Updated December 19, 2022
To optimize the safety of the campus environment, Yale has implemented a campus-based outreach program performing case investigation with confirmed cases of COVID-19 identifying linkages among cases that may help us limit transmission and prevent outbreaks as well as notification of identified close contacts.
Individuals who are diagnosed with COVID-19 are required to complete an on-line form in which they are asked to identify recent close contacts. These people (‘contacts’) are then electronically notified about their potential exposure without revealing the identity of the person who was diagnosed with COVID-19. Through the notification process, close contacts are provided guidance on how to take care of themselves and prevent transmission to others.
It is important to note that Yale’s COVID-19 Outreach Team (YCOT) does not routinely conduct broad notifications, such as all members of a class when a student is diagnosed with COVID. However, if specific circumstances raise a concern about broader transmission, YCOT will work with public health advisors to determine if additional actions are warranted. Because the university has put in place layers of protection—vaccination, masking, ventilation reviews, testing, personal responsibility—we anticipate that YCOT and public health advisors will rarely identify a need to call for broad notification or additional classroom or workplace measures. However, if you have concerns about circumstances in your classroom or workplace that may pose a risk, you may contact your HSL or the CCRL at 203-432-6604.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a close contact as someone who has been within 6 feet an infected person for an accumulated 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period during the time they were infectious. Your infectious period is 2 days prior to your symptom onset or 2 days prior to your test date if you were asymptomatic).
Note: The above definition applies to masked or unmasked contact with the exception of healthcare settings.
Yale University quarantine and monitoring guidelines for close contacts are based on the most up to date CDC guidance and, in accordance with, state and local health department protocols. Here is what you can expect if you are a member of the Yale community and you test positive for COVID-19.
Prior to outreach, you will be notified of your test result.
If you are tested by Yale, either at Yale Health or through a campus-based screening program (for staff, students or faculty), you will be notified of the test result and given appropriate clinical guidance. You will also receive an email containing a link to a form where you will enter your close contacts.
If you are tested outside of Yale, you should go here to report your positive test result or call the Campus COVID Resource Line (203-432-6604) to notify them of your test result. Through either of these mechanisms, YCOT will be notified, and a member of the team will call you for an outreach interview.
Next, the YCOT will call you for case investigation.
Our goal is to call you within 24 hours of your test result. During this interview, you may ask questions, and you will be referred to additional resources as needed.
Once identified as a close contact, the guidance you follow, regardless of vaccination status, is described below. Please reach out to covid19outreach@yale.edu if you require further guidance.
Close contacts do not need to quarantine following exposure. Precautions must still be taken to reduce the chance of spreading virus, keep you healthy while also protecting others from being exposed to illness.
You should:
If you are a healthcare worker: Yale University clinicians should follow guidance specific to the location(s) where they deliver care. All other non-clinician healthcare workers should follow the requirements above.
If you were positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days, you should follow all precautions outlined above with the exception of testing. If you develop any symptoms, you should isolate immediately and contact your provider or CCRL.
On day 11 from date of exposure, all close contacts that remain symptom free, may resume usual activities following campus public health guidelines.
Being identified as a close contact 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.
If you test positive for COVID-19,