Isolation and Quarantine

• E-mail covid-19-report@seattleu.edu to let the university know you have tested positive. You will then be asked to complete an online form to begin the contact tracing process and be given instructions on next steps.

•  If you live in Bellarmine, Campion, Chardin or Xavier, Housing staff will reach out to you shortly after you complete the case reporting process. If space allows, you will be temporarily moved to a dedicated isolation space on campus. If the dedicated isolation space is full, you will be given instructions on alternative options to best isolate. Students in apartment-style living are asked to isolate in-place.

From the Washington State Department of Health:

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms, you can end isolation when:

• It’s been at least 24 hours with no fever without using fever-reducing medication AND
• Your symptomshave improved, AND
• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

If you test positive for COVID-19, but have not had any symptoms, you can end isolation when:

• At least 10 days have passed since the date of your first positive COVID-19 test, AND
• You have not developed symptoms.

Modified isolation with fewer restrictions may be possible in days 6-10 of isolation. Specific guidance about isolation is provided when your case is reported to covid-19-report@seattleu.edu.

You will stay in the dedicated isolation space for a minimum of five days after positive test or symptom onset. On day six of isolation, you will take a rapid test.

• If you test negative and your symptoms have significantly improved, you will return to your residence hall to continue a modified isolation. For the next five days, you will be required to follow strict protocols on masking and distancing, including:
• • Leave room for necessities only and wear a respirator mask such as KN95
  • Avoid gatherings, gyms, restaurants and travel
  • Do not eat with others or in public locations; return to your room to eat
  • Do not return to class, labs or gatherings
• If you test positive on day six of isolation and there is a room available in the university’s dedicated isolation space, you will stay there for the duration of the 10-day isolation period.

Faculty and staff who test positive and can work remotely, should isolate for the full 10 days. Employees whose roles require them to be on campus should isolate for five days, test on day six. If the test is negative and symptoms have significantly improved, can return to campus.

If you are fully vaccinated including having been boosted or it’s too early to be boosted:

• Wear a mask around others for 10 days after known exposure
• Test on day 5, if possible
• Quarantine not needed

Unvaccinated or completed primary vaccine series and eligible for booster but haven’t been boosted:

• Stay home, quarantine for 5 days
• Test on day 5
• If test is negative, quarantine can end but continue to wear a mask until 10 days have passed since exposure
• Regardless of vaccination status, if you develop symptoms, test ASAP
• Isolate while awaiting results
• If positive test, following isolation guidelines

Please review Seattle U's travel policy.

Domestic Travel

• People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the United States.
• If you are fully vaccinated, Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

International Travel

As announced here, the university is using a self-serve, automated process for contact tracing. Once a person reports that they have tested positive for COVID-19 by e-mailing covid-19-report@seattleu.edu, they will be asked to complete an online form. That information will generate notifications to close contacts.

While the CDC updated its guidance on Dec. 27, 2021 to shorten from 10 to five days the recommended periods for quarantine and isolation, the Washington Department of Health is recommending that people staying, working or learning in non-healthcare congregate settings such as institutions of higher education continue to follow the prior guidance. Therefore, Seattle University will continue to adhere to the prior guidance for isolation and quarantine.

• If you have not been notified directly and are not sure if you were exposed, you may assume that you are not a close contact to the positive case.
• No need to self-quarantine.
• Monitor your health.
• Seek testing if you develop symptoms.
• You do not need to notify anyone.

Please review Seattle U's travel policy.