Quarantine and Isolation

Updated August 2022

Isolation and Close Contacts

Butler County General Health District guidelines should be followed for anyone with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis or who is a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Positive COVID-19 Test: Isolate

Students who test positive for COVID-19 are asked to complete this self-report form. In this form you can request that your instructors are notified of your absence, as well as request housing for on-campus students.

Close Contact: Wear a Mask and Test

Contact tracing is generally not being conducted this semester. If you know that you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine, but should wear a mask indoors for 10 days from your date of last exposure. Close contacts should take a test on day 6 following their most recent exposure to the virus. If you test negative, you should continue wearing a mask for the next 5 days. If you test positive, you should isolate yourself away from others for 5 days.

 

Protocols for On-Campus Students in Isolation

This isolation protocol was developed in consultation with the Butler County General Health District.

All students who test positive for COVID-19 are asked to complete the student self-report form and self-isolate for at least 5 days.

No symptoms or improving symptoms on day 5 AND fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine?

You may return to your normal activities on day 6, as long as a mask is worn at all times around others on days 6-10. If a mask cannot be worn, you should remain in isolation through day 10. You do not need to take a test to return to your residence hall (as long as symptoms are improving and you are fever-free).

Symptoms same or worsening on day 5 OR still have a fever?

If you continue to have worsening symptoms or a fever, you should plan to stay in isolation until your symptoms have improved and you are fever free for 24-hours without the use of fever reducing medication, up to 10 days.

Resources


General Quarantine and Isolation FAQs

If I test positive for COVID-19, how long will I need to isolate?

You should refer to the Butler County General Health District’s guidance to determine isolation or quarantine requirements for your own situation. You are asked, but not required, to complete this student self-report form to share your positive diagnosis with the University. In this form you can request that your instructors are notified of your absence, as well as request housing for on-campus students.

As general guidance, for isolation, the duration is at least 5 days from the onset of your symptoms or the date of your COVID-19 test (if asymptomatic).

You may return to campus on day 6 as long as your symptoms have improved and you have had no fever for 24-hours (without the use of fever reducing medication). A well-fitted mask must be worn on days 6-10 around others at all times (except while sleeping). If symptoms haven't improved or you still have a fever after 5 days, you should continue to isolate until you are fever-free and your symptoms have improved, up to 10 days.

If I'm in Oxford when I find out I have to be isolated, can I just go home and isolate at my permanent residence?

If you are an on-campus student and need to isolate or quarantine, you may choose t an on-campus space designated by Miami University (isolation only, space permitting) or your family home (permanent residence). You may also choose to isolate at another off-campus location of your choice such as with a friend or family member or a hotel.

If you are an off-campus student and need to isolate or quarantine, you may choose to stay in your off-campus residence (e.g., apartment, house), go home to your permanent residence, stay with a friend or family member or go to a hotel. Students who live off-campus may not spend their isolation period in a housing space provided by the University.

What should I do if I am a close contact and start experiencing symptoms?

According to Butler County General Health District guidelines, if you know that you were a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVIDovid-19, you should isolate yourself away from others immediately. and take a Covid-19 test. Please remain isolated away from others until you know the results of your test. If you cannot separate yourself from others, please wear a well-fitted mask while around others. If you are not up-to-date on your covid vaccines, you should quarantine according to CDC guidelines. If it is a medical emergency, call 911. If it is not a medical emergency and you are in the Oxford area, call Student Health Service (SHS) to make a phone consultation appointment. Tell them you were a close contact and are experiencing Covid symptoms. SHS will schedule a phone consultation with a provider or nurse who will determine your next appropriate steps.

What information will be shared with others about my isolation status?

Personally identifiable student information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Your privacy is important, and we will not share any personal medical information except as described below.

  • In the event of isolation, you may request to have your faculty members informed that you are absent due to illness (will not specify the type of illness) and your expected date of return, if known. This process and the link to the request form are contained in an email attachment you received from Miami covid case managers.
  • Personally identifiable information will be shared as required with public health officials.
  • Miami University will be notified by health authorities of on-campus students who test positive for COVIDovid-19 at healthcare facilities. These students will then be notified by the University to leave their residence hall for their isolation period.

If I live off-campus will I be required to isolate?

If you live off-campus and test positive, you are expected to isolate and follow public health guidelines. You can self-report your positive COVID-19 diagnosis using this form. The CDC's guidance to determine isolation or quarantine requirements for your own situation. If you inform Miami or the Butler County General Health District of your illness or are seen at Student Health Services, someone from Miami may reach out to you with additional guidance.