Contact Tracing/Quarantine/Isolation

COVID-19 case follow-up is conducted to identify and understand cases, clusters, and outbreaks that require intervention, and to inform the need for further studies. Case follow-up will focus on cases with symptom onset or a positive test in the preceding 5 days and may complement other strategies such as broad-based notification of potential exposure, and support testing and vaccination.

Individuals who test positive, are experiencing symptoms or have been notified as a close contact are encouraged to follow proper protocols for isolation, quarantine and mask wearing. For more information on these protocols see the Contact Tracing Flow Charts below.

How contact tracing works

Any questions about contact tracing or appropriate actions based on contact with a positive case should be directed to the COVID Support Staff. When in doubt, report the situation with the online COVID report form.

Everyone must continue to perform a daily health assessment and report COVID cases to YSU COVID Support Staff.

What are quarantine and isolation?

• Quarantine

  Quarantine: Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.

• Isolation

  Isolation: Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available).

FAQs

• What if I test positive for COVID?

  You should submit a COVID-19 reporting form if:

  • You have recently tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You have been around someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Or you have traveled internationally in the past 14 days.

• What do I do if I was exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID? Will I need to quarantine?

  You should submit a COVID-19 reporting form if:

  • You have recently tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You have been around someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Or you have traveled internationally in the past 14 days.

  If you are fully vaccinated and have been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive, you may not need to quarantine at this time. Once you have completed the COVID-19 reporting form, a COVID Support team member will be in touch to determine if you need to quarantine.

• What is the process for Contact Tracing in Classrooms?
  • Any questions about contact tracing or appropriate actions based on contact with a positive case should be directed to the COVID Support Staff. When in doubt, report the situation with the online COVID report form.

• If a student in my class is in Quarantine or Isolation, will I be automatically notified by the university?

  No. To maintain student privacy, faculty, advisors, coaches, and/or campus employers are NOT automatically notified of absences related to COVID-19.

• How will I know if a student is absent due to Quarantine or Isolation?

  As soon as a student is informed of the need to Isolate or Quarantine, it is recommended that they communicate their absence with their faculty, campus employer, etc. If you require "formal" documentation, the student is advised to request this from the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@ysu.edu. Alternatively, students who are comfortable sharing (or have already shared) that they need to quarantine/isolate, may simply present the letter they receive from the Office of EOHS as their safe return date is listed; however, providing this letter should NEVER be required.

• What does it mean if a student is excused from class due to COVID?

  Students in Quarantine or Isolation are required to remain away from campus and not attend classes, but they are NOT excused from completing assignments, exams, etc. Students who experience significant illness or hospitalization are advised to notify the Dean of Students via the "Penguin of Concern" form.

• What should I do if I’m in Quarantine?

  Stay home, separate yourself from others, monitor your health, and follow directions from your state or local health department.

• What should I do if I’m in Isolation?

  Stay home. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available).

• As a student, if I’m in Isolation or Quarantine and can’t attend class, who should I inform?

  You should communicate your absence with your faculty, campus employer, etc., similar to how you would communicate any other type of absence. Please note that, to maintain privacy, faculty, advisors, coaches, and/or campus employers are NOT automatically notified of absences related to COVID-19 or any other illness/extenuating circumstance.

• What if a faculty member or employer wants formal documentation regarding my Isolation or Quarantine?

  Contact the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@ysu.edu and provide the name(s) and email(s) of anyone requiring notification. Alternatively, students who are comfortable sharing that they need to quarantine/isolate due to COVID, may simply present the letter they receive from the Office of EOHS; however, providing this letter should NEVER be required.

• If I’m in Isolation or Quarantine and excused from class, do I still need to do assignments, take tests, etc.?

  Yes. You are NOT excused from completing assignments, exams, etc. or from communicating with your faculty, employer, etc. regarding your absence. You should work with faculty to determine a plan for completing any on-campus assignments, labs, exams, or other course requirement.