COVID Next Step

What you should do if...

CDC Isolation and Quarantine Calculator

Check out this helpful tool from the CDC  to help you determine if you should be in isolation or quarantine and for how long.

What if I Tested Positive for COVID-19

Review the steps to follow in this site.

What if I have COVID-19 Symptoms

IF YOU 
Have any COVID symptoms 

 Next Step More Information

New onset headache
New onset congestion
New onset runny nose or sneezing
Sore throat
New or worsening cough
Fever (100.4F or higher) or feel feverish
Chills
Muscle pain
Excessive fatigue
Shortness of breath
New loss of taste or smell
Chest pain
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
  • Wear a mask around others.
  • Stay home if feeling significantly sick.
  • Take a COVID test.
    • Take a rapid COVID test as soon as possible.
    • Take a COVID test if symptoms persist.
    • Over-the-counter rapid tests are available at a pharmacy, can be purchased at the BookMark, or may be covered through your insurance
    • Call Gustavus Health Serviceto schedule an appointment at 933-7630 or contact a pharmacy or clinic for an appoint.
    • . Find more information on our Testing Resources page. 

What if I have had an Exposure - COVID Close Contact

  • If you have had a known exposure to a person who tested positive for COVID-19, being within 6 feet of the person for 15 minutes or more within 24 hours, follow these steps.
  • You do not need to report being a close contact to the College.
Do you have symptoms?
Answer Next Step
Yes, I have symptoms.

Take a rapid COVID test as soon as possible.

  • Over-the-counter rapid tests are available at a pharmacy, can be purchased at the BookMark, or may be covered through your insurance.
  • Find more information on our Testing Resources page. 
  • Call Gustavus Health Service or a pharmacy to schedule an appointment.

Wear a mask and limit close contact with others.
No, I do not have symptoms.

Take a COVID test 5 days after last exposure.

  • Over-the-counter rapid tests are available at a pharmacy, can be purchased at the BookMark, or may be covered through your insurance.
  • Find more information on our Testing Resources page.
  • Call Gustavus Health Service or a pharmacy to schedule an appointment.

Wear a mask and limit close contact with others.
Do you need to do a self-quarantine if I am a close contact?
Answer Next Step More details

Yes, self-quarantine if:

  • Not vaccinated.
  • Not boosted, but eligible to be. (Meaning vaccinated more than 6 months ago with Pfizer/Moderna or 2 months ago with J&J)
  • Tested positive for COVID more than 90 days ago.
  • Go into a self-administered quarantine for 5 days.
  • Day 1 is the day after your last exposure.
  • Return to the community on Day 6.
  • Take a COVID test between days 3-5.
  • Monitor for symptoms for 14 days and test again if symptoms develop.

For 5 days:

  • Stay at home or in your room.
  • Wear a mask when around other people (except when sleeping if sharing a room).
  • Attend class, work, meetings virtually.
  • Eat meals in your room (you may go get food at the Dining Room).

No, you do not need to quarantine if:

  • Are up to date on your booster shot.
  • Are not yet eligible to receive the booster shot. (Meaning vaccinated less than 6 months ago with Pfizer/Moderna or less than 2 months ago with J&J)
  • Tested positive for COVID within the last 90 days.
  • Take a COVID test between 3-5 days after last exposure (if tested positive for COVID more than 90 days ago).
  • If symptoms develop, limit close contacts, wear a mask, and take a COVID test as soon as possible.
  • Monitor for symptoms for 10 days and test again if symptoms develop.
  • Limit close contacts.
  • Wear a mask.

More Information about Quarantine and Isolation

CDC information on quarantine and isolation.

Campus Resources