Testing

If I tested positive for COVID within 90 days before coming to campus, do I still need to get a negative test before arriving?

No, if you are within 90 days of testing positive, no test is required before coming to campus as long as you are asymptomatic. If you have any COVID-like symptoms within 90 days from a previous COVID infection, then testing for COVID should be considered in consultation with your local healthcare provider.

What happens if a student tests positive for COVID-19? 

Students who test positive will be required to wear a well-fitted mask and isolate for a minimum of 5 days before returning to work or class and continuing to wear a mask for another 5 days. Health sciences students will be required to observe the longer isolation requirement (7 days) for those working in the healthcare environment.

Residential students who test positive will be allowed to isolate in place within their residential hall room or apartment while wearing a well-fitted mask until released by Student Health.

How can a student testing COVID positive and living on campus get food?

Students can pick up food from on-campus dining facilities but must remain in a mask at all times outside of their residential room assignment. Students should not be eating in the dining facilities if they tested positive. Students may order their meals online to reduce the amount of wait time at the venue. Find out how to order from Duke Dine-Out. Students may also arrange for a classmate to pick up food or can have their meals delivered through Duke Dining’s Merchants-on-Points program.

Will students who are required to isolate after testing positive for COVID be able to attend in classes in person?

No, students cannot attend in-person classes during their isolation period. Students who test positive isolate for a minimum of five days. After the initial 5 days of isolation, students must continue wearing a mask for another 5 days and not eat in congregate settings. Note: Health sciences students are required to observe the longer isolation requirement (7 days) for those working in the healthcare environment.

Are lectures/classes available online or students in isolation?

Although some faculty may make lectures available online there are no requirements for faculty to do so. Students should fill out the short-term incapacitation form and notify their academic dean about time missed.

What should a student do if his/her roommate tests positive for COVID?

Roommates who have been exposed will need to test and wear a mask to reduce further exposure or infection.

• Roommates who have COVID symptoms should contact Student Health to get tested.

If the roommate tests positive, he or she should contact Student Health, wear a well-fitted mask and isolate for a minimum of five days before returning to work or class and continuing to wear a mask for another five days. Roommates living on campus who test negative and are considered medically high-risk may be relocated to alternative housing upon request (roommate’s positive test must be conducted at or reported to Student Health).

Can a medically high-risk roommate be moved to alternative housing before receiving a negative test result?

A negative PCR test result is required before relocating a student living on campus whose roommate tested positive to avoid potential exposure of other individuals.