The following guidance has been updated to reflect the CDCs latest guidance on respiratory illness and Yale University’s updated approach. It has been expanded to include flu and RSV. People testing positive for COVID19., Flu and RSV will still be contagious. By following the new guidance, you are less likely to pass the infection on to anyone else. Prevention strategies like staying up to date on recommended vaccines, covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often, and making sure you clean your frequently touched surfaces can also help.
If you have symptoms of a virus, fever, cough muscle aches etc. stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both. However:
If your symptoms are getting better, and stay better for 24 hours, AND you have not had a fever AND are not using fever reducing medication you are less likely to pass your infection to others and you can start getting back to your daily routine.
It is recommended that you take a COVID test.
Use the following added prevention strategies over the next five days:
Wear a well-fitting mask.
Practice good hygiene (hand washing and sanitization).
Keep a distance from others until you are no longer symptomatic.
If a fever returns, stay home until the fever ends.
Masks will be available in DGSD buildings and rehearsal rooms.
Please wear a mask if you have symptoms.
If you have COVID19 when you return to your normal routine, you should wear your mask through day 5.
Testing is identified as “a choice,” recognizing that many are not currently testing, and that other common viral infections (e.g. flu) do not have easily available tests. Still, COVID tests may provide valuable information that may influence your behavior.
Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Tests are readily available to purchase at most pharmacies including the Yale University Pharmacy, 55 Lock St, New Haven, CT. They are NOT available from outside the safety office anymore.
If above testing for COVID-19 is negative and significant symptoms persist, individuals should consult with their healthcare provider. They should remain at home until they no longer have a fever and are feeling better.
Let your Chair/faculty/supervisor know. Stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both:
Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
If your symptoms are getting better AND you have not had a fever AND are not using fever reducing medication you may return to normal activities.
Mask for 5 full days.
Avoid large gatherings where you cannot keep your distance from people.
Wash your hands thoroughly.
The CDC is no longer recommending any specific action for close contacts.
Vaccination against COVID19 is strongly encouraged.
HIPAA Reminder: A person’s test result is confidential unless they give permission to share that information publicly.
https://campushealth.yale.edu/ for university guidance on masking, testing, and health guidelines. Please note that this is the Yale University site, and that on our production we will be following additional DGSD/Yale Rep guidelines as well as AEA guidelines.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/updated-respiratory-virus-guidance.html for full CDC guidance.