What is the University’s Current Mask Policy?
The university’s mask policy permits hosts and instructors to require masks in their classrooms, instructional spaces, and event areas. It is important to follow any masking requirements established by your instructor or host, and, especially in light of high COVID-19 Community Levels, strongly consider wearing a high-quality mask indoors even in the absence of requirements.
Anyone Who is Symptomatic Should...
- Test, either with a PCR or a rapid antigen test.
- If the rapid antigen test is negative, repeat it within 24-48 hours.
- Wear a mask.
- Avoid close contact with others.
What Should I do if I Test Positive?
- Contact your health care provider or the Campus COVID Resource Line (CCRL), at 203-432-6604, to see if you should receive treatment.
- Self-report your positive result to the university by form if you have tested with a rapid antigen test or with a PCR test outside of the Yale COVID-19 Testing Program. Submitting this information will not only assure that you are provided with guidance about care and isolation, it will also help the university identify potential outbreaks and take local action to curb further spread.
Testing Out of Isolation
Effective this week, you will be eligible to “test out” of isolation by the same process that undergraduates do, by performing a rapid test on day 5 and, if still positive, day 6. If your symptoms are resolved and you have a negative rapid test on days 5 or 6, you may release yourself from isolation and return to class/work/activities while continuing to mask until day 10. Email notifications following a positive test will outline the process. Rapid antigen tests for this purpose may be requested from Yale Health for those with Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage, or reimbursed by your insurance provider.
YNHHS Isolation Requirements for COVID Positive Clerkship, Elective, & Sub-Internship Students
YNHHS follows CDC guidance, in part, and requires 7 days isolation with return to work on day 8. Day 0 is defined as the first day of symptoms or the day of the positive test (whichever is first). YNHSS does not require any testing prior to return if the individual is afebrile >24 hours without antipyretics and is feeling better (and of course, feeling well enough to return).
Obtaining Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) Kits from Yale Health
At-home test kits are covered for Yale Health members at no cost through the pharmacy benefit. To utilize this option, members are required to complete this online request form. The pharmacy will process orders so that tests can be picked up by noon the next business day. Please note that this option is largely dependent upon the availability of home test kits for purchase by Yale Health Pharmacy and may be subject to change based on stock.
Up-to-date Information for Isolating & Quarantine
Up-to-date information for isolating and quarantine guidance for on and off campus students can be found at covid19.yale.edu/health-guidelines/isolation-guidance-those-who-test-positive. If you have questions you can communicate with the YSM Health and Safety Leaders (HSLs): Associate Deans Michael Schwartz and John Francis
Reporting COVID-19 Infection from a Test Outside of the Yale Testing Program
Those who have a documented history of a positive test or symptomatic COVID-19 disease should not, in general, be retested within 90 days of a positive test.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 with home tests or at non-Yale University testing centers you should submit a copy of the test and any related medical records for review to Yale Health by completing the online form. You are also encouraged to call your Yale Health care provider to discuss treatment options.
- Once confirmed, if part of a required testing program, the individual will be automatically exempted from gateway and routine testing for 90 days from the date of the positive test.
- Individuals who are tested through one of the Yale University test sites in the Yale Testing program will automatically have their testing requirements paused for 90 days.
Other COVID-19 Health & Safety Requirements
Current information about requirements related to masking, campus visitors, travel, and other activities is available at covid19.yale.edu. Students should consult this site regularly. The Yale Community Compact requires students to comply with all COVID-19 health and safety measures. COVID-related policies are subject to change based on prevailing public health conditions and guidance. Questions about these policies may be directed to Associate Deans Michael Schwartz and John Francis, the YSM Health and Safety Leaders.