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Isolation and Exposure Guidance

MAAM ReOpening

Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 need to immediately separate themselves so they don’t pass the virus to others, even if they do not have symptoms. This separation is referred to as Isolation.

CAMPUS ACCESS/ISOLATION AND EXPOSURE GUIDANCE

  • Students, Faculty or Staff members should not come to campus if they:
    • Test positive via a Rapid Antigen or PCR test
    • Are symptomatic and awaiting PCR results
       
  • Students, Faculty or Staff members should not come to campus if they:
    • Were identified as a close contact and are either not yet up to date/no longer up to date with COVID vaccinations or have an approved exemption on file.
       

  • For individuals dealing with any of the factors above, if you are asymptomatic and are otherwise feeling well, working remotely may be an option if you are able and choose to do so.

  • For Faculty: Academic Affairs will reach out before the start of classes to provide guidance in cases where instructional time might be missed or supports are needed.

ISOLATION GUIDELINES

  • Isolation for those who are fully vaccinated is required for 5 full days, followed by 5 days wearing a mask around others. The person may only leave isolation if their symptoms are improving or resolved, and they have been fever-free for 24 hours.
  • A negative antigen/rapid test is strongly recommended after day 5 to return to campus. 
  • Whenever possible, we recommend those who have tested positive isolate from others for 10 days, especially those who are immunocompromised or unvaccinated.
  • Unvaccinated individuals are required to isolate for a full 10 days.
EXPOSURE

Individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to quarantine to reduce transmission of the virus. Those who have been told by a healthcare provider, public health authority, or MassArt COVID Team member that they have been exposed should take the following steps:

  • Wear a mask as soon as you find out you were exposed. You should wear a mask for 10 full days, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms.
  • Watch for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and get tested; you should remain isolated until you receive your test results.
  • Get tested after 5 days. If you test negative, continue masking and taking other precautions through day 10. If you test positive, you must isolate immediately.

Isolation and Quarantine for Residential Students

  • There will not be any designated quarantine and isolation spaces within the residence halls for residential students in academic year 2022-2023.
  • Students who are symptomatic and awaiting PCR results, were identified as a close contact (and may not yet be up to date/are no longer up to date with COVID vaccinations), or test positive via a RAT or PCR must go home. In the event that a student is unable to travel home, they must quarantine and/or isolate in their residence hall space. If they are in a shared occupancy space, they will be expected to mask at all times.

Why is it important to isolate or TAKE PRECAUTIONS? 

Even if you do not feel sick, it is still important that you do not interact with others because you could be putting them at risk. The CDC estimates that approximately 40% of people who are infected with COVID-19 have no symptoms but can still pass the virus to someone else. Isolating and taking precautions are a way to get ahead of the virus, and stop it from spreading to others.

What if I was around someone Who tested positive? 

If you have come into contact with someone who tested positive, please reach out to the MassArt COVID Team at covid@massart.edu.

WHAT IF I TESTED POSITIVE? 

If you have received a positive test result from a rapid at-home test or a PCR test off campus, please reach out to the MassArt COVID Team at covid@massart.edu so our team can provide you with support and answers.

Updated 5/16/23