Reminders Regarding COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation 

With classes back in full swing, students and employees have been asking whether they need to quarantine or isolate in various circumstances. We have also heard of some confusion about whether students who tested positive for COVID-19 are required to show proof of a negative test before returning to class.

Here is some guidance to help answer those questions:

1. In accordance with guidance from CDC, NOVA is not requiring medical documentation from employees or students before they can return to campus after a COVID-19 exposure or diagnosis (positive test result).

2. Anyone who has been exposed or who has tested positive for COVID-19 should follow current CDC guidance for exposure, quarantine and isolation.
   • CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Persons as of 10/1/2021:
     • If you are vaccinated and come into close contact (within six feet of someone for more than 15 minutes) with a COVID-19 positive individual, the CDC recommends that you continue to wear a face covering for 14 days and be tested three to five days post-exposure. No quarantine or isolation is required.
     • If you test positive after three to five days, you should notify the Office of Emergency Management and Safety at OEM@nvcc.edu and quarantine for seven days post-diagnosis as required by the College Contagious Diseases Policy.
   • CDC Guidance for Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated Persons as of 10/1/2021:
     • If you are unvaccinated, the CDC recommends that you quarantine for 14 days after your last contact with an infected person; watch for fever, shortness of breath or other COVID symptoms; and stay away from other people (even ones you live with) who may be at a higher risk of getting COVID-19.
     • You may shorten your quarantine after 10 days without testing if you have no symptoms.
     • You also may end your quarantine after day seven by receiving a negative test after day five or later.

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