Quarantine and Isolation Resources

What is Quarantine/Isolation?
While isolation and quarantine are intended to limit the spread of disease, they have different meanings and different time requirements. Quarantine helps prevent people from spreading coronavirus before they know they are sick or if they are infected without feeling symptoms, while isolation is reserved for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are showing symptoms. For additional information on the difference between quarantine and isolation, visit the Penn State virus website.
This information is based on the most recent Penn State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Quarantine
CDC guidance no longer calls for quarantine for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19. Instead, individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 should begin wearing a well-fitting mask indoors immediately and take a COVID-19 test after five days. Individuals who test negative should continue to wear a mask indoors around others for 10 days. Those who test positive should enter isolation immediately.
Isolation
If you experience COVID-19 symptoms or receive a positive COVID-19 test, you will be directed to isolate by University Health Services or a member of the contact tracing staff for a minimum of 5 days. The staff will discuss isolation living options with you.
Residential students only if able, arrange to isolate at home or off campus. The University has very limited on-campus capacity to isolate students.
Once you test positive, immediately put on a high-quality, well-fitting mask and upload your positive result to contacttracing@psu.edu. Expect an email from the contact tracing team with detailed instructions on the University’s COVID-19 protocol. You will also be contacted by Residence Life staff with isolation procedures.
- Day zero is the day the student tested positive
- Day six is the earliest day a student can test out of isolation using an at-home COVID-19 test kit. Students must receive and upload a negative COVID-19 test result on or after day 6. Please upload the result to contacttracing@psu.edu. Once the result is received and verified by contact tracing, the student and Residence Life will be notified that the student may leave isolation the same day. Students MUST continue to wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask through day 10.
- Days six through nine: If on day six a positive test result is received, students should test daily with an at-home COVID-19 test kit, through day nine. Upload negative result to contacttracing@psu.edu. Once the result is received and verified by contact tracing, the student and Residence Life will be notified that the student may leave isolation the same day. Students MUST continue to wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask.
- Day ten is the day students can leave isolation if they have tested positive on day Nine.
Non-Residential students should isolate themselves at home, ideally in a space where they can avoid contact with others in their household. The University will not offer isolation space on campus.
Off-campus students must isolate for a minimum of five days and may discontinue isolation on day six if they are symptom-free or symptoms have improved, and they are fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication. Students should test on day six using a COVID-19 at-home test kit. Please upload the result to contacttracing@psu.edu. If the test is positive, then students should remain in isolation and test daily through day nine until a negative result is received. If students continue to test positive on day 9, they may leave isolation on day 10. Please reach out to your campus health center if symptoms persist or worsen. For a medical emergency dial 911
During your isolation period, our Student Support Services team will reach out to you with an initial phone call and follow-up email(s).
After isolation, all individuals should continue to wear a high-quality, well-fitting face mask while indoors around others until day 10 after their symptoms began or they tested positive for COVID-19.
Entering Quarantine and Isolation
Once you have checked in to your isolation space, you will not be able to leave for any reason apart from COVID-19 testing, medical treatment, or an emergency. Limiting movement to your room reduces the likelihood of community spread. Please make sure you have everything you need when entering isolation.
- What items should I pack for on-campus isolation?
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Please prepare the following items for your isolation period. You will not be allowed back into your assigned room until you are cleared to return. No personal items will be retrieved for you after you have moved into your isolation space. Please double check that you packed all your personal and academic needs as it may be up to a 9-day stay.
Each room has a small refrigerator and microwave. Linens (including towels) will be provided.
Room needs:
- Pillow and pillowcase
- Comfortable blanket
- Personal needs
- Clean, comfortable clothing
- Slippers/house shoes are encouraged
- Water bottle
- Snacks
Entertainment:
- Handheld gaming system
- Hobbies (knitting, puzzles, etc.)
- Coloring books
- Crossword puzzles or paper games
- Books
Toiletries:
- Shampoo/conditioner, body wash/soap, face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, shaving razors/cream, etc.
- Eyeglasses/contacts and related supplies
- Pre-packaged snacks/drinks you already have in your room
- Medications
- Thermometer
- Hand sanitizer
- Face Masks
Academic needs
- PSU ID, wallet with state/government-issued ID, health insurance cards
- Laptop and charger
- Phone and charger
- Headphones
- Textbooks, notebook, pens/pencils, and highlighters
- What will my room look like in isolation?
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All isolation spaces in Eastview Terrace have a private bathroom that is adjoined to the bedroom. Each room has a desk, microwave-fridge, chest of drawers, a wardrobe, and a window.
All the isolation rooms in Eastview Terrace have a large window. Eastview Terrace rooms have a good-sized private bathroom.
- Is transportation provided to isolation?
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Transportation is not provided at this time.
- What will happen when I arrive at University isolation housing?
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Staff will greet you and escort you to your assigned space, explain expectations, and discuss meal options. You will also be provided with contact information for staff should any concerns arise or if you need support.
- How will I receive my meals?
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All meals will be provided by Penn State Food Services. Residence Life and Food Services will work directly with you for meal delivery to your room as well as discuss any specific dietary needs. Students pay for their own meals in isolation with their meal plan, LionCash, or by having meals billed to their bursar account.
- May I have items delivered to isolation?
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University Park staff will work to deliver packages to your room in isolation. Please know that packages may arrive at your current location up to 24 hours after receiving the notification. Staff will knock on your door and leave your package outside of your room. Please remember to always wear a mask when you open your door.
Students in isolation at other campus locations should inquire about package delivery during check-in.
- What assistance will Student Support Services provide?
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During your isolation period, the Student Support Services team will reach out to you with an initial phone call and follow-up email(s). Student Support Services will also assist with notifying faculty members when a student is unable to attend in-person classes.
- How will faculty and instructors know I am unable to attend class?
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For students enrolled in in-person classes, Student Support Services will contact their faculty members and instructors to let them know the dates the student is not permitted to be in class, and the date they are cleared to return.
Faculty and instructors will not be told specific medical information, unless the student gives permission, about why a student will not be in class or if a student is in isolation. Faculty and instructors should not assume a student has COVID-19 or under any circumstance share the identity of the student with classmates. An email indicating the specified period of time a student can’t be in class does not equate to a positive COVID-19 case.
- What if I attend in-person class when I'm supposed to be in isolation?
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If a student intentionally comes to class during the time frame indicated in the notification, faculty and instructors will ask them to leave and refer the student to the Office of Student Conduct. Students will be held accountable if they knowingly put the health and safety of others at risk.
- Am I able to attend class remotely if I am in isolation?
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Talk to your instructor about how to handle missed work while in isolation.
- If I must isolate, will my information and health status be shared with others?
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To support the privacy of those involved in the contact tracing process, the identity of the student or employee who tested positive or is presumed positive will not be shared with close contacts without permission. The University will provide confidential notifications to their faculty, instructors, or supervisors to enable accommodations and support. Instructors and supervisors will not share the identity of the individual with classmates or colleagues. Beyond these notifications, the University will only share information about an individual’s health status as needed and as appropriate if there is a concern for the safety of the campus community.
Faculty and instructors will not be told specific medical information, unless the student gives permission, about why a student will not be in class or if a student is in isolation. Faculty and instructors should not assume a student has COVID-19 or under any circumstance share the identity of the student with classmates. An email indicating the specified period of time a student can’t be in class does not equate to a positive COVID-19 case.
Staying Well During Isolation
While isolation efforts are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, they may lead to other, unintended health consequences. According to the CDC, increased feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression can be associated with social isolation.
Penn State values the holistic wellbeing of each student and encourages students who are feeling the effects of COVID-19 isolation to reach out for support. We encourage students who have been impacted by isolation to review the following guidance and to use the resources provided.
- Take care of yourself physically and mentally
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If you feel unwell or have health concerns
Students should not hesitate to contact a health professional if their symptoms have worsened or if there have other health concerns.
- During business hours:
- Contact University Health Services or your campus health service
- Contact your primary care physician
- After hours and on weekends:
- Contact the nurse advice line at 814-865-4UHS (4847) (Press 3)
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need support
- During business hours:
- Contact Counseling and Psychological Services or your campus counseling center
- Contact Counseling and Psychological Services or your campus counseling center
- After hours and on weekends:
- Call the 24/7 Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400
- Text the 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text “LIONS” to 741741
- During business hours:
- Implement the principles of "AT HOME" during quarantine and isolation
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Consider implementing the principles of “AT HOME” during isolation to create an environment of consistency and awareness, and to maximize positive outcomes after quarantine.
[A]sk for Help
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Connect with, and reach out to friends, family, University resources, and other support channels
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Inform others that if you are struggling, and allow them to help
[T]ake Care
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Take time for self-care basics such as getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, hydrating, and taking care of your body
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Allow time to do special things for yourself that you enjoy
[H]ave a Routine
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Establish familiar patterns within the unfamiliar situation
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Create a daily schedule that incorporates time for self-care
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Create a balance between working and enjoying relaxing activities
[O]bserve Mindfulness
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Set aside a few moments each day for quiet time and reflection
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Participate in a guided meditation, or listen to a mindfulness podcast
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Download a mindfulness or meditation app
[M]ove Your Body
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Find ways to be active
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Participate in a virtual fitness class
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Try jumping jacks, squats, planks, crunches, or other movements that require body weight only
[E]xplore Your Creativity
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Express yourself through your favorite creative pursuit
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Start a journal
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Develop a blog/website
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Spend time coloring, drawing, writing, or playing music
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Testing During and After Isolation
- I am in isolation and have received a negative test results. Now what?
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If you are in isolation in an on-campus space, we are not able to respond to test results between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. You may need to stay in your isolation space for the evening and arrangements will be made in the morning.
- I've tested positive for COVID-19. Should I retest after completing quarantine/isolation?
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Following isolation, continue to monitor your health and track your symptoms. If you develop new symptoms, contact University Health Services, your campus health center, or your primary care provider.