How do I know if I need to quarantine or isolate?
Isolation is required for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are presumed to have it based on symptoms.
Quarantine is for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to COVID-19. Those who have been fully vaccinated will not be required to quarantine if identified as an asymptomatic close contact.
Quarantine and isolation are important components of limiting the spread of COVID-19 to others. Students, staff, and faculty should consult with and follow the advice of your medical provider and avoid contact with others whenever directed to do so. Failure to comply with directives to quarantine or isolate may result in administrative or disciplinary action.
Anyone who has completed quarantine or isolation should consider vaccination. Those who have been fully vaccinated will not be required to quarantine if identified as an asymptomatic close contact.
The most recent information about quarantine and isolation may be found on the CampusHealth COVID-19 resource page.
I am fully vaccinated. Do I still need to quarantine?
If you are fully vaccinated (at least 14 days post-final vaccination) with an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccination and you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you are not required to quarantine or get tested unless you have symptoms.
Please note that if you live in a group setting (like Carolina Housing, Greek housing, or a residence with 10 or more occupants) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Where can I quarantine or isolate if I live in a residence hall?
Carolina Housing maintains the latest housing updates for quarantine and isolation.
You may watch this video to learn about what Carolina Housing is doing to support quarantine and isolation.
How do I quarantine or isolate if I live off-campus?
For students living off-campus, UNC Healthy Heels has suggested guidelines to help everyone exist more safely around one another.
Most students living in off-campus locations will have the flexibility to isolate or quarantine in their existing living space.
How long must I quarantine or isolate?
The Orange County Health Department and public health officials set the amount of time recommended for isolation and quarantine for students, faculty and staff.
Wellness Strategies for UNC Students in Quarantine or Isolation
How can I stay well during quarantine or isolation?
We know that being away from friends and activities is challenging. Maintaining your overall personal well-being while you are isolating or quarantining on campus is important and there are many resources available to help. UNC Healthy Heels is here to support you.
Students who are asked to isolate or quarantine (whether on- or off-campus) will be immediately contacted by Campus Health. Campus Health will regularly communicate with students and assist in coordinating testing, contact tracing and other services as needed.
Student Affairs staff will provide additional assistance to all students in quarantine and isolation including outreach, engagement opportunities and academic support.
Residence hall rooms (and associated meal delivery) have been reserved to support on-campus students requiring quarantine or isolation.