How do I know if I need to self-quarantine?

To self-quarantine means you minimize your contact with others by:

• Staying in a restricted area in your apartment or home (or other location approved by your local health department) for a minimum of 14 days, ideally with a private bathroom, a separate room where you can stay, and with access to food that is non-communally eaten and prepared.
• Self-quarantine may be difficult to manage in communal living situations, especially for students. If you or anyone you know needs help finding an appropriate space to self-quarantine, please contact University Housing at 608-262-2522.

Who needs to self-quarantine?

• Anyone who has traveled internationally to countries with widespread transmission according to the CDC and/or traveled in the U.S. to states with community spread of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates this information daily.
• Anyone with a fever (100.4 F or above), cough, and shortness of breath.
• UHS, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and Public Health Madison and Dane County continue to update their guidance.

How do I self-quarantine?

• Minimize contact with both people and animals in your home.
• Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene.
• Avoid sharing personal household items such as dishes, towels, and bedding.
• Do not go to school, work, public areas, or attend large gatherings.
• Do not use public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Postpone any travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, you need to coordinate with your local health department. If you travel and become ill, you may not be able to return home.
• Postpone all non-essential medical appointments until you are out of quarantine. If you have an essential appointment during the quarantine, tell your local health department for help coordinating the visit.
• If you need medical care, call University Health Services 608-265-5600 or another medical provider before going to a clinic. Call ahead before you go to your doctor’s office, urgent care, or to an emergency room. Tell them your symptoms and your recent travel history.

If you do not have symptoms: 

• Actively monitor for fever (100.4 F or above), cough, and shortness of breath. 
• You may leave the home if you feel healthy, in a private vehicle, for a limited time to take care of routine and necessary activities, such as grocery shopping or visiting the pharmacy. Try to avoid busy times of day.

If you experience symptoms:

• Monitor yourself for fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 
• If you have been tested for COVID-19, a public official will contact you regularly for symptom updates. 
• Call University Health Services 608-265-5600 or another medical provider. Before going to a clinic, urgent care, or to an emergency room, call ahead and tell them your symptoms and recent travel history.
• If your symptoms change dramatically, contact your health care provider immediately. Call ahead before going to a clinic.

Self-monitoring

If you have not been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 and you have not traveled to countries with widespread transmission according to the CDC and/or traveled in the U.S. to states with community spread of the disease, you are encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms. This includes fever (100.4 F or above), cough, and shortness of breath. In the event of symptoms, call University Health Services 608-265-5600 or another medical provider. Before going to a clinic, urgent care, or to an emergency room, call ahead and tell them your symptoms and recent travel history.