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: There are three ways to report symptoms or exposure.
Go to My COVID Link.
- On the My COVID Link page, click on Submit Test Results link.
- Follow instructions on the screen to complete the submission.
- Be sure to click Submit
- Check your Duke email for additional instructions from EOHW
Call 919-613-0520 to submit your symptom survey using an automated voice response system. You will need your 7-digit Duke Unique ID, found on the back of your badge, ready when you call.
Or, call the Employee Health Exposure Hotline (919-385-0429, option 1).
Employees can go to Employee Health COVID Guidelines to learn more.
*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.
Duke strongly recommends getting up-to-date vaccinations against COVID-19, especially for those with conditions that place them at higher risk. However, effective May 11 current and new students, faculty and staff who do not work in a healthcare environment are no longer required to receive the primary or booster vaccinations. Duke will also continue to offer the primary and booster vaccinations free of charge to all students, faculty and staff.
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–still requires its faculty and staff to receive the primary series of the COVID vaccination (as required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid), but booster vaccinations are no longer required, effective April 3. All health science students will continue to follow the same protocols as Duke Health.
Duke University Student Health and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) employees will follow the Duke Health policies related to vaccination requirements.
Exemptions
Health science students should email immunizations@duke.edu to request a medical or religious exemption form.
New Duke Health faculty and staff may apply for a medical or religious exemption using the process described on the Duke Health website.
Students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact Student Health by phone during business hours at 919-681-9355 and choose option 2 to speak to a triage nurse.
Duke employees can use My COVID Link to report any COVID symptoms or access information about submitting a positive test from an outside provider.