For information about testing resources, where to get tested, how the testing process works, and what to do if you test positive, please see Testing.
- Masking is still required for anyone who is symptomatic and around others, regardless of location or test results.
- Effective Thursday, March 23, 2023, masking will continue to be required in clinical areas, but will be optional in non-patient care areas across Duke Health campuses.
- Masking on Duke buses and vans is now recommended, but will no longer be required. Masks will be available on buses for those who request one.
- Masking is recommended indoors regardless of vaccination status when your county location is categorized as “high risk” by the CDC.
- Masking will continue to be encouraged in classrooms for anyone who is concerned or is at high-risk for severe disease.
- Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should wear a mask, not report to work or attend classes, and get tested as soon as possible. Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms, even after a negative COVID test, should remember there are many respiratory viruses circulating in our community. Please be considerate to others and wear a mask whenever you have any cold-like symptoms.
- Masks may still be required in other locations based on specific circumstances, so student, employees and visitors should carry a mask and be prepared to wear it, if needed. Masking is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others, especially in indoor settings. Please continue to respect an individual’s decision to wear a mask even if it is not required.
As of July 1, 2021, social distancing is no longer required on campus.
Handwashing
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands after touching your face.
Coughing/Sneezing Hygiene
If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Then throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers with greater than 60% ethanol.
Feeling sick? Have you been exposed to someone with COVID?
If you have:
- cough,
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,
- fever,
- chills,
- repeated shaking with chills,
- runny nose or new sinus congestion,
- muscle pain,
- headache,
- sore throat,
- fatigue,
- new GI symptoms, or
- new loss of taste or smell,
OR have been exposed to someone with COVID…
For Students: call Student Health during business hours at 919-681-9355 and choose option 2 to speak to a triage nurse.
For Staff & Employees: call the Duke COVID hotline* (919-385-0429 option 1 for employees) for assessment and COVID-19 testing. By contacting the hotline, you will register with Employee Health and must complete the Duke employee survey that will be sent to your email. Employee Health will contact you within 24 hours.
You must self-isolate until cleared by Employee Health to return to work.
*Note: Effective March 1, 2022, the Duke COVID hotline operates from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. – Noon Saturday and Sunday
Given broad vaccine distribution along with other key indicators, Duke University and Duke University Health System, has transitioned back to use of accrued time off for any future COVID-related absences (i.e. illness, isolation, quarantine, reactions). As of Sept. 1, 2021, University staff should use accrued vacation or sick time as appropriate for all instances where work is not being performed. Rare exceptions may occur where individuals require hospitalization for severe infections. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Effective April 3, 2023, Duke Health–which includes the Duke University Health System, the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, the Private Diagnostic Clinic, and Duke Health Integrated Practice–will continue to strongly recommend, but will no longer require COVID-19 booster vaccinations for team members. All health science students will continue to follow the same protocols as Duke Health.
All other Duke students, faculty and staff are still required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved medical or religious exemption. Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks.
Duke students, faculty, and staff can use My COVID Link to report any COVID symptoms or access information about submitting a positive test from an outside provider.
Student Health or Employee Occupational Health and Wellness will follow up once information about symptoms or a positive test result have been received.