UT University Health Services

< back to coronavirus page

SOCIAL DISTANCING, MONITORING, QUARANTINE OR ISOLATION? (COVID-19)

ALL ARE USED TO CONTROL THE SPREAD OF COVID-19. HOW DO THEY DIFFER AND HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?

WHO Everyone
No symptoms but potential casual contact (gathering, class, etc.) with someone who tested positive for COVID-19		 Exposure.
No symptoms but had close contact** with someone who tested positive for COVID-19		 Symptoms.
Has symptoms* of COVID-19 (regardless of exposure or single test result)
WHAT Social distance.
Stay at least 6 feet from others. Minimize travel (or stay home as much as possible). Self-monitor. Check for fever or respiratory symptoms		 Self-quarantine.
Stay home and limit interactions with others. Self-monitor. Check for fever or respiratory symptoms. How to self-quarantine (pdf).		 Self-isolate.
Do not leave home. Avoid others in your residence. Disinfect surfaces regularly. Monitor for symptoms that may require hospitalization.***
FOR HOW LONG? Until the pandemic ends Until 14 days after exposure No less than 10 days from symptom onset AND 72 hours after fever disappears AND improvement in respiratory symptoms
WHO Everyone
No symptoms but potential casual contact (gathering, class, etc.) with someone who tested positive for COVID-19
WHAT Social distance.
Stay at least 6 feet from others. Minimize travel (or stay home as much as possible). Self-monitor. Check for fever or respiratory symptoms
FOR HOW LONG? Until the pandemic ends
WHO Exposure.
No symptoms but had close contact** with someone who tested positive for COVID-19
WHAT Self-quarantine.
Stay home and limit interactions with others. Self-monitor. Check for fever or respiratory symptoms.
FOR HOW LONG? Until 14 days after exposure
WHO Symptoms.
Has symptoms* of COVID-19 (regardless of exposure or single test result)
WHAT Self-isolate.
Do not leave home. Avoid others in your residence. Disinfect surfaces regularly. Monitor for symptoms that may require hospitalization.***
FOR HOW LONG? No less than 10 days from symptom onset AND 72 hours after fever disappears AND improvement in respiratory symptoms

DEFINITIONS:

*Symptoms of COVID-19:
New or worsening subjective fever or temperature ≥ 100.0°F AND cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat

**Prolonged Close Contact:
a) being within approximately 6 feet of a COVID-19 case for more than a few minutes; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case; OR b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)

***Symptoms that Suggest COVID-19 Worsening, Call Your Doctor or Go to ER:
shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, persistently high fever despite fever lowering medicine, confusion, lightheadedness, inability to eat or drink

Download a PDF of this page in English.

Download a PDF of this page in Spanish.

Get Adobe Reader

Social Distance: Social distancing is a conscious effort to maintain distance between yourself and other people as a way to mitigate the spread of disease. This means avoiding public gatherings, bars, restaurants or other events, even if you are symptom free. Stay at least 6 feet from other people as often as possible. Take precautions if you cannot maintain that distance, such as using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and/or hand washing immediately after contact. Consider using curbside pick-up or delivery for essential items.

Self-monitor: People should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 by taking their temperatures twice a day and remaining alert for cough or difficulty breathing. If they feel feverish or develop measured fever, cough, or difficulty breathing during the self-monitoring period, they should self-isolate, limit contact with others and seek advice by telephone from a healthcare provider to determine whether medical evaluation is needed.

Self-quarantine: Separates people who were exposed but do not have symptoms to see if they become symptomatic. A person can be contagious before symptoms begin, so this is critical to prevent the spread. Find additional information on how to self-quarantine (pdf).

Self-isolation: Separates people with symptoms of COVID-19, with or without a positive test. Stay home and away from others who share your residence to prevent the spread of the virus.

Note: Testing guidance is based on limited information and is subject to change as more information becomes available.




hours Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm by appointment Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm
by appointment
512) 471-4955 (512) 471-4955
email uhs Email UHS

University Health Services is committed to providing high-quality care to patients of all ages, races, ethnicities, physical abilities or attributes, religions, sexual orientations, or gender identities/expression.

INFORMATION

Home
Medical emergencies
Appointments
Service extension fee
Diversity statement
Get yourself tested
Sexual assault exams
Tour UHS
Eligibility to use UHS
Medical withdrawal & course load reductions
Medical and immunization record requests
Patient rights and responsibilities
Campus concealed carry
Hours
Parking
Jobs
Volunteering
You Share, We Care

LOCATION

100 West Dean Keeton
Student Services Building (SSB)

FOLLOW US

go here to access our facebook channel go here to access our twitter channel go here to access our instagram channel


SPECIFIC QUESTIONS?

Incoming Students
International Students
Dell Medical Students
LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Healthcare
Parents
Faculty and Staff


CAMPUS PARTNERS

40 Acres Pharmacy
Counseling and Mental Health Center

university of texas at austin university health services
university of texas at austin division of student affairs

Home   l    ©2020 The University of Texas at Austin   l    UT Emergency Information   l    Accessibility   l    Privacy   l    make a gift
Report a Bias Incident   l    Finding Credible Health Information Online   l    Staff Intranet