Updated January 19, 2023
With the start of the Spring 2023 semester, here are some reminders and best practices to protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
Masks
- We will continue to follow UNC System guidance on masking policies as well as all state and county guidelines.
- Masks continue to be encouraged yet optional in all University buildings. If you are feeling unwell or have an underlying medical condition that makes you high-risk for complications of COVID-19, consider always masking indoors.
- Masks are required in health care settings, including UNC Health, Campus Health, the Employee Occupational Health Clinic, the Student Stores Pharmacy and any other patient clinics or clinical simulation areas on campus.
- Masks are also required on university transit services like P2P and Safe Ride, and on Chapel Hill Transit.
Vaccines
Vaccines are readily available on campus and continue to be a safe and effective method to prevent the progression of severe disease.
- COVID-19 vaccinations are approved for children as young as six months old.
- The bi-valent boosters are readily available and approved for people as young as 6 months in certain situations.
- If you do not know if you are eligible for a booster or when you should get your booster, please use this CDC Tool.
Testing
- At-home test kits are widely available at the Student Stores Pharmacy, the Campus Health Pharmacy and often through vending machines in Rams Head and the Carolina Union.
- Free test kits are also available through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and through the United States Postal Service. Additionally, most health plans offer up to eight free at-home test kits per month. More information on how to access test kits through health insurance can be found on the NCDHHS website.
Treatment
- Outpatient treatment options are highly effective in preventing disease progression and available for those who are at high-risk for disease progression.
- Please note, it is important that outpatient treatment start within 5 days of symptoms.
- If you test positive and believe you qualify for treatment, please talk to your healthcare provider.
Isolation/Quarantine
- All students should report positive results from off-campus testing or at-home tests to Campus Health.
- Residential students who test positive can isolate at home (strongly preferred) or in their residence hall room (leaving only for food pick-up and medical care while wearing a mask). Detailed isolation information for students can be found on the Campus Health website.
- Faculty and staff can report their positive results through the COVID-19 Wellness Check.
