Community Tracing Protocols

Last updated: January 26, 2022 at 5:43 PM

Contact tracing is an important piece of the effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. By identifying those who have had close contact with an infected individual, and placing those contacts in quarantine, it’s possible to further limit the spread of the virus.

The CDC defines “close contact” as having been within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative of 15 minutes over a 24-hour period.

Your Responsibilities

It is your responsibility as a member of the Brandeis community to work truthfully, cooperatively and respectfully with Brandeis Community Tracing Program staff. Your cooperation is mandated by both university and state guidelines. In addition, the program cannot work unless the information provided to contact tracers is accurate and complete. Anyone who harrasses, ignores, or refuses to cooperate when contacted by case tracers may face disciplinary action.

Amnesty

To encourage honesty and collaboration, any information received during the contact tracing process that may be in violation of COVID-19 policies will be covered under the COVID Amnesty Policy, and the university will not pursue conduct action.

Identifying Close Contacts

The Brandeis Community Tracing Program (BCTP) staff will interview the person with COVID-19 to identify any close contacts. Brandeis community tracers will reach out to close contacts who are Brandeis community members. The BCTP collaborates with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to notify close contacts outside the Brandeis community.

• Brandeis community tracers will contact you if you are identified as a close contact.
  • A close contact is someone who was within six feet of a person infected with COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes within a 24-hour period. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have more detailed information about close contacts.

Quarantine

Those identified as having been in close contact must quarantine. Close contacts cannot be tested at on-campus testing sites while in quarantine. 

Individuals in quarantine will be instructed to make an appointment at the Health Center or with their primary care provider. Brandeis community tracers will monitor close contacts and check for symptoms with follow-up calls every two days. Continue to follow mask-wearing protocols even while in quarantine.

Isolation

Any Brandeis community member who tests positive for COVID-19, whether on a Brandeis PCR test, another PCR test or an at-home rapid test must isolate. Students should follow guidance on where, and for how long, to isolate from the Brandeis Community Tracing Program and the Health Center.  Staff and faculty should contact Occupational Health for guidance.

Resuming Full-Campus Activities

A close contact can resume full campus activities after being released from quarantine, and then following on-campus testing per Brandeis protocols.