Close Contact, Quarantine and Isolation

Close Contact/COVID-19 Exposure: Some examples of close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 include being within six feet of them for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (e.g. having lunch or being part of a gathering with them); living with them; providing care for them; or having exposure to respiratory secretions (e.g., being coughed or sneezed on, sharing a drinking glass or utensils, kissing) from them.
Quarantine is the separation from others if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, unless you have been fully vaccinated. People who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure (even if they don’t have symptoms) through UVA BeSafe and wear a mask for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.
Isolation is the separation from others of an individual who has a confirmed COVID-19 infection.
To learn more about UVA's isolation and quarantine protocols, please visit coronavirus.virginia.edu/isolation-quarantine.

What if I am fully vaccinated and have no symptoms, but came in close contact with someone with COVID-19?

Get tested 3 - 5 days after your exposure. See BeSafe for testing information and scheduling.
Wear a mask for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is negative. You can attend class, but must be masked.
Follow the instructions of the local health department if they have been in contact with you.

What if I have symptoms of COVID-19 but am not aware of any COVID-19 exposures?

The following applies to vaccinated, under-vaccinated, or unvaccinated students:

You should not attend class. Separate yourself as much as possible from other people. Wear your mask.
Schedule an appointment at Student Health and Wellness (online or by calling 434-924-5362).
Follow the instructions of the local health department if they have been in contact with you.

What if I am undervaccinated/unvaccinated and was in close contact with a person with COVID-19?

You need to quarantine per CDC guidelines.
Schedule an appointment at Student Health and Wellness (online or by calling 434-924-5362).
If you live on Grounds, you will be provided with quarantine housing. A staff member will coordinate your move during daytime hours (typically 8am-5pm), so be ready for their call.

What if I develop symptoms while waiting for my BeSafe test 3-5 days after a COVID-19 exposure?

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 before taking a BeSafe test after an exposure, please cancel your BeSafe test, begin to self-isolate, and schedule a COVID test at Student Health and Wellness. Symptomatic testing at SHW can be scheduled online or by calling (434) 924-5362.

What if I have COVID-19 symptoms and am waiting for my test result?

Please do not go to class. Separate yourself as much as possible from other people. Do not spend time in common areas. Wear your mask.
If possible, have a friend pick up/order food for you. They can go to UVA Dining for a to-go meal if you provide them with your ID + a note that permits them to pick up a meal for you.
Review this CDC webpage for helpful guidance.

What if my roommate/housemate has COVID-19 symptoms and is waiting on a test result?

Separate from your roommate/housemate as much as possible. You should both wear a mask.
If your roommate/housemate tests positive, you should follow the close contact and testing guidance above.

What if I receive a COVIDWISE notification?

Get tested for COVID-19 by scheduling an appointment through UVA BeSafe.
You do not need to alter activities if you are not otherwise notifed by the health department, or person, that you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.

How can I prepare if I’m living off Grounds and my housemates test positive for COVID-19?

The CDC has a very helpful resource (navigate to the “Protect Yourself” section) for living/working around someone who is, or may be, positive for COVID-19. The VDH also has a comprehensive PDF that outlines when it is safe to be around others after isolation and quarantine periods. Housemates living off Grounds should develop a plan for what to do if someone becomes sick, including temporary living arrangements during a housemate’s quarantine and/or isolation period:

Self-isolating in the house/apartment (works best if each housemate has access to their own bathroom)
Going home to your permanent residence
Staying with a friend
Utilizing a hotel

Please be contact your professors directly about your classes and any potential accommodations if COVID-related circumstances will prevent you from being present in person.