Isolation is Still Required

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (runny nose, cough, fever, body aches, etc.), you should test for COVID-19. The New Jersey Department of Health continues to require at least 5 days of isolation for individuals who test positive, staying out of work, classes, activities, events, etc. in accordance with CDC guidelines.

For students, if your positive test result is not from McCosh, please submit your positive test result from a self-test kit using this form. You should provide proof of your positive results by submitting a report or a picture of your at-home test.

After 5 days, if your symptoms have improved and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours, you may return to work, classes, and other events as long as you wear a mask at all times around other people for 5 additional days.

For students, discuss with your roommate(s) what you plan to do if one of you tests positive. If you do not want to stay in your room while your roommate is isolating, make a plan for where you will stay during your roommate’s isolation period. 

Options may include:

• The well roommate(s) stay in the room with the roommate who tested positive, especially if the well roommate(s) tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
• The well roommate(s) stay in a common room within your suite.
• The well roommate(s) stay with a friend.
• The student who tested positive goes home or to a place off-campus.
• The well roommate(s) may choose to stay in their room because of the likelihood that they will become positive as well.

If none of these options is possible and there are compelling reasons for either the positive student to move to an isolation room or the well roommate(s) to move to another space, the University will provide assistance. Isolation spaces are limited, and taking advantage of personal off-campus or on-campus alternatives will help preserve these spaces for those who do not have that flexibility.

Each student who shares a sleeping space should have a rapid antigen test in their room for use by the student(s) who did not test positive.

There is no indication from public health officials that the expectations for people who have tested positive or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive will change any time soon. 

University faculty and staff continue to be able to use COVID-19 days to cover this isolation time or to care for someone who is isolating.

Visit the Isolation/Exposure webpage for more information.

Visitor Policy Ended

Visitors to the University are expected to follow CDC and NJ Department of Health guidance for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or were in close contact with someone who tested positive in the past 10 days, including isolation and mask requirements.

The Visitor Policy enacted for COVID-19 mitigation is no longer in effect. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Lifted

The University strongly recommends that students, faculty, staff, and researchers stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be effective at reducing the risk of severe disease.
 
However, the University is no longer requiring the primary vaccine series (one dose of a single dose vaccine or two of a two-dose vaccine) for the University community. The COVID-19 Vaccine Policy first endorsed on June 2, 2021, is no longer in effect. 

COVID-19 Testing Laboratory Closing

The campus laboratory certified to conduct PCR testing for COVID-19 for members of the University community closed on June 6, 2023. 

Face Coverings

For more information on face covering guidance, visit EHS’ website.

With a valid student ID, students can obtain up to 10 KN95 masks at the following locations:

Undergraduate

• All Residential College offices: weekdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Graduate

• Graduate School at Clio Hall: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4:45pm
• Graduate College Porter’s Lodge: weekdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Lakeside Apartments Main Office: regular business hours

Up to 10 per person. Cannot pick up masks for another person. Must show valid student ID.