Quarantine: Questions and answers

What is quarantine?

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

Who should quarantine? Is there a different course of action for those with vaccines and those without?

Please note: Per the CDC, "up to date" means a person:

• Has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.
• Has vaccinations within five months of Pfizer and Moderna or within two months of Johnson & Johnson OR if longer than that they have received a booster.

Individuals who come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 who are vaccinated and up to date with vaccinations should follow these guidelines:

• No quarantine needed, but a well-fitted mask must be worn for a full 10 days with mask removal for sleeping and eating only OR if you are alone. Test on Day 5 regardless of symptoms. Test anytime that symptoms develop.  Students are allowed to stay in their regular dorm room for the full 10 days. If at any time a student tests positive, they need to call the COVID Response Team to report their positive test.

Individuals who come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 who are not fully vaccinated and/or are not up to date with vaccinations should follow these guidelines:

• Students must quarantine in a quarantine dorm room for five days. Test on Day 5 regardless of symptoms. Test anytime that symptoms develop. On days 6 to 10, students may leave their quarantine dorm but will still need to sleep and eat in their quarantine dorm. Meals will not be delivered. Wear a well-fitted mask for a full 10 days with mask removal for sleeping and eating only OR if you are alone. If at any time a student tests positive, they need to call the COVID Response Team to report their positive test. Those who are not fully vaccinated and a close contact should call the COVID Response Team to report and confirm their quarantine plan. 

Find a visual representation/flowchart illustrating this guidance on the ODH website. 

Those who are not fully vaccinated and a close contact should call the COVID Response Team to report and confirm their quarantine plan. 

What steps should I take to quarantine?

• Stay home and monitor your health.
• Wear a well-fitting mask if you have to be around others.
• Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19.
• Contact your medical provider if you develop COVID-19 symptoms or have questions.
• If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Report your quarantine status to the Kent State COVID Response Team by calling 330-672-2525.

When should quarantine start and end?

Access CDC Quarantine Start and End Guidelines.