Isolation and Precautions
Regardless of vaccination status, if you test positive for COVID-19:
- You can spread the virus to others. There are precautions you can take to prevent spreading to others: isolation, masking, and avoiding contact with people who are at high risk of getting very sick.
- Isolate at home (or in an isolation space) for a minimum of five days from onset of symptoms (or from date of test if you are asymptomatic) and avoid contact with others.
- On Day 6 (with date of positive test being Day 0), if your symptoms have resolved, you may leave your home/isolation space, but must mask around others for five additional days.
- If at Day 6 you still have a fever, or your symptoms aren’t resolving, remain in full isolation and avoid contact with others until the above conditions exist or until you have completed a full 10 days of isolation.
- For individuals interested in shortening the masking requirement, you may take a rapid antigen test twice, 48 hours apart from one another. If both tests are negative, you may stop masking early. This potentially shortens your masking period.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19,
- Take precautions and mask around others if you have any symptoms or with anyone at high risk of severe disease.
- Test on Day 3- 5, if possible, earlier if you have symptoms.
What does it mean to isolate?
Isolation is the separation of someone who is ill with or has tested positive for COVID-19 from people who are not sick.
Do I need a plan for isolation?
All students living on campus should have an isolation plan. Talk with your roommate about what to do if one of you tests positive. You can isolate in your room or at home. Any problems with isolation with your roommate, please notify your RA/ residence life.
Students in isolation can order their meals from Grubhub from the Top of the UC. Orders are placed in the Grubhub pick-up shelves that are located at the cashier. The student in isolation can either a) ask a friend to pick it up for them or b) go masked to pick up their order and get it from the shelf which is not inside the dining hall. If choosing the second option, the student must avoid direct interaction with others.
All students living off-campus are strongly encouraged to have an isolation plan. UMW will not provide isolation housing or meal service for off-campus students or those who have remained in their permanent residence. Campus support services will be available virtually.
How will I be supported if I am in isolation or quarantine (for students)?
The services available to all UMW students are still available to students who are in isolation. Please be aware however that there is no longer someone dedicated solely to COVID-19 response and so it is important to identify your need and contact the appropriate office:
The Student Health Center is available if you are experiencing symptoms and would like to be seen. You can set up an appointment with the Student Health Center by calling 540-654-1040.
The Talley Center is available to provide mental health resources and counseling services Students can request an appointment by (540) 654-1053 between the hours of 8-5 pm, Monday-Friday.
Residence Life and Housing can also assist. There is also an on-call professional available 24-7 for emergencies. Students can reach Residence Life and Housing at 540-654-1058 between the hours of 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. After hours emergencies should be directed to UMW Police at 540-654-1025 and they will dispatch an officer, medical care, or the Residence Life on-call professional based on the nature of the concern.
We recognize that this is an anxiety-provoking time and we encourage students and members of the UMW community to reach out to friends, family, or colleagues when in isolation.
The following resources remain available for 24/7 support:
- Crisis Text Line: 988 / Facebook Messenger: com/crisistextline
- National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) / Life chat: rainn.org
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Northern VA Crisis Hotline: 1-703-527-4077
- Transgender Suicide Hotline: 1-877-565-8860