COVID-19 Isolation Plans

General Isolation Guidance

The isolation timeline for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 begins on day zero which is the day of a positive test or date of symptom onset. 

Calculating isolation: Day zero is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day one is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected. You can utilize this calculator to determine the correct dates.

• On the sixth day, you may discontinue isolation if:
  • you have had mild symptoms or are asymptomatic
  • your symptoms are resolving or have resolved
  • you have not had a fever in 24 hours
• Please strictly follow the mask guidelines for the following five days.
• If your symptoms are moderate to severe, remain in isolation for 10 days (or longer as needed). 

After leaving isolation: If you meet the requirements for ending isolation on day six, you must wear a mask for the next five days, until 10 days have passed since your positive test/symptom onset. It is recommended that all members of the campus community wear N95, KN95 or three-ply surgical masks; those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated are required to wear N95 or KN95 masks. Please do not participate in any activities in which you cannot wear a mask during days six through 10. Please do not eat or drink in any shared dining spaces on campus during days six through 10.  

On-campus Students

Students with a roommate: You are required to isolate in the isolation residence hall.  If you meet the requirements to end isolation on day 6, you may return to in-person activities, but you will need to stay in the on-campus isolation space until the morning of day 11. Staying for the full 10 days in a separate room from your roommate will ensure that you will be able to follow CDC masking guidelines during days 6 - 10. 

Students without a roommate: You may isolate in place. During your isolation period, you should stay in your room as much as possible, and only leave your room for essential activities (using the restroom, picking up food, medical care).  If you must enter a shared living space, such as the restroom, you must wear a mask and keep a physical distance from others. Limit unmasked time in the restroom to less than ten minutes, and use the restroom at non-peak times.  KN95 masks will be provided if you cannot provide your own. 

Food options for students who are isolating: You may pick up to-go food from campus dining locations, or order pre-packaged food and heat-and-serve meals through SubGrub. A KN95 mask must be worn when entering dining areas to pick up food. You must keep your visits brief (less than 10 minutes) and return to your room to consume your meals.

• Order hot food from the Deli, Grill, Cafés, and Cellar for pick up using the GET Mobile ordering app. You may walk-in and pick up food from the pick-up location, or have a friend pick it up and deliver it to you. Food from these locations will be ready shortly after you order it.
• Order pre-packaged food and heat-and-serve meals from SubGrub and choose the “pick up” option using the GET Mobile ordering app. You must order between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and food will be ready the next day between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. You can pick it up in Marshall Hall on top of the cubbies.
• If you are not feeling well enough to pick up food, please ask a friend to pick up your food for you. If you cannot find someone to pick up food for you, please contact contacttracing@pugetsound.edu.

If you have questions about food delivery or pick up while isolating email subgrub@pugetsound.edu. 

Isolation Plan for Students

• CHWS contact tracing team will reach out to the student to offer support. A verbal release of information will be requested for the Office of Residence Life, Facilities Services, and Security Services. The residence life team will support the student to move into an isolation room on campus, if needed due to double occupancy.
• Students may pick up to-go items at various dining locations on campus, while wearing a KN95 mask and limiting time in dining locations to less than 10 minutes. Students must not eat in the dining areas. If they are unable to pick up meals on their own, a friend should pick up their food for them.

Isolation Plan for Faculty and Staff

• Faculty/staff members who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 are asked to contact contacttracing@pugetsound.edu or call Danielle Bus, RN, at 253.879.2796 to report their diagnosis. 
• The faculty or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 should seek guidance from their primary care provider regarding symptom management.
• The CHWS contact tracing team will make recommendations to Facilities Services regarding deep cleaning of the faculty/staff member’s work space/s if necessary.