Off-Campus Students Who Test Positive for COVID-19

(Undergraduate and Graduate students)

If You Test Positive for COVID-19

• How were you tested:
  
  • Through a test at the Student Health Center – Immediately put on your mask and return to your home. You will be contacted by the Brandeis Community Tracing Program (BCTP). Their call will come from “Private Number”, so please make sure you turn up the volume on your phone and do not miss their call. DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS.
  • Through a rapid test or a PCR test outside of the Student Health Center – Immediately put on your mask and return to your home if you are not already there. Email bctp@brandeis.edu with the result of your positive COVID test. DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS.

• Isolation. Students must remain in isolation in their off-campus residence for a minimum of 5 days from the date of their positive test (the date of the positive test is “day 0”, so it’s actually 6 full days of isolation). Isolation means limiting exposure to others by staying at home; if you live with other people, coordinate with them how you can minimize their exposure. If you must be exposed to others during this time, wear the best mask you have and limit your exposure as much as possible. Do not come to campus unless it is to visit the Health Center by appointment only.
• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing, like chest pain, ongoing fever, or trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately by calling 911.
• Coursework. Reach out to your instructors about keeping up with your coursework while you are isolating.
• Be responsive. Students must respond to all calls and emails from the BCTP or Student Health providers. If you are too sick to respond, please call 781-736-3333 for emergency assistance.
• Leaving isolation. Students may ONLY be released from isolation as determined by the BCTP. Students are prohibited from engaging in any campus activities after testing positive until cleared by the BCTP.

Other Things to Know

• Please comply. If a student hosts a gathering in their off-campus residence, and a guest later tests positive, the host is required to notify the local Board of Health and assist with contact tracing. Failure to do so could result in a fine of $500 per violation.
• It’s the Law! Brandeis is required by law to report a positive result to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
• Tell the truth. The university’s amnesty policy (pdf) applies to students who willingly and cooperatively participate in contact tracing efforts.