Isolation & Quarantine

Updated Aug. 26, 2022: How do I isolate section?

UNCSA follows the Center for Disease Control (CDC), state guidelines, and UNC System guidance in developing our health and safety protocols for the campus. We are constantly monitoring guidance from these as well as local health officials and will adjust health and safety protocols as needed. In addition to our Community Health Standards, UNCSA has enacted the following protocols. 

When to isolate

Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others when you have COVID-19. You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.

• If your results are negative, you can end your isolation.
• If your results are positive, follow the full isolation recommendations below. 

Isolation is counted in days, as follows:

How do I isolate?

If you test positive for COVID-19, stay in your residence for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your residence. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.

• Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at your residence and in public.
• Stay at your residence and separate from others as much as possible.
  Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Students will need to have a friend pick up their meals either from the Pickle Jar or Dining Hall; each student will be able to receive two meals a day in a meal exchange program.
• Students are responsible for notifying their faculty members that they are out of class.
• Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask, including travel and public transportation settings.
• Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
• Learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19.

Where to isolate

Ending your isolation 

• If you had no symptoms, you may end isolation after 5 days.
• If you had symptoms, you may end isolation if:
  • You are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication)
  • Your symptoms are improving
  • Refer to the CDC guidance if you had moderate illness or severe illness. 

Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11. You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.

What to do if you were exposed to COVID-19

If you have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority 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.

1. Immediately wear a mask as soon as you find out you were exposed.
2. Start counting from Day 1
   • Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19
   • Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure
3. Get tested on Day 6 - at least 5 full days after your last exposure.
4. Continue precautions for 10 full days. You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you have been exposed.

Positive Case Protocol 

Positive results are reported to UNCSA and the Forsyth County Department of Public Health. 

Protocol for all students:

• Refer to "How do I Isolate?" section.
• Counseling services are available for all students.
• Students are responsible for notifying their faculty of their absence. Arts and academic departments will work with students on their absence due to illness.

If you are a residential student:

High School students must isolate at their permanent residence. 

We encourage college and graduate students who are able to isolate at their permanent residence. If a student cannot isolate at a permanent residence they should isolate in their on-campus housing assignment.

If you are a commuter/non-residential student:

Students who test positive should isolate immediately at your residence.

If you are a faculty or staff member:

1. Faculty or staff who test positive for COVID-19 must leave campus and isolate at home.
2. You must notify your supervisor. Managers and employees will follow the COVID-19 Response Plan for Employees.
3. Your will be allowed to return to campus when you have verification from a medical provider that you have recovered.

Wellness

The mental health and well-being of our students is a top priority. We continue to support students with counseling, mindfulness sessions, physical exercise, yoga and other activities designed to promote overall wellness, while reinforcing our campus community academically, artistically and emotionally.

Faculty and staff who need assistance with mental or emotional health issues may use the UNCSA Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is an employer-sponsored benefit program that offers support and resources to address personal or work-related challenges and concerns. It is free for employees and members of your household and is completely confidential.