COVID Isolation & Resources: Spring Quarter

Here's what to do if you test positive and related information.

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 from Color, rapid antigen, or a third party.

1. Stay home and follow the steps below to inform the university and receive access to resources including medical care and isolation guidance.
   • Report your positive test on the Vaden Patient Portal.
     • Send a copy of your positive COVID test results (attached to a message with the subject line "secure: test results") to the "Covid Medical Care Team". Varsity athletes should instead contact the Sports Medicine team. 
   • Report your positive test result on this Isolation SNOW Ticket. 
2. Isolate in place and await further communication.
   • Review COVID Isolation Resources and FAQs below for information on meals, academic support & more.
3. Do not go to class or work while isolating.
4. Review information under “Ending your isolation period.”

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.
• Here is how to reach Vaden after hours. 
• 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. Beginning September 6, the university will no longer provide meals to COVID-positive graduate and professional students and co-terms living in graduate housing, given they can prepare their own meals in their apartment kitchens.

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

You can only be cleared to leave Stanford isolation under medical guidance from Vaden Health Services (or the Sports Medicine team for varsity athletes). Rapid tests will be made available to students in isolation at the Quarantine/Isolation Housing Front Desk.
Q/I Front Desk:
8am-5pm, Monday-Sunday
(650) 784-5961
Located at 143 Ayrshire Farm Lane, Apartment 104, Stanford, CA 94305. 

Instructions

Vaden will send you a message, via its patient portal, as you approach Day 5 in isolation. You are required to respond to this message when you have met the requirements to leave isolation.

• Your isolation period will end on or after Day 6 if you test negative with a rapid test on or after Day 6, you are symptom-free or have much improved symptoms, you have not had a fever (measured or felt) for at least 48 hours without medication, and you would like to leave isolation on that day.
  • You will be required to upload an image showing your negative test result and ID when you respond to the Vaden message.  
  • You should continue to mask indoors and around others until a full 10 days have passed since your positive test result.
• Otherwise, continue to isolate until you test negative or complete your full isolation period of 10 days, leaving isolation on Day 11.

Additional Information for COVID Positive Students

• If you are experiencing worsening symptoms, contact Vaden Health Services at 650.498.2336.
  • Here is how to reach Vaden after hours.
  • 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. Review guidance for travel and return testing at Stanford. 
  • Your isolation period will end if you test negative with a rapid test; you are symptom-free or have much-improved symptoms, and you have not had a fever (measured or felt) for at least 48 hours without medication.