Isolation for Students No Longer Required

As of March 2024, the CDC and NJDOH have relaxed the guidance for a minimum of 5-days of isolation after a positive COVID test. Instead, those with respiratory symptoms should adhere to common sense guidelines for all respiratory viruses, including staying up-to-date with vaccination, avoiding others when sick with fever and/or significant respiratory symptoms, and practicing good hygiene (frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes).

Given this updated public health guidance, students, faculty, and staff are no longer asked to isolate for at least 5 days after testing positive for COVID. Instead, they should follow the CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance and stay away from others until their symptoms have improved and they have been fever-free for 24 hours. 

UHS has developed some specific information for Princeton, which is based on the CDC guidance for preventing spread of respiratory viruses.

The University is no longer expecting students to submit their COVID tests to University Health Services’ Global and Community Health. 

 

If you test positive for COVID-19

Follow the CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance and stay away from others until your symptoms have improved and you have been fever-free for 24 hours. 

Some other tips to keep in mind while you're sick:

  • Stay away from others: To the extent possible, stay in your bedroom and away from other people.
  • Seek prompt medical attention if you develop symptoms or symptoms worsen (e.g., difficulty breathing).
  • Call ahead before visiting your medical provider: If you need medical care during UHS’ operational hours, call 609-258-3141 first. If you need urgent medical care or are calling UHS after hours, dial 911 to be connected to the Department of Public Safety, call 911.
  • Wear a high-quality face mask: if you must leave your room, wear a high-quality face mask (such as a KN95).
  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands frequently by washing them with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Follow by washing your hands.
  • Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people.
  • Clean high touch surfaces daily with disinfectant wipes. High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.