Contact Tracing
Referral Forms for Contact Tracing
To limit community spread and transmission of COVID-19, Penn State’s contact tracing process includes online COVID-19 referral forms to easily submit information about students who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who identify themselves as close contacts of students who have tested positive. You can also call Penn State Contact Tracing at 814-863-8800.
The goal of the information gathering is to help focus on identifying, notifying, and monitoring students who have come in close contact with a student who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 while they were infectious.
This form is not meant to report COVID-19 conduct violations, which can be reported through the Office of Student Conduct.
Contact Tracing FAQs
- Does HIPPA prohibit Penn State from using and/or sharing my information during the contact tracing process?
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In limited circumstances, HIPAA allows for the sharing of certain health information for the purposes of public health. Controlling the spread of COVID-19 through contact tracing and protecting the Penn State community is considered a public health activity. However, Penn State's contact tracing initiatives follow the "minimum necessary" principle, which means that, wherever possible, identifiable information is not shared.
- What happens if I am identified as a close contact through the contact tracing process?
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More information on when close contacts need to quarantine can be found on the virus info site.
- How will I be contacted if I am identified during the contact tracing process?
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Learn more about how you will be contacted on Penn State's virus info website.