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 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 Day 6 to Day 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. 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.
If I live in the residence halls, can I quarantine in my room?
The university has allocated space in residence halls for students who live in the residence halls to quarantine. As a result, the COVID Response Team may coordinate your move to the quarantine housing. In certain situations, after careful scrutiny by the Kent city health commissioner and the COVID Response Team, a student may be asked to quarantine in their own room. The university will provide linens and food. The local health department will provide case management and coordinate with the COVID Response Team and the DeWeese Health Center.
Can I still receive mail and packages?
Residence hall students in quarantine or isolation will continue to receive mail and packages in accordance with mail delivery procedures.
If I live in the residence halls, can I go home to quarantine?
Yes, unless there is an objection from the local or state health department, a student may return home to quarantine. Before returning to campus contact the COVID Response Team at 330-672-2525.