Testing includes both pre-arrival and at-arrival testing, as well as ongoing screening of asymptomatic individuals during the semester.
The frequency of required testing in this program reflects an analysis of testing protocols that would be most likely to limit the rapid spread of the infection.
Pre-arrival and arrival testing for the spring semester
For those who are currently, and plan to remain in, Connecticut:
- Voluntary asymptomatic testing through Yale’s COVID-19 Screening Program is available through December and January. You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this testing program, especially if you are in the New Haven area.
- A test is required for all students within one week of the start date of your academic program. You must quarantine until receiving a negative result on this arrival test. You must complete testing prior to any in-person on-campus classes or activities.
For those who will be returning to Connecticut from out of state or international locations before the start of the spring term, please review the university’s travel guidelines and the State of Connecticut Travel Advisory:
- Testing PRIOR to travel back to Connecticut is strongly recommended. Testing should take place in a timeframe that will allow the return of test results PRIOR to travel. Do not travel if your test is positive, but isolate for 10 days prior to return to New Haven.
- Pre-arrival testing done outside of the Yale COVID 19 Screening Program will be reimbursed at up to $120 per test. If you submit your receipt to Yale, you should complete this form and return it by mail or send it electronically to yhclaims@yale.edu to receive your reimbursement.
- Test immediately on return to New Haven and quarantine in your home location until you have had TWO negative tests: the on-arrival test and a second test no sooner than 4 days after the first test.
Ongoing testing
- Students in high-density dormitory housing (Helen Hadley Hall and Harkness Hall) are required to be tested twice per week throughout the semester.
- Residents of other on-campus graduate and professional school dormitories including Baker Hall, 254 Prospect, 276 Prospect, and 272 Elm, are required to be tested once per week.
- Other testing requirements may be added for the spring semester; affected students will be notified by their respective deans.
- Students who do not live in on-campus housing may obtain testing on a voluntary basis through the university testing program, up to twice weekly.
- Students who have questions about the advisability and frequency of additional asymptomatic testing may call the COVID Campus Resource Line at 203-432-6604.
- Students who test positive through the university testing program will be referred for contact tracing and will be required to isolate in their residences until released by Yale Health. Medical monitoring and advice will be provided by Yale Health during isolation. See guidance for what to do while isolating:
This testing program is intended to detect infection in asymptomatic individuals and does not replace Yale’s testing and care protocols for individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19. The university will continue to provide testing and care for symptomatic individuals through Yale Health. Additionally, while the required testing in the screening program is designed to protect the community from an outbreak, voluntary testing will also be available to asymptomatic individuals who have concerns that they may have been exposed to the virus.
Compliance with testing, contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine is a component of the Yale Community Compact, which reflects our strong and shared commitment to promote the health and safety of all community members. All members of our university community must also abide by other public health and safety measures designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 viral transmission on our campus and in the surrounding New Haven community. These include wearing a face covering, social distancing, and regular hand washing. Testing is not a substitute for these behavioral measures in containing the spread of the virus.
Yale COVID-19 Screening Program