COVID Isolation & Resources
Here's what to do if you test positive and related guidance.
What to Do If You Test Positive
Immediately following a positive COVID-19 test result, all students should inform the university through the steps shared here. All students isolate in-place.
Steps
This information applies to all positive COVID-19 tests, including those from a rapid antigen test or a third party.
- Stay home and report your positive test result on this General COVID-19 Case Reporting Form to inform the university.
- Isolate in place and review COVID Isolation Resources and FAQs below for information on meals, academic support & more.
- Do not go to class or work while isolating.
- Review future guidance under “Ending your isolation period", below.
All members of the Stanford Community must commit to protecting their own health and well-being and the health and well-being of their fellow students, postdocs, staff members, and faculty. This includes committing to sharing complete and truthful information when reporting COVID-19 test results.
Students who misrepresent their COVID-19 status, submit false test results, or otherwise fail to follow university guidance, will be held accountable through educational interventions or referral to the Dean of Students office or the Office of Community Standards when appropriate. When necessary, immediate actions may also be taken.
COVID Isolation Resources and FAQs
Throughout this process, we hope that you will continue to engage in academics (to the extent the severity of your illness allows it and if applicable) and practice a daily routine that includes tending to your health, well-being, dietary needs, and non-in-person social communication. We are here to ensure you have access to appropriate campus resources so that you are well supported.
- Meals - If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be directed to wear a K95 mask, pick up meals from your dining hall, and then return to your room or eat outdoors, physically distant from others. Please return your dishes and silverware to the dining hall.
- Academic needs - We encourage you to reference your course syllabi and email your professors and your academic advisor so that they know that you will be unable to participate in in-person academic activities.
- Undergraduate Students: Contact your Undergraduate Advising Director for assistance.
- Graduate students, professional students, and postdocs: Please contact your schools, departments, and instructors for assistance.
What does it mean to be in isolation?
- Being in isolation means preserving your health, safety, and well-being along with that of your community. The isolation period is necessary anytime a student tests positive for COVID-19. Although you will be in “isolation,” our goal is for you to still feel connected and well-supported.
How do I get medical attention while in isolation?
- Call Vaden Medical Services at 650.498.2336 if you need urgent medical advice.
- TimelyCare is offered as a supplement to the extensive existing in-person and virtual services offered by Vaden Medical Services, and can assist you 24-7 if you have tested positive for COVID-19.
- If you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, notify your medical provider, Vaden Health Services, or the Sports Medicine Team (if you are a varsity athlete). CDC guidance can be found here.
How can I help keep my dormmates or roommates healthy while I isolate in-place?
- Wear face coverings as often as possible.
- Avoid sharing personal items.
- Wash or sanitize hands frequently.
- Keep windows open.
How can I help keep apartment-mates and family members healthy while I isolate in-place?
- Stay inside your bedrooms with doors closed, if possible.
- Wear face coverings except when in the bathroom, eating, or in your bedroom.
- Avoid entering the bathroom within 15 minutes of your apartment mates.
- Disinfect the bathroom, kitchen, and frequently touched surfaces, as often as possible.
- Eat in separate rooms.
- Avoid sharing personal items.
- Wash or sanitize hands frequently.
- Keep windows open.
Can I go for a walk?
Yes, you can go for solo walks outdoors. Wear a face covering and stay socially distanced from others.
What should I refrain from doing while in isolation?
- Do not use laundry rooms.
- Do not have visitors. Do not have others come to your space for visits of any kind.
- Do not go to any in-person events, meetings, social activities, or other group activities. If you have questions about leaving your space, please contact your medical provider, Vaden Health Services, or the Sports Medicine Team if you are a varsity athlete.
- Do not go to work. Communicate with your supervisor and HR to explore time off or remote work options.
What should I do after I’ve completed my period in isolation?
Follow the guidance listed under “Ending your isolation period”
Graduate and Professional Students
Stock up now on non-perishables such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and frozen meals. Other options include meal and grocery delivery services.
Academic needs. Please contact your schools, departments, and instructors for assistance. If you need consultation on how to navigate academic resources, please contact the Graduate Life Office via email at graduatelifeoffice@stanford.edu or call 650-736-7078.
Ending Your Isolation
Step-by-step instructions for all students
Isolate for at least 5 days. Isolation means no class, work, or lab.
- You may qualify for an earlier return to campus activities if you test negative for COVID, you have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, AND your symptoms are mild and improving. Continue to mask around others for the full 10-day period.
- Otherwise, isolation can end without a negative COVID test after day 5 if symptoms are not present or are mild and improving, AND you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Continue to mask around others for the full 10-day period.
Additional Information for COVID Positive Students
- If you are experiencing worsening symptoms, contact Vaden Health Services at 650.498.2336.
- TimelyCare is offered as a supplement to the extensive existing in-person and virtual services offered by Vaden Medical Services, and can assist you 24-7 if you have tested positive for COVID-19.
- CDC guidance can be found here.
- The University has resources and programs in place for students experiencing long COVID.
- Long COVID qualifies as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504
- For care and accommodations related to long COVID or to seek diagnosis, students should register with the Office of Accessible Education.
- Accommodations may include individualized assessments of a student's disability experiences, identification of reasonable accommodations, and access to assistive technology and support services. More on Remote Learning & Coping During COVID-19, from OAE.
- If you were on campus within the two days before testing positive for COVID, please submit the Stanford Building Exposure intake form.
- If you tested positive away from campus - Do not travel!
- Plan to isolate 5 to 10 days in your current location. Do not change your travel plans on the assumption that five days is sufficient.