Vanderbilt University has revised its quarantine policy based on CDC guidance released last week. Those determined to be a close contact will now be quarantined for a 10-day period, which has been updated from the previous 14-day quarantine period.
Since the pandemic began, university leaders have said they would continue to adapt and refine policies and protocols based on recommendations from the federal government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and seek guidance from nationally renowned public health experts at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the School of Nursing and Metro Health department.
When the 10-day quarantine period ends, for days 10 to 14 after last exposure, Vanderbilt community members must not unmask at any time in public, including in dining locations, and must wear their mask even in the presence of those in their residence.
As a reminder, all individuals should do the following at all times to help slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Perform daily self-monitoring for symptoms. The VandySafe app includes this feature and is available here.
- Immediately self-isolate if they develop symptoms and contact the Student Health Center if a student and Occupational Health if faculty, staff or postdoc for assessment and testing.
- Wear a mask, stay at least six feet from others, wash their hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Officials with the university’s Public Health Central Command Center will continue to make determinations of quarantine periods for close contacts and those who reside on-campus will move to quarantine housing. Close contacts who are off-campus students, faculty, staff and postdocs will quarantine at their residences. The Command Center will also provide instructions on following the new policy.
For more information about the university’s COVID-19 protocols, visit the Return to Campus website.