Testing, Isolation, and Quarantine Procedures
An e-mail sent to the UHart community on Sept. 18:
Thank you again for your engagement and participation in the many efforts outlined in Keeping Hawks Healthy. As we move through the semester, and as we identify and manage positive cases and contacts, it is important that we continue to assess and evolve our processes and procedures. Each situation is sensitive and unique. We are learning and adapting, while prioritizing the safety and security of our campus community. I’m writing today to update you on a number of our COVID-19 response initiatives.
Testing
We have contracted with a second local health-care partner with deep clinical expertise to scale our testing. We currently test approximately 5 to 10 percent of residential students as a part of our weekly proactive community testing. Beginning next week, we will test at least 20 to 25 percent and will begin to include other student populations in our testing. We will also continue to offer tests for faculty and staff as previously outlined, and for students who report with symptoms to Health Services. Overall results will continue to be posted to the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard.
Increasing our testing will result in students being asked to test more than once throughout the semester. It is important to note that this is mandatory, but should not be viewed as a punishment. We can certainly appreciate that testing isn’t an activity you would put at the top of your list, but it is necessary to limit the risk of COVID-19 spreading undetected. If you receive an appointment for the weekly testing, you must attend. Testing will continue to be offered in convenient campus locations and it takes less than 10 minutes on average. Thank you for your cooperation.
In addition, as you are aware, we have installed automated self-temperature checks at key building locations at strategic points on campus. We will also be reinstituting random temperature checks at the front entrance so as to be able to continue to assess commuter students. This is in addition to the LiveSafe app that is required for entrance to campus.
Isolation and Quarantine
In coordination with our health-care and agency partners, we have maintained a conservative approach to isolation and quarantine. At the start of the semester, these spaces were largely being occupied by students from travel advisory states who were prepared to quarantine—and they had the ability to leave their spaces. Now, isolation and quarantine spaces are reserved for students who have tested positive or may have been exposed to the virus through contact, as determined by our professional contact tracing team. We have been actively working to prepare and outfit these spaces as they turn over. In addition to the personal items a student brings to isolation or quarantine, linens, toiletries, meals, laundry and other necessary items will be provided. Special requests and accommodations will be available in quarantine and isolation.
What does it mean to be placed in isolation?
Students will only be placed in isolation if they have tested positive for COVID-19. Regardless of whether or not a student is or is not experiencing symptoms, the isolation period will last for 10 days from the day the COVID-19 test was performed. If a student is showing symptoms, they will need monitor themselves each day, and if they worsen or feel ill, they should Health Services or Public Safety immediately. Roommates (and other identified close contacts) will be contacted by the contact-tracing nurses and, as appropriate, directed to quarantine for 14 days. Students will need to remain in their isolation space—meals will be delivered, classes will be taken remotely, and laundry service will be provided. Students are not to leave their assigned spaces and may not have visitors. Per current health guidelines, students in isolation may room together, share a bathroom, and share common space because they have already contracted the virus. Isolation will conclude in 10 days as long as there are not worsening symptoms and only after being cleared by Health Services.
What does it mean to be placed in quarantine?
Students will only be placed in quarantine if they are identified as someone at risk of direct exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Please note that the University will directly contact any community member who has been determined to be at risk and needs to quarantine. We have had several circumstances where people have decided to unnecessarily quarantine themselves. While anyone is welcome to self-quarantine in their own space or home for their own comfort, this is a personal decision and not required. Students should communicate directly with their faculty and advisors; faculty and staff should contact Human Resources. Individuals abiding by social distancing measures—wearing a mask and maintaining 6 feet of distance—are typically not considered to be at risk.
Students required to quarantine will stay in quarantine for 14 days since the last day of contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19. Students will also be tested and those with positive results will be moved to isolation. Students who test negative and do not develop symptoms will continue quarantine for 14 days and self-monitor daily. Students will need to remain in their quarantine space—meals will be delivered, classes will be taken remotely, and laundry service will be provided. If you do develop symptoms during your quarantine, you will be tested for COVID-19 and remain in quarantine as directed by Health Services.
Students who are not a known exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, but present to Health Services with symptoms that are suspicious or severe in nature, will also be quarantined until test results come back. Students testing positive will be moved into isolation as directed by Health Services. Students testing negative may stay in quarantine to allow Health Services to monitor symptoms and possibly retest. If symptoms resolve, Health Services staff may release you from the mandatory quarantine.
When should I be extra cautious?
Members of the campus community who are not a known exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, but have mild cold symptoms that have been going on for more than 24 hours (not including chest pain, shortness of breath, or loss of taste/smell), should take additional precautions. Contact Health Services or your health professional if you feel you need a test and stay in your room or home as much as possible. Take additional time to clean shared spaces (bathrooms) or high-touch surfaces (doorknobs). Always practice social distancing, wear a mask, wash your hands, and use sanitizer often.
Can I isolate or quarantine at my own home?
As we move through the semester, we recognize that taking a conservative approach means that at some point, there may be more students in quarantine than we can appropriately accommodate. There are some students, due to a variety of circumstances, who are not able to return home should they need to isolate or quarantine. Students who are required to isolate or quarantine, and are able to safely do so at home, are encouraged to make those arrangements. We will assist students and families in any way we can to create safe and appropriate plans for travel, interim housing, and academics. We are committed to keeping our students, faculty, and staff safe, comfortable, secure, and healthy.
Again, thank you for your continued partnership. Please visit hartford.edu/healthy-hawks for updates and reach out to covid19@hartford.edu with any additional questions.
Jessica M. Nicklin
Associate Vice President for Student Success
COVID-19 Coordinator