Updated: Aug. 19, 2022

What To Do If You Are a Close Contact of Someone Who Tests Positive for COVID-19

Guidance After Close Contact

  • Get tested (a PCR test is recommended if available) 
    • Test on or after day five after close contact. Test sooner if you have symptoms. 
      • PCR testing should be used whenever possible, however, if PCR testing is not available/inaccessible, serial antigen testing (testing with an antigen test multiple times on days three through seven after close contact) is recommended. Antigen testing can also be used to supplement PCR testing while waiting for results. 
  • Monitor for symptoms.
    • If you feel sick, isolate and get tested as soon as possible.
  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days following close contact.
    • An N95 or KN95 is recommended.
How will I know I’m a close contact? 

You will be notified by the person who tested positive and/or the contact tracing team. If you are notified that you are close contact, please follow CDC guidance.

When are close contact notifications sent?
  • Close contact notifications will be sent in the following scenarios: 
    • to professors who have had a positive case in class 
    • to on-campus coworkers of a faculty/staff/student worker  
    • on-campus roommates, suitemates, or housemates 
    • off campus roommates/housemates who are enrolled students 
  • We are not performing contact tracing and sending notifications of close contact for the following scenarios: 
    • personal/social close contacts (such as people that a positive case has socialized with, seen outside of class, eaten meals with, etc.) 
    • Off-campus family members, roommates, housemates who are not enrolled students 
      • These types of close contacts need to be notified by the individual who tested positive. Individuals who test positive receive guidance on how to notify close contacts.