Positive cases, isolation, and quarantine

Positive Cases

Note: The following guidance applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals who test positive for COVID-19.

STUDENTS

Content updated on Aug. 4, 2022

• If you live on campus or off campus and test positive somewhere besides Schiffert, please upload your results to the Online Student Health Portal. Then follow your medical provider's instructions or call Schiffert Health Center if you need health guidance or have further questions. 
• These guidelines apply to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
• Do not attend class or work.
• Isolate yourself in your residence away from friends or family members for five days.
  
• Fill out the Dean of Students Office COVID-19 Absence Verification Form.
• Please contact Schiffert Health Center at 540-231-6444 with immediate questions.

Quarantine/isolation: For the 2022-23 academic year, Virginia Tech will not operate a COVID-19 quarantine and isolation program. It is important for students to work with families to develop an advanced COVID-19 plan should they become infected with COVID-19. As with any communicable disease, the Schiffert Health Center and the Dean of Students Office will work closely with students to implement their plan — or discern alternative solutions as needed. 

EMPLOYEES

Content updated on June 23, 2022

Virginia Tech is following Virginia Department of Health isolation and quarantine guidelines.

CLOSE CONTACTS

What should I do if I'm notified that I'm a close contact with a positive case?

STUDENTS

Content updated on Sept. 16, 2022

• These guidelines apply to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
• Contact Schiffert to schedule a COVID-19 test at 540-231-6444, option 1.
• Begin quarantining in your residence hall room or off-campus residence if you are having symptoms.
• Do not attend in-person classes or activities if you are unvaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, you can attend in-person classes or activities while wearing a mask if you are not experiencing symptoms.
• If you are exposed and are experiencing symptoms, you will need to schedule a test with Schiffert five days after your exposure.
  
• You do not need to schedule a test if you are not showing symptoms after exposure.
  
• Wear a mask or face covering, even if you are vaccinated.
• If you test positive for COVID-19, upload your results to the Online Student Health Portal Also, isolate yourself in your residence away from roommates, family, and friends for five days.
  
• If you tested positive or if you have been directed to quarantine and cannot attend classes, fill out the Dean of Students Office COVID-19 Absence Verification Form.
  
• If you are testing somewhere other than Schiffert Health Center, you may follow quarantine guidance from your healthcare provider. If you were not provided quarantine instructions, contact Schiffert Health Center.

Additional Student FAQs

Where do I get a COVID-19 test if I have been exposed or told I am a close contact?
Students should call Schiffert Health Center (540-231-6444) to schedule an appointment for testing. If you are not experiencing any symptoms, testing options are also available on the Blacksburg campus and can be scheduled within the Shiffert Online Health Portal.

Under what circumstances will a student need to activate their COVID-19 quarantine/isolation plan?
Students living on campus should activate their plan if they have symptoms after an exposure, or if they test positive for COVID-19. Students should contact the Dean of Students office  at 540-231-3787 with questions relating to activating their COVID-19 plan.

For any questions relating to exposures, testing options, isolation, or quarantine, contact Schiffert Health Center at health@vt.edu for guidance. Symptomatic students or those with questions about symptoms should also call Schiffert Health Center at 540-231-6444.

EMPLOYEES

Content updated on Aug. 4, 2022

Virginia Tech is following Virginia Department of Health isolation and quarantine guidelines. For more detailed guidance around employee positive case reporting, isolation, and quarantine, please refer to this Quick Reference Guide (guide updated on June 23, 2022).

Additional Employees FAQs

What are my leave options if I need to isolate myself at home after exposure to COVID-19?
As of June 1, 2022, employees that are ineligible for remote work and need to quarantine due to a known exposure to COVID-19 must use their available personal, annual, or compensatory leave to cover the absence. Any remaining PHEL balance will be made inactive in the Leave and Time Worked Reporting System on June 1.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19, and become symptomatic or ill, should use sick leave or other available personal leave. If necessary and eligible, employees can also file a short-term disability claim.

If you have questions, contact the Leave Team at hrleave@vt.edu.

Where do I get a COVID-19 test if I have been exposed?
For both symptomatic and non-symptomatic employees:

• The VDH website provides a list of free COVID-19 testing sites throughout Virginia.
• Kits may also be obtained through the U.S. federal government, available only through Friday, Sept. 2.
  
• Kits may also be available through participating community libraries.

If employees are unable to get a test kit through one of the methods above or are unable to purchase a test at a local pharmacy, Hokie Wellness will maintain a small inventory of test kits to meet unforeseen circumstances. To register to get a test, employees should contact the HR Service Center at hrservicecenter@vt.edu or call 540-231-9331. 

Where can I get information on accessibility accomodations if I need them due to COVID-19?

Visit the ADA Accomodations page for information on COVID-19 and the ADA and EEO laws. If you have additional questions, contact the ADA and Accessibility Services team in the Office for Equity and Accessibility at adaaccess@vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-2010.

Is there information available on long COVID?

Visit the Long COVID Resources page on the Hokie Wellness website for information and resources.