Students who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate in their own dorms but not be required to move into university-provided isolation housing, Harvard announced this week. In addition, Harvard University Health Services will no longer call close contacts of positive students. Instead, students and affiliates who test positive will now be responsible for reaching out to their close contacts.
The Harvard Crimson reports that the university also shortened its isolation period for students who test positive for COVID-19 from 10 days to five days, aligning with recently updated Centers Disease Control policy. Students will have to adhere to a strict mask-wearing rule for five additional days after isolation whether they are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms. Current University policy otherwise requires students to wear masks in all indoor spaces with the exception of private areas such as a dorm room.
