NC State community:

Last week, we shared details about NC State’s testing strategy and our plan to more effectively detect and monitor the potential spread of COVID-19 next semester. Building on what we learned in the fall, we’ve adapted our isolation and quarantine processes to help prevent and control the potential transmission of the virus while ensuring students receive quality care.

Any campus community member who tests positive for COVID-19 or is identified as having been in close contact with an individual who tests positive will be directed to isolate or quarantine. Quarantine is used to keep anyone exposed to the virus away from others, while isolation is for people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

In this video, leaders from NC State’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA) provide an overview of what students can expect if they are placed in quarantine or isolation.

Here are the highlights of our plan:

• We have designated 285 isolation and quarantine rooms for students living in on-campus housing with single entry, private bathroom, separate HVAC and amenities for reheating or storing food. This is an increase in the number of rooms we had available during the fall semester.
• On-campus isolation and quarantine spaces are outfitted with snacks, water, cleaning supplies, linens and other items students may need during their stay.
• Students living on campus can choose to quarantine or isolate in one of our designated rooms or at their permanent off-campus residence. Students living off campus can either quarantine or isolate in place or at their permanent residence.
• University staff will work with students on an individual plan for quarantine and isolation and provide regular check-ins throughout the process.
• Transportation to and from isolation and quarantine spaces on campus is available by request and managed by Emergency Management and Mission Continuity with support from DASA, Fire and Life Safety and NC State University Police.
• When students have completed their stay in isolation or quarantine, they will be notified by Student Health Services and given access to medical follow-up.
• Faculty and staff should quarantine or isolate at home.

The Protect the Pack website will provide more specific information about our isolation and quarantine plans for spring semester as it becomes available, and University Housing and Greek Village residents will receive follow-up information about what to expect. As mentioned last week, we will continue to share more information about our spring plans with the community via email and social media.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to protect the Pack.

Randy Woodson
Chancellor