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Isolation Guidance

Regardless of vaccination status, if you test positive for COVID-19:

  • Isolate at home (or in an isolation space) for a minimum of five days from onset of symptoms (or from date of test if you are asymptomatic) and avoid contact with others.
  • On Day 5 (with date of positive test being Day 0), if your symptoms have resolved, you may leave your home/isolation space, but must mask around others for five additional days. If you cannot mask while around others (including sleeping), you will need to return to isolation for sleeping.
  • If at Day 5 you still have a fever, or your symptoms aren’t resolving, remain in full isolation and avoid contact with others until the above conditions exist or until you have completed a full 10 days of isolation.
  • For individuals interested in shortening the masking requirement, you may take a rapid antigen test twice, 48 hours apart from one another after day 5. If your first rapid test on or after Day 5 is negative, you may test again (at least 48 hours apart later) and if that test is also negative, masking is no longer required. This potentially shortens your masking period by two days.

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19,

  • Mask around others for ten days from the date of exposure (date of exposure being Day 0).
  • Test on Day 5, if possible.
  • CDC Guidance no longer recommends quarantine for individuals who are not up to date on their vaccinations.

What does it mean to isolate?

Isolation is the separation of someone who is ill with or has tested positive for COVID-19 from people who are not sick. Students in on-campus housing must be relocated from their residence hall room during isolation to minimize the risk of spread to peers in their hall. Residential students who cannot go home to isolate will be assigned a space in Marshall Hall.

Do I need a plan for isolation?

All students living on campus should have an isolation plan. We strongly recommend that students who can travel safely in a private vehicle conduct their period of isolation in their home. For all other residential students, UMW has identified isolation spaces in Marshall Hall which will be made available at no additional cost to our students for the duration of their quarantine/isolation period.

For students who choose to move to an isolation space in Marshall Hall, you will be assigned to a room that has a shared bathroom. Occupancy needs in for isolation will dictate whether another individual(s) will be assigned to share the space. Marshall Hall rooms are equipped with standard residence hall room furniture and a micro-fridge. A shower curtain and toilet paper are provided in the bathroom. Students should pack a bag with anything they might need for the duration of their isolation period including clothes, bedding, toiletries, towels/wash cloths, computer, and academic supplies. Students may ask a friend to bring them forgotten items or in some cases, can be given permission to return to their room to collect additional items.

Students in isolation can order their meals from Grubhub from the Top of the UC. Orders are placed in the Grubhub pick-up shelves that are located at the cashier. The student in isolation can either a) ask a friend to pick it up for them or b) go masked to pick up their order and get it from the shelf which is not inside the dining hall. If choosing the second option, the student must avoid direct interaction with others to the fullest extent possible.

All students living off-campus are strongly encouraged to have an isolation and quarantine plan. UMW will not provide isolation or quarantine housing or meal service for off-campus students or those who have remained in their permanent residence. Campus support services will be available virtually.

How do I contact someone about getting an isolation room in Marshall in the evening or on weekends?

Residential students who are in need of isolation space after offices have closed may contact UMW Police at 540-654-1025 and request to speak to the Professional On-Call about obtaining an assignment in Marshall Hall. The dispatcher will make contact with the Residence Life and Housing professional on-call who will in turn make arrangements for you.

How will I be supported if I am in isolation or quarantine (for students)?

The services available to all UMW students is still available to students who are in isolation. Please be aware however that there is no longer someone dedicated solely to COVID-19 response and so it is important to identify your need and contact the appropriate office:

The Student Health Center is available if you are experiencing symptoms and need periodic check-ins. You can set up a check-in plan with Student Health Center by calling 540-654-1040.

The Talley Center is available to provide mental health resources and counseling services Students can request an appointment by (540) 654-1053 between the hours of 8-5 pm, Monday-Friday.

Residence Life and Housing will arrange your room assignment, ensure the room is clean and ready for your arrival, and will issue a key to you upon request. There is also an on-call professional available 24-7 for emergencies. Students can reach Residence Life and Housing at 540-654-1058 between the hours of 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. After hours emergencies should be directed to UMW Police at 540-654-1025 and they will dispatch an officer, medical care, or the Residence Life on-call professional based on the nature of the concern.

We recognize that this is an anxiety-provoking time and we encourage students and members of the UMW community to reach out to friends, family, or colleagues when in isolation or quarantine.

The following resources remain available for 24/7 support:

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