Wake Forest will approach our isolation protocols in much the same way a household would provide support to a family member with an illness. Students in residence halls who test positive for COVID-19 may isolate in place and recover with the help of campus resources or may choose to go home or elsewhere at their own expense to complete the isolation period, as long as travel is permitted by CDC guidelines (i.e., without using public transportation such as planes, trains, rideshares). This approach is consistent with the way that Wake Forest has traditionally accommodated students with influenza, stomach flu or other viruses.
On-campus students living with a roommate who tests positive for COVID-19 and who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 may have the option to temporarily relocate to another room. Impacted students should contact Student Health Service.
Faculty and Staff should refer to the information on the Campus Health website.
Feeling Sick?
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (or other illness), request an appointment at Student Health Service through the
In an emergency, always call 911.
Positive Test?
Isolate in place and follow current CDC guidelines.
COVID-19 Information
Visit the CDC’s COVID website for additional information.
ISOLATION INFORMATION
Students isolating in their residential room are expected to:
- Not be in direct contact with any individuals other than their roommate (if applicable).
- Wear a well-fitting mask in the presence of others during isolation, including in their room if a roommate is present, or whenever leaving their room (see below).
- Alert any close contacts so they can be aware that they should self-monitor for COVID symptoms.
- Only leave their isolation location to use community restrooms (where applicable), meet with health care providers, and to get food (see below). They must be masked.
- Not attend classes, labs, meetings, events, etc. in person.
- Have no visitors in their room during the isolation period.
- Remain in isolation for at least five (5) days after symptom onset and after fever ends for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving. (CDC Guidelines)
- Wear a well-fitting mask for at least five days following release.
Students in isolation cannot go to class (or to any in-person activities).
Just as if a student had the flu, mono, or some other medical condition that required missed classes, we ask students and faculty to work together on a plan to make up any missed work during isolation. Students should communicate directly with each of their faculty members to come up with that plan and an agreed-upon timeframe.
Students in isolation have several options for meals:
- Have a friend pick-up a meal from on-campus dining using Harvest Table’s “Get Well Soon” To-Go Program.
- Students are welcome to order delivery meals, groceries, etc. as long as they can be delivered in a contactless manner and students remain masked at all times while outside their room for pick-up.
- Students may order meals via GrubHub for pickup from campus retail locations or purchase food from one of the on-campus convenience stores using their meal plan or food dollars.
Students in isolation who have worsening symptoms or other medical concerns should contact Student Health Service at 336.758.5218.
In an emergency, always call 911.
- Isolation can end at least five (5) days after symptom onset and after you have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving. (CDC Guidelines)
- Wear a well-fitting mask in the presence of others for an additional five days following release from isolation.
- If your roommate has not stayed in the room with you during your isolation period, please contact them when you have been released from isolation so they know they can now come back to the room.
You can check your potential release date by using this CDC tool.
Information for Roommates
- Individuals who have been within six (6) feet of an infected roommate for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period are considered a close contact. Most people are contagious two days prior to becoming symptomatic or receiving a positive COVID test. It is likely someone has already been exposed to COVID-19 before their roommate tested positive.
- Roommates of a COVID-positive student may be contacted by a WFU staff member. If the COVID positive student will be isolating in place, the roommate will be informed about and acknowledge the risks involved with sharing a room with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
- On-campus students living with a roommate who tests positive for COVID-19 and who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 may have the option to temporarily relocate to another room. Impacted students should contact Student Health Service.
- Wear a well-fitting mask when around people and when in public, especially indoors, for 10 days
- Test five (5) days after exposure. Students should use available resources to test (e.g., contact Student Health Service at 336.758.5218 to schedule a test, or procure a test on one via CVS, Walgreens, Health Department, etc.).
- If symptoms develop, students should contact Student Health Service at 336.758.5218 for an appointment and testing.
- If students test positive, they should isolate in place and follow current CDC guidelines.
