Covid-19 Information
Isolation & Exposure Information
Isolation for Students Who Test Positive
Students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate consistent with CDC guidance. Student Health Services staff can assist students in understanding their isolation period. Students are strongly encouraged to isolate at home for their own comfort. If a residential student is unable to isolate at home, they must contact the Office of Residence Life (570-941-6226) to identify an isolation plan. Note that the student may ultimately be directed to isolate in their assigned room, treating their roommates/apartmentmates as part of their "family unit."
During the isolation period, students are not permitted to freely traverse campus. In other words, they are not permitted to attend classes in-person, participate in clubs/organizations, visit the Fitness Center, and similar locations, to avoid transmission of the virus. Students are encouraged to use mobile ordering for meals and, while in isolation, are permitted to wear a high grade mask to grab meals to take back to their room for consumption.
- No Symptoms – Isolate for 5 days from the date of the positive test, which is considered Day 0.
- You are permitted to discontinue isolation on day 6 if you do not develop symptoms.
- You must wear a higher-grade mask when around others through Day 10.
- Symptomatic – Isolate for 5 days from your first symptoms, which is considered Day 0.
- You are permitted to discontinue isolation on day 6 if:
- You are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication
- AND Your symptoms have improved.
- You must wear a higher-grade mask when around others through Day 10.
- You are permitted to discontinue isolation on day 6 if:
- Students who are not able to attend class due to illness should notify their faculty and work directly with them on how to get caught up. In the case of extended absence, students should provide medical documentation to the Dean of Students Office or to their Academic Dean’s Office for the purpose of assisting with absence notification and/or additional support.
Exposure
Following the CDC's updated guidance, persons who have had recent confirmed or suspected exposure to an infected person should wear a mask for 10 days around others when indoors in public. The University recommends high-quality mask be worn (e.g. N95). Masks are available to students at Student Health Services. Individuals should secure a Covid test 5 days after exposure (or sooner, if they are symptomatic), irrespective of their vaccination status. Students can make an appointment to receive an antigen test at Student Health Services. If negative, take precautions through Day 10 post-exposure. If positive, isolate immediately. If symptoms develop at any time in the 10 days after exposure, self-isolate immediately and get tested.
Additional Information
- Antigen testing is available at Student Health Services by appointment. Please call 570-941-7667 to make an appointment at our on-campus clinic.
- Students can secure high-quality masks from Student Health Services, Printing and Mailing facility on Jefferson Avenue, and from their respective deans' offices, or from University Police in the evening hours.
- Students who need medical accommodations should contact the Office of Student Support & Success (OSSS) for academic accommodation and the Office of Equity & Diversity for non-academic accommodation.
- If an individual chooses to wear a mask, high-quality masks (e.g. N95, KN95 or KF94) are recommended. These follow guidance from the CDC. All masks should be well-fitted and must cover both the mouth and nose.
- NOTE: Individuals may ask, but not require, guests in personal spaces (i.e. offices, residence hall rooms, research laboratories) to wear a mask.