UNC Quarantine and Isolation Planning Guide 

What do I do if I think I’ve been exposed (or have been told I’ve been exposed) to a positive COVID-19 test or am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?

If you are fully vaccinated and have been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case you do not need to quarantine if you remain asymptomatic, but you should get a COVID-19 test three to five days after exposure and wear a mask in public for 14 days after your exposure, or until you have a negative test result. If you develop symptoms in the 14 days after exposure, get tested, even if you had a previous negative test. You wil need to quarantine while awaiting test results. 

If you are not fully vaccinated and you're notified you've been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case, it's critical that you take immediate action by following these steps, regardless if you’re experiencing symptoms or not: 

• Self-quarantine immediately
• Complete and submit the self-report form to UNC to continue to self-quarantine until you receive further instructions.
• If you develop symptoms, contact your medical provider or the Student Health Center (970-351-2412) to schedule testing.

People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or two weeks after their first dose of a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson).

How can I prepare for quarantine or isolation?

If you’ve been exposed, are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19, prepare a go-bag for quarantine/isolation ahead of time so that if you’re asked to quarantine or isolate, then you’re ready to go. We recommend packing the following items:

• Cleaning supplies  
• Reusable water bottle
• Self-care medications  
• Prescription medications  
• Comfort food and snacks 
• Comfortable clothing  
• Personal care and hygiene items  
• Electronic devices and chargers  
• Academic materials and items  
• Other items that will make you more comfortable

If I live on-campus, how do I move into a quarantine or isolation room?

If a member of COVID-19 Response Team determines that you need to quarantine or isolate, a COVID Resource Coordinator and Housing and Residential Education staff member will reach out to you with instructions on relocating to your new space.

Quarantine and isolation rooms are located in Lawrenson Hall and Hansen-Willis Hall. You'll be asked to pick up an information packet at the appropriate Neighborhood Desk. It's important for you to answer your phone and thoroughly read the materials provided to you. Once you are contacted by a staff member, you will need to move to your assigned quarantine/isolation space within one hour.

How long will I be in quarantine or isolation?

The length of quarantine is 14 days per CDPHE directive. The length of isolation is 10 days from the start of symptoms or 10 days from your positive test result if you are asymptomatic per a CDPHE directive.

You must remain in isolation until:

• 10 days after your symptoms first appear
• No fever for 24 hours (without fever reducing medication)
• All other symptoms are improving

Ultimately, this determination is made by a member of COVID-19 Response Team, and you’ll be notified of your approval to vacate quarantine or isolation via letter to your Bearmail.

What does quarantine and isolation look like?

You’re provided with a single room with a private bathroom along with a small fridge and microwave to prepare the meals delivered to you. Basic amenities such as some sheets, a towel and a small bar of soap are provided. You are encouraged to bring what you need to make your stay more comfortable. 

What can I do (and not do) while in quarantine or isolation?

Guests are not allowed while you're quarantining or isolating and you cannot attend events or classes -- even if you tested negative or aren’t experiencing symptoms. Contact your professors about your situation. They’ll understand the challenges you’re facing and will have a plan for continuing your studies and classes from your isolation/quarantine room.

Virtually stay in touch with family, friends and other loved ones virtually for support. They care about you and want to hear from you to know how you are doing! 

You may only leave your designated room, always with a mask and gloves, for the following reasons: 

• Picking up medication or seeking medical care
• An emergency  
• Walking your pet or service animal  
• Removing waste/garbage from your room to the designate trash and recycle area 
• Doing laundry 

How will I be supported while in quarantine or isolation? 

UNC recognizes the difficulties and challenges of quarantine isolation and wants to assist you during this time. We offer the following resources for physical, academic and emotional support: 

• UNC Counseling Center provides virtual mental-health assistance and counseling.   
• Dedicated staff members are available to help you in isolation/quarantine. Talk with the COVID Resource Coordinator to let them know if you need additional support.  
• If you have UNC Housing concerns, please call 970-351-2721. 
• Tutorial Services, UNC’s Writing Center and the Math Study Center offer virtual academic support.  
• Faculty will provide online alternatives to any in-person content or graded assignments while you're unable to attend. Check your course syllabus and/or website and email your professor if you have questions about these alternatives.

How do I check out of isolation or quarantine after my quarantine period?

When you have reached the anticipated end date of your quarantine/isolation period, a member of COVID-19 Response Team will check in with you to see how you’re feeling and if you have had any new exposure to a positive case. If you’re good to go, you’ll be sent an approval to vacate letter that includes step-by-step check-out instructions so that you can return to your permanent university housing location.