We are excited to have you back on campus! As you attend classes and interact with fellow residents in your on-campus home, we want to share updated Covid-19 information for the fall 2023 semester.
We strongly encourage our residents to follow these guidelines:
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and get a booster when eligible
- If you test positive, or are unvaccinated and exposed to COVID-19, follow the 5-5-5 rule
The 5-5-5 rule should be followed by those who are exposed to COVID-19 and who have not been vaccinated against the virus, or who have not been boosted but are eligible for a booster shot. This means that if you are exposed to somebody who has COVID-19, you should:
- Stay home for five days
- Wear a mask for five more days when around others
Immunocompromised patients are encouraged to remain home for the entire 10 days.
Face coverings
While we remain a mask-friendly campus, face coverings are not no longer required on the main campus. Those who still wish to wear masks are encouraged to do so, especially those at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Off-campus isolation
Before their arrival, all students have been asked to create an off-campus isolation plan or be prepared to isolate in place.
Residents who are able to return home or to an offsite location are highly encouraged to do so as soon as they are diagnosed positive. Once the resident's isolation period is completed, or if they test negative via antigen test on day five, they may return to campus.
On-campus isolation
Students living with Housing & Residential Education are expected to get tested when experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. When waiting for the test results and after receiving a positive test, students should contact HRE to receive instructions regarding an isolation period.
- While isolating, students may only leave their room to go to a healthcare provider. When leaving the room, they must always wear a mask.
- Students may place a mobile food order to pick up and return to their room to eat. Students may not eat in any dining facility. Students without a meal plan may place an order for mobile delivery with the Starship app.
- Students should not use residence hall common spaces such as lounges, community kitchens, fitness rooms, and laundry facilities.
- Students may not attend classes or other in-person gatherings.
- Students should not have visitors nor visit other students' rooms.
Roommates
If a roommate tests positive, students should get tested as soon as possible to quarantine consistent with university guidelines.
- If roommate(s) test positive, they should plan to isolate.
- If roommate(s) test negative, they should continue to monitor for symptoms and test again if they develop any symptoms.
No dedicated isolation space
The university will not offer a dedicated building for isolation and quarantine for the 2023-2024 academic year. Residents should be prepared to enact their off-campus isolation plan or isolate in place.
If you have any questions, contact us by phone at 801-587-2002 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (MT) or by email at info@housing.utah.edu.