Definitions
Being less than 6 feet away from an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or a clinical diagnosis) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. For example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes.
Brandeis community members are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations if they have received all appropriate boosters for which they are elligible, after having received two doses a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, or the single-dose J&J/Janssen vaccine.
Confirmed case of COVID-19, as determined by a rapid or PCR test.
A tool used previously by Brandeis to ensure the health and safety of the university community. The DHA was once required to be filled out daily by students, faculty, and staff in order to come to campus. The DHA was also used to help determine whether guests or visitors could come to campus. The DHA is no longer required, but is still available for those who would like to use it when hosting events.
An easy, quick testing option to help you determine if you have COVID-19. Rapid tests for COVID-19 are usually antigen tests, which detect proteins from the virus. They are available for purchase (e.g., Walgreens, CVS, Amazon, Walmart, etc.) and can be completed in your home. Depending on the test, results are usually given within 10-15 minutes.
A slower, yet highly accurate testing option to help you determine if you have COVID-19. PCR tests are typically available at a doctor’s office, clinic, pharmacy, or through other local testing sites. They are considered to be the “gold standard” when it comes to COVID-19 testing. PCR results are usually available within 24-48 hours of sample submission, depending on the provider.
Having been in the presence of someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
Wearing a mask in the presence of others. When masking, your face and nose must both be covered. Masking helps to limit the spread of COVID-19, as it is transmitted via air. Masks can be made of multiple different materials (e.g., cloth) and can give you and others different levels of protection. It is said that surgical masks and N-95 masks offer more protection than simple cloth masks.
Expressing signs of illness. For COVID-19, symptoms can include the fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, and others. If you are symptomatic, it is recommended that you test as soon as you are able to do so, and in the meantime, it is also recommended that you stay distanced from others and wear a mask.
Not expressing signs of illness. You can still have COVID-19 and be contagious, even if you are asymptomatic.