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COVID is still with us, but cases have declined since the January peak on campus. Overall, our collective ability to manage symptoms, infection, and isolation has become more routine. Our community has learned to live with this virus while going on with our busy lives.
As a result, effective end of day on Friday, February 23, after almost four years, we will be retiring the Campus COVID Resource Line (CCRL), and positive cases will no longer be reported to the university. In addition, all current COVID-19 guidance and information will move from the university’s COVID-19 website to the new Campus Health website.
Important details:
- The CCRL will no longer be staffed by nurses, but recorded information will be available for a limited time. Individuals should contact their own healthcare provider with questions about symptoms or care, and/or access the Campus Health webpage for more detailed information.
- Rapid antigen tests will continue to be available at pick-up locations on campus.
- Reporting of positive COVID-19 cases to the university for students, faculty, and staff will end. Detailed instructions for those who test positive are available on the Campus Health website, which replaces the university’s dedicated COVID-19 site.
- With the end of university tracking, the duration of isolation can be calculated according to CDC guidance, with day zero being the first day of symptoms (if present), rather than the day of the positive test.
- Undergraduates will continue to have access to isolation kits in their residential colleges.
Taking personal responsibility to follow preventive steps to protect your coworkers, friends, roommates, and family is more important than ever—and something we know how to do.
- Please consider vaccination if you have not already had the 2023-24 updated vaccine. There is one more vaccine clinic available on Friday, February 23; appointments may be scheduled online. After Friday, the COVID vaccine is widely available through your health insurance, usually at no cost to you. Yale Health members may contact the Immunization Department or schedule directly through MyChart. Employees with Aetna insurance may seek vaccination through the Aetna network.
- Symptomatic? Take precautions. Wear a mask. Stay home from work or class.
- Test yourself using a rapid antigen test. Repeat the test in two days if you remain symptomatic, as tests can be falsely negative early in infection. Test prior to visits with high-risk individuals.
- Flu, RSV, and other cold viruses cause similar symptoms. Masks are recommended for symptoms even if you test negative for COVID. Vaccines for flu and RSV are available through your healthcare provider—it’s not too late.
- As always, if you do test positive, make sure to follow isolation guidance, notify your close contacts, and seek treatment if you have any conditions that compromise your immune system or if you are over the age of 50.
- NOTE: the CDC is reportedly reconsidering isolation policies but has not yet released formal changes. We will keep you posted. In the meantime, recommended isolation remains at 5 days (7 days for healthcare workers).
These system changes do not mean that we are taking our eye off the ball—far from it. The Campus Health team continues to monitor local and national trends for COVID, other infectious diseases, and other issues that may impact campus public health. We will keep you informed and stand ready to implement critical systems when and if circumstances warrant.
Yours in health,
Madeline S. Wilson, MD, FACP
Chief Campus Health Officer
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