N95, KN95, or surgical mask and NOT a cloth mask.

  • Release from isolation on day 7 may occur given the following conditions are met:
    • Negative self-test taken on day 7
    • No fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine; and
    • Other symptoms resolved or resolving

Note: Students released from isolation on day 7 must wear a mask for 3 days after release. The mask must be worn at all times except when sleeping or eating. The mask should be a N95, KN95, or surgical mask and NOT a cloth mask.

Close Contacts

  • According to the Virginia Department of Health, a close contact is defined as:
    • Being within 6 feet of a person who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, or
    • Having direct exposure to respiratory secretions (e.g., being coughed or sneezed on, sharing a drinking glass or utensils, kissing)
  • The following protocols apply to all close contacts, regardless of their vaccine status:
    • Consistent with CDC guidance issued in August 2022, the University does not require close contacts to quarantine.
    • Anyone identified as a close contact will be required to wear a mask when indoors for 10 full days from the date of their exposure to an individual who tests positive.  The mask should be a N95, KN95, or surgical mask and NOT a cloth mask.
    • All close contacts must close monitor their symptoms and test promptly if they develop symptoms of COVID-19. If the initial test is negative, the close contact should test again 24 hours later.
    • Close contacts will be required to conduct a self-test on days 1, 3, and 5 post exposure and report that test result as directed by the University’s contact tracing team. 

 

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