How do I know if I need to quarantine or isolate?
Unvaccinated individuals will be subject to all quarantine and isolation protocols.
If you are in close contact with someone who has tested positive and you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccination you will most likely not be subject to quarantine. You will be subject to isolation if you test positive.
Both isolation and quarantine mean staying physically apart from others to prevent the spread of infection. The Orange County Health Department sets the amount of time recommended for quarantine for students, faculty and staff.
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 and get tested for COVID-19?
Fully vaccinated, asymptomatic individuals who believe they have been exposed will be advised to:
- Get tested 3-5 days after exposure and
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is available at Carolina Together Testing Center at the Carolina Union. This includes asymptomatic testing if you have been contacted as part of COVID-19 Contact Tracing by Campus Health, UEOHC ,or the Orange County Health Department or your local health department. You should not go to Campus Health for contact tracing testing.
If you test positive, you will be subject to isolation.
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.
Detailed instructions for quarantine and isolation at UNC are available from Campus Health.
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.