If you have tested positive for COVID-19:
Isolation
Isolation means that you should not have contact with other people unless you need to see a medical professional.
You should not leave your residence to go to work, school, or public areas.
Stay home or in your designated University housing away from others until you have met all conditions needed to safely end your isolation period.
If you cannot avoid being around others, you should always wear a high-quality mask.
Students living on-campus may be eligible for “Get Well” meals. For more information, please visit: Get Well Student Meal Order Form.
Notifying close contacts
A close contact is someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
An infected person can spread COVID-19 two days before they develop symptoms; for people with no symptoms, two days before their positive test result.
Please notify your close contacts about your positive COVID-19 test result.
Time period for isolation
Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or the date of your positive COVID-19 test result.
Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick). You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
Continue to mask around others for 5 additional days after you have completed your isolation.
Do I have to report a positive COVID-19 test result?
Reporting is no longer required, but if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Student Health Services at (412) 383-4371.
My roommate tested positive for COVID-19 and I have been exposed.
If you develop symptoms, your options include:
- Contacting Student Health Services at (412) 383-4371,
- Scheduling a COVID-19 PCR test through Student Health’s Patient Portal, or
- Purchasing a rapid COVID-19 antigen test from the University Pharmacy.
If you don’t develop symptoms:
- Wear a high-quality mask when indoors around others
- Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19
- Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure
- Get tested on Day 6
- Continue precautions for 10 Full Days.
How do I request a medical excuse?
It is the policy of the University of Pittsburgh Student Health Services to not issue medical excuses covering class absences, missed project deadlines or exams. Students are responsible for notifying their professors or instructors of an absence caused by illness or injury.
Can I get the updated COVID vaccine at Student Health Services?
Yes. Student Health Services is offering the 2023-2024 updated COVID vaccine. Students can call or schedule online through Student Health’s Patient Portal.