Quarantine and isolation procedures
Learn more about the specific protocols and procedures in place for undergraduate and graduate students who test positive for COVID-19 or who have close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
Johns Hopkins has developed guidelines for the resumption of activities with the health and safety of our community at the forefront of our thinking.
Information for …
Note to JHU affiliates
Johns Hopkins students, faculty, and staff who feel ill or are concerned about COVID-19 exposure should call the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Call Center at 443-287-8500, seven days a week, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. If you experience long wait times due to high call volume, you can use an online form in lieu of calling the center directly.
Current Status
As of January 20
Johns Hopkins University is in Phase 3 of its reopening plan and is substantially back to normal, with recent changes announced to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 omicron variant. At this time:
- Masking is required indoors, regardless of vaccination status; masks must be N95s, KN95s, or a combination of a surgical mask and cloth mask. More information
- COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots are required for all affiliates working or studying in the U.S.; on-campus booster clinics have been scheduled. More information
- Daily Prodensity health checks are required. More information
- Twice-weekly COVID testing is required for all undergrad and grad students; voluntary asymptomatic testing on demand remains available for vaccinated faculty, staff, and postdocs. More information
- Undergrads living on campus will be required to test immediately upon their arrival in January and to quarantine in their rooms until they receive a negative result.
- Protocols for isolation, quarantine, and testing of close contacts have been modified based on recent CDC guidance. More information
- Classes and indoor events with fewer than 50 people are permitted, with capacity restriction exceptions made on a case-by-case basis; food and drink are permitted at outdoor events but prohibited at indoor events at this time. More information
- Travel restrictions have been lifted, but affiliates are encouraged to take precautions to reduce the risk of infection during travel. More information
Anyone with concerns about noncompliance with JHU COVID-19 safety measures is encouraged to submit information via the confidential compliance line or call 844-SPEAK2US (844-773-2528).
Recently updated FAQs
Where can affiliates get N95 and KN95 masks on campus?
The university has obtained a large supply of N95 and KN95 masks to distribute; affiliates are entitled to two masks per week while supplies last. Masks can be picked up at asymptomatic testing locations on campus.
How frequently can masks be reused? How should they be cleaned and/or cared for?
Cloth masks should be washed and air dried daily. Other types of masks—including N95, KN95, KN94, and surgical masks—can be worn for multiple days, until soiled or damaged. Masks should be allowed to air dry between uses; alternating masks daily is recommended to allow adequate drying between uses. These masks should not be washed.
How soon can you return to work after a positive COVID-19 test?
Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days and must have no symptoms at five days in order to leave isolation; otherwise, they must remain in isolation until they are free of symptoms. JHU affiliates should not continue to work in-person if they have symptoms of any kind; they may work at home while symptomatic and/or isolating following a positive test if they feel well enough to do so.
Booster requirement for JHU affiliates
All eligible Johns Hopkins University faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate and graduate students who will be working or studying at a U.S.-based university campus or worksite will be required to get either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID booster shot by Feb. 1.
Emerging evidence has shown that immunity to COVID wanes over time, particularly against the omicron variant, but that booster shots of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine provide significant additional protection. We believe this step will help prevent disruptions to our plans for an in-person spring semester.
Upload proof of your booster shot to the Vaccine Management System now or as soon as you’ve had your shot.
Your Input is Crucial
In addition to formal working groups, we have created multiple avenues for community input, including a student advisory committee and a series of virtual town halls and forums. Comments and suggestions about the resumption of on-campus activities can be shared at any time.
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