We are requiring that undergraduates confirm their status with a negative antigen test out of an abundance of caution. Per CDC guidance, individuals do not need to test to be released from isolation. Therefore, it is not required that faculty and staff have a negative antigen test before returning to work or the classroom. If they are feeling better with a decrease in symptoms, they may return to campus on day six (after testing positive) provided they wear a mask at all times and be careful around others.

Managers and supervisors should follow the existing sick time and/or extended sick leave policies for employees who test positive for COVID-19. Please remind your employee to let us know they tested positive at go.tufts.edu/COVIDpositive. You may gently encourage your employee to tell their coworkers, but you cannot require it. Do not reach out to your employee’s close contacts on their behalf. Informing close contacts is the sole responsibility of the person who tested positive, as it discloses private health information. Many “close contacts” identified by those who are not healthcare professionals do not actually meet the definition of a close contact. All close contacts should follow CDC guidelines. Close contacts who are vaccinated and boosted should watch for symptoms but continue attending school or work as normal.

If you test positive for COVID-19 at a facility outside of Tufts University (e.g., a home rapid test) please let us know at go.tufts.edu/COVIDpositive and follow the university’s isolation guidelines. Additionally, we highly recommend that you check the CDC’s definition of a close contact and inform them. All close contacts should follow CDC guidelines. Close contacts who are vaccinated and boosted should watch for symptoms but continue attending school or work as normal.

Per CDC guidance, fully boosted and vaccinated individuals should monitor for symptoms but may report to work. If you have further questions, please follow CDC guidelines.