Isolation and Exposure Guidance
The information on this page is updated as new information is available, and as federal, state and local public health guidance changes. For the latest information, please check back regularly. Last updated: January 12, 2023.
Students, faculty and staff who test positive for COVID-19 should follow current CDC isolation guidelines.
Students and employees who have been in close contact with an individual who tests positive should follow current CDC guidelines.
Reminders for students living in residence halls who test positive for COVID-19
Students living in residence halls are expected to complete COVID-19 isolation at home, and isolate in their residence hall rooms if they are unable to return home due to distance or transportation.
- The university does not provide separate housing or meal delivery to those who are in isolation.
- Students who live in residence halls and cannot return home to isolate should not eat or drink in Campus Dining locations or leave isolation to use vending machines or shared facilities in residence halls.
- Students living in residence halls who are isolating can arrange for Wellness Meal Pick-ups — view instructions on Campus Dining’s Meal Plan page.
- Isolate, monitor for symptoms and wear a face covering in any shared living spaces in your room or suite, such as bathrooms, and per any instructions you receive from your healthcare provider or public health.
- It is expected that you will be courteous of your roommate(s) by using good hygiene practices in shared living spaces. If you have concerns about a student who is not following COVID-19 health and wellness guidelines, reach out to The Office of the Dean of Students.
If your roommate tests positive
- Encourage your roommate to complete the above steps.
- Because you have likely been exposed to COVID-19, you should start taking precautions immediately — these include wearing a face covering for at least 10 days, monitoring for symptoms, and getting tested at least 5 days after the exposure, even if you have no symptoms.
- Remember that your roommate may be unable to return home to isolate and must complete isolation in their room. Do not use shared facilities in your residence hall for sleeping arrangements, per housing policy.
- If you have concerns about a student who is not following COVID-19 health and wellness guidelines, you can share your concern with the The Office of the Dean of Students.
If you test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status
App State is following CDC guidance for COVID-19 isolation. Isolate if you are sick with COVID-19 or if you have tested positive, even if you don’t have symptoms.
- Stay home as soon as you receive your positive test result, isolate per CDC’s guidelines and monitor for symptoms.
- Review CDC’s guidance for precautions to take after your positive test result, including when to wear a face covering and when you can leave isolation and return to campus.
- If you become concerned about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. App State students who are concerned about symptoms they might be experiencing can contact Student Health Service at 828-262-3100.
If you were exposed to COVID-19
Regardless of vaccination status, everyone should:
- Wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5. CDC no longer recommends a quarantine period if you were exposed.
- Monitor your symptoms for 10 days after the exposure. If you develop symptoms, immediately isolate and get tested. Continue to isolate until you have your test results.
- Get tested at least five days after the exposure.
- Review CDC’s guidance for information about precautions to take after exposure.
- Please make sure to follow the directives and guidance of public health or your healthcare provider if you were exposed to COVID-19.