Fact Sheet for Students: What to Do While In Quarantine Off Campus

Hearing that you need to quarantine can be unsettling, but the goal is to keep you healthy while also protecting others from being exposed to illness. Your health and well-being is important to us, and we are here to support you as you navigate this uncertain time. Quarantine is required for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people who have been identified as close contacts of a positive case.

While quarantining

  • Stay in your home as directed, preferably in a separate room. You should not have visitors and should avoid close contact with others. Do not go in person to work, class or lab and do not participate in any in person campus activities or other community events during the quarantine period.
  • Monitor your health. Take your temperature twice a day and call the Campus COVID Resource Line (203-432-6604) if you have a temperature of 99.9 F or higher or develop any of the symptoms listed below.
  • If you live with family or have roommates, wear a mask or face covering in the common areas of your home. Practice physical distancing (at least 6 feet or 2 meters) from others.
  • Do not share items with others, like dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, etc.
  • Do not shake hands, hug, kiss or engage in other physical contact.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • People in quarantine can utilize a shared bathroom one at a time or respecting physical distancing guidelines, wearing a mask and cleaning after use.
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces daily, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
  • If you have a meal plan, you may go to the dining hall to pick up to-go food.

You should go out only for scheduled testing, health appointments, to pick up prescriptions or meals.

Remember to always

  • Wear a face covering over your mouth and nose when leaving your home for any reason. If you are picking up food, wait until you are home to eat it.
  • You may go outside on or around the grounds of your residence.
  • You must practice physical distancing (at least 6 feet or 2 meters) from others and always wear a mask covering your mouth and nose.
  • You should only go to the testing or medical facility, to shop for groceries, or your residence. Do not enter any other buildings (shops, restaurants, bars, gyms etc). Do not use public transportation, ride share services, taxis or the Yale Shuttle.
  • Consider having groceries or other supplies delivered through a no contact method.

What to watch for

Symptoms related to COVID-19 include:

  • Fever greater than 99.9F or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose

If you develop any of these symptoms, schedule a symptomatic test through the testing portal. If you have questions or need medical assistance while in quarantine, call the Campus COVID Resource Line at 203-432-6604.

Many support services are available to you

The Yale Health team is available 24/7 to help and offering you the opportunity to have any questions answered. The University Contact Tracing Team will contact you at the end of your quarantine period to let you know that you can resume normal activities.

Campus COVID Resource Line: 203-432-6604
Mental Health and Counseling: 203-432-0290

Up-to-date university guidance and information about COVID-19: covid19.yale.edu

Ways to stay active and connected

Quarantining can be a difficult time and you may find yourself worrying about whether you may become sick. Try to keep yourself and your mind busy, and stay connected with people who can support you.