General Instructions
- If you test positive for COVID-19, mask, stay home for at least 5 days, and isolate from others. Follow isolation guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Do not go to classes or work.
- Inform your close contacts.
- Inform others with a need to know.
- Monitor your symptoms and care for yourself. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek care immediately.
- Complete isolation and follow post-isolation protocol.
- Learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19.
Isolation and Masking
If you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, have a positive Rapid Antigen Test, or have been told by a close contact or healthcare provider that you were exposed, here are the steps that you should take, regardless of your vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection.
- Wear a mask as soon as you find out you were exposed or test positive.
- Isolate away from others and follow CDC guidance for isolation.
- Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.
- If you live in a residential college, stay in your room for the duration of your isolation (with the exception of getting meals, short walks outside, or evacuating the building for an emergency.
Calculating Isolation Times After Testing Positive:
If you have or develop symptoms: The day you began with any COVID-19 symptom is Day 0. The next full day is day 1 and so on. You should continue to isolate through day 5* and can come out of isolation as long as your symptoms are improving AND you no longer have a fever (without the use of medication).
If you do not have symptoms: The day that you tested positive for COVID-19 is Day 0. The next full day is day 1 and so on. You should continue to isolate through day 5* and can come out of isolation as long as you never develop symptoms. If you develop symptoms during your isolation period, your isolation time period resets, and you should follow the isolation period for symptoms above.
Use the CDC Isolation and Exposure Calculator to help you determine if you need to isolate or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
*Health care workers and students in clinical settings should follow the Health Care Worker section.
What to do if you feel sick / have symptoms
Most cases of COVID-19 are mild, but you need to take symptoms seriously. You may use Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever or body aches. If you develop worrisome new symptoms or your symptoms are getting worse, call your primary care provider. Students should call Student Health: 203-432-0312. After hours call Acute Care: 203-432-0123.
Call 911 immediately if you develop:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
- New confusion or inability to arouse or stay awake.
- Bluish lips or face.
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
Ending isolation
You must isolate for at least 5 days. If you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and symptoms have improved, you may return to work/class on day 6 but must continue to mask until day 10. Follow ending isolation guidance provided by the CDC.
For additional information, see the sections specific to faculty, staff, and students, and healthcare workers.