Texas State clarifies COVID-19 policies for isolation, quarantine related to residence halls

Keeping residence halls safe from the spread of COVID-19 is a priority for Texas State University.  Recently, some questions have been raised about the university’s policies and procedures related to quarantine and isolation protocols. 

The following information clarifies actions the university takes when a student living in a residence hall tests positive for COVID-19, or is a close contact to someone who has tested positive.

What is the difference between “quarantine” and “isolation?”
Quarantine: Individuals who have identified as a close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not showing any COVID-19 symptoms, will quarantine for 14 days to monitor their health. Texas State medical protocols require individuals who are close contacts be tested for COVID-19, self-monitor for symptoms and avoid any interaction with the campus community during their quarantine period. 
Isolation: Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be in isolation until they are recovered either at home or in a university-owned apartment—not a residence hall.  If they live in a Texas State residence hall, the university will assist them to move out of the residence hall.

Are students who have reported a positive COVID-19 test result to Texas State living in residence halls?
No. Texas State students who report a positive COVID-19 test result will not be allowed to remain in their residence halls. They are asked to go home for isolation/treatment and recovery. If students are not able to return home, they are provided with a designated isolation space in a university-owned apartment, not a residence hall, to reside until they can depart/or recover.  The designated isolation apartments are separate from other apartments.  When in isolation, students must remain in the designated isolation space, and avoid interaction with the university community.

What if someone is a close contact to a positive case and lives in a residence hall?
Students living in residence halls who have been in close contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 will be encouraged to go home to quarantine for 14 days and to be tested for COVID-19. If they are not able to go home, they will be moved to a single room in one of four residence halls on the San Marcos campus with empty floors designated for students who are in quarantine. During quarantine, students will be tested for COVID-19.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19 or think I am close contact to someone who tests positive?
All students, faculty, and staff who test positive for COVID-19 or who are identified as a close contact should report it in Bobcat Trace. This is a secure web application for reporting positive COVID-19 cases and will guide our contact tracing efforts at Texas State.

Where can I get more information?
The Department of Housing and Residential Life webpage provides detailed information about health and safety measures for the residence halls.  For more information about testing and reporting COVID-19, visit Texas State's Roadmap.