Health + Safety

All Johns Hopkins affiliates (students, trainees, staff, and faculty) are strongly encouraged to use Johns Hopkins resources when symptomatic or concerned about exposure. Anyone who feels ill or is concerned about exposure is encouraged to call the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Call Center at 833-546-7546, seven days a week, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The call center is staffed by Johns Hopkins nurses and physicians and specially trained nursing and medical students. When you call, a representative will instruct you about next steps depending on your circumstances. They will arrange for testing if needed, assist in transmitting information to Occupational Health, and conduct contact notification. Further, the caller will be given instructions regarding quarantine before a test can be secured. The criteria for testing are updated on a regular basis, and the most current criteria will be used when there is an assessment over the phone.

As has always been the case, individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for infection with SARS-CoV-2 should self-isolate at home except to get medical care until it’s safe to be around others.

Last updated: Dec 16, 2020 3:38pm

Anyone who feels ill or is concerned about exposure is encouraged to call the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Call Center at 833-546-7546, seven days a week, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The call center is staffed by Johns Hopkins nurses and physicians and specially trained nursing and medical students. When you call, a representative will instruct you about next steps depending on your circumstances. They will arrange for testing if needed, assist in transmitting information to Occupational Health, and conduct contact notification. Further, the caller will be given instructions regarding quarantine before a test can be secured. The criteria for testing are updated on a regular basis, and the most current criteria will be used when there is an assessment over the phone.

Last updated: Dec 16, 2020 3:40pm

Individuals who test positive will be contacted by a health care worker to receive guidance regarding self-isolation, monitoring of symptoms, and general health advice. Positive test results will be reported (as required by law) to the Maryland Department of Health, which will be responsible for the associated broad contact tracing. In addition, the JHCCC will conduct a short interview with the test-positive affiliate regarding their on-campus activity and contact with other JH affiliates as part of our own investigation, contact analysis, notification process (ICAN), to help determine if other JH affiliates may have been exposed by a JH affiliate or in a JHU-associated environment.

The ICAN/JHCCC team will do everything in its power to maintain the anonymity of the test-positive affiliate. JH affiliates who may have had meaningful exposure to a COVID-19-positive affiliate will be notified, without being told the identity of the COVID-19-positive affiliate unless consent is provided. These additional affiliates will be advised to self-quarantine for a period determined by the date of the potential contact and exposure. If affiliates are not contacted by the JHCCC, it means the JHCCC has determined that no meaningful contact with or exposure to a COVID-19-positive affiliate has taken place.

Other notifications include:

• Employees (faculty, staff, post-docs): Supervisors of test-positive employees will not be notified of an employee’s COVID-positive status unless the employee gives consent to do so; the supervisor will simply be notified that the employee is off-duty. Test-positive employees must secure clearance for return to work from Occupational Health prior to returning to campus.
• Students: Students who have a test ordered and are asked to quarantine will be reported to their respective school’s student affairs representative as being ‘off-duty.’ If a student provides consent, additional information will be provided. If the student tests negative, the school will be notified that the student is cleared. If consent is not provided by the student, a committee will review and evaluate the potential public-health risk to others. The committee can recommend and the university can elect to report the student’s COVID-positive status to the school’s student affairs representative without consent should the public health risks warrant such action. This will be a very rare circumstance. Test-positive students must secure clearance for return to class/campus from the Student Health Center prior to return.

Last updated: Aug 21, 2020 9:45pm

Employees should contact the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Call Center at 833-546-7546, seven days a week, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. if they need clearance to return to work after being tested or recovering from COVID-19. Employees should not call Occupational Health for this activity. Graduate Students who are working on campus and need to be cleared should contact their respective Student Health Center (SOM, SON, BSPH – contact UHS; all other schools contact Homewood Health Center)

Last updated: Aug 21, 2020 9:44pm

You should stay home and quarantine for 14 days after your last known contact with a person who has COVID-19, even if you have tested negative. Because the incubation period of the virus varies, you can still be incubating the virus even if you test negative and may become infectious later during the 14-day window.

Last updated: Oct 22, 2020 2:18pm

COVID tests are not perfect. While a negative test result means that it is unlikely you have COVID-19, sometimes there are false negatives. So even if your test is negative, you must follow basic prevention strategies, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, and practice physical distancing.  If  you have a fever, cough, or cold symptoms, you should remain home, minimize contact with others, and call the JHCCC.

Last updated: Oct 22, 2020 2:22pm

The priority of health measures such as social distancing, masking, and the services JHCCC and ICAN provide are to maximize the health and safety of JHU students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community.

• The JHCCC will not share data for the purposes of disciplinary action. It is important to note that if Student Affairs or university officials receive reports of misconduct or non-compliance though other channels, the processes of the Student Conduct Code may be enacted.
•  Behaviors such as lying, omitting or providing false information during the contact investigation is a violation of the Student Conduct Code.
• Integrity, honesty, and care for one another are the values that will enable us to live and learn on campus in the coming months.

Last updated: Oct 22, 2020 2:24pm

Face coverings must be worn by everyone—including all faculty, staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, other trainees, guests, vendors, and visitors—indoors on campus and in university buildings and in and around leased spaces, on JHU transportation, and in some outdoor settings where individuals are gathered such as athletic events, performances, and the May 27 undergraduate commencement ceremony at Homewood Field. As of April 30, 2021, JHU campuses will no longer require face coverings in most outdoor spaces when 6 feet of distance can be maintained.

The following are not acceptable as face coverings:

• Any face covering with an exhalation valve
• Neck ‘gaiter’ coverings
• Bandanas

Face coverings should be non-medical types in order to maintain supplies for health care use. Cloth face coverings must only be worn for one day at a time, and must be properly hand washed or laundered before subsequent use. They must at a minimum fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured (e.g., with ties or ear loops), cover the nose and mouth, allow for breathing without restriction, and be able to be laundered without damage or change to shape.

Last updated: April 30, 2021 4:34pm

Everyone on campus is expected to follow physical distancing practices. They should:

• Stay at least 6 feet (about two arms-lengths) from other people whenever possible
• Observe gathering limits: As of March 31, 2021, the limit on all undergraduate outdoor gatherings is now 25 people, with a 10-person limit for indoor undergraduate gatherings. More information
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid large social gatherings
• Engage in noncontact methods of greetings that avoid handshakes
• Stagger breaks and meal times during the day
• When eating or drinking indoors or outside, maintain at least 6 feet of separation

Additional planning for occupancy limits in labs and classrooms is addressed in the research and instruction guidance documents.

Last updated: March 31, 2021 3:02pm

Every member of our community is empowered to request compliance with guidance set forth here and in other university communications. Those who encounter noncompliance with guidance may notify the university via the JHU Hotline at:

• 844-SPEAK2US (844-773-2528)
• johnshopkinsspeak2us.com

Failure to comply with the health and safety guidelines places our community at risk for spreading the virus, which endangers our health and may result in further disruption of research and educational activities. Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) has the authority to shut down facilities and activities that are noncompliant with these health and safety precautions.

Last updated: Oct 15, 2020 12:00am

Allegations of student non-compliance are referred to Student Conduct and follow the procedures outlined in the Student Conduct Code and the Reinforcement of University Guidelines for Students, to determine the appropriate disciplinary action for COVID safety concerns. The Student Conduct Code covers student and student group/organization misconduct. The expectations for compliance with these guidelines are consistent with content found in existing university policy, specifically outlined in the Student Conduct Code. Except in egregious cases, the Reinforcement of University Guidelines provides for progressive enforcement that would not involve disciplinary action for a first offense. Students are expected to comply with the public health directives and local ordinances where they are currently residing.

Last updated: Dec 16, 2020 12:23pm

Because we recognize that our Baltimore and D.C. campuses are part of a larger community, and that our students are currently living all over the world, we are advocating for compliance with public health measures that will help minimize the spread of COVID-19 regardless of location. Beyond the normal JHU Campus Safety and Security patrols and the Student Life Student Community Liaison who supports undergraduates, there is no additional monitoring in place.

Students who are not on-campus or residing in the Baltimore or D.C. area should comply with the public health directives and local city or country ordinances where they are currently residing.

Last updated: May 6, 2021 4:48pm

Expectations regarding the following of all university COVID-19 guidance, including distancing and masking, apply to all university affiliates, including faculty and staff, not just students. Staff non-compliance is handled via the usual HR disciplinary process; faculty noncompliance is handled via applicable professional misconduct policies and procedures. All non-compliance is first approached in a collegial way, with an emphasis on education.

Last updated: April 12, 2021 4:50pm

When University leadership was setting gathering limits, the intention was not focused on demonstrations. Instead, the focus was on social gatherings in off-campus housing in the communities immediately surrounding our Baltimore/DC schools/campuses. The University supports the right to free expression. We encourage students who want to engage in demonstrations to follow guidance from their local jurisdictions. For those participating in demonstrations in Baltimore City, students should look to the COVID-19 Executive Orders from the Mayor for guidance.

Free expression is not prohibited by the Return to Campus Guidance, and the university is strongly supportive of “the right to speak and create, to question and dissent, to participate in debate on and off campus, and to invite others to do the same, all without fear of restraint or penalty” as articulated in the University’s Statement on Academic Freedom. The guidance states that while JHU remains in Phase 1, event capacity on campus is a maximum of 10 people unless exceptions are approved by Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)/Risk Management. As noted in the Freedom of Expression Guidelines, students interested in organizing or engaging in protests, demonstrations or other acts of public expression are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Offices of the Provost, Student Life, and Campus Safety and Security to determine viable options, especially during Phase 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not asking for students to make a choice between protesting and their health. Instead, we are asking for students to work with our offices to ensure this can be done safely.

Last updated: April 12, 2021 4:47pm

The Guidance does not prohibit students from attending religious services off campus. Page 17 of the Return to Campus Guidance states the following regarding events on campus:

No external (commercial, community, etc.) events will be held on-campus during Fall 2020. Internal (JH affiliate attendees) events will be limited as follows:

• All events deemed mission critical during Fall 2020 shall be reviewed by HSE and Risk Management and require permission from the appropriate Dean’s office or University Administration department. Mission critical activities include activities that cannot be effectively conducted virtually and are directly related to critical research or other activities deemed essential.
• Event capacity is a maximum of 10 people unless exceptions are approved by HSE/Risk Management. JHU guidance will not exceed local regulatory public health rules in restricting group sizes.
• All participants are expected to wear face coverings and maintain 6 feet physical distancing between themselves and others.

We encourage students to follow Baltimore City, Washington, D.C., or their local public health orders on religious services and to adhere to public health measures.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2021 10:40am

Yes—exceptions to the campus requirement for universal face coverings include time spent in a single-occupancy office with a closed door and eating or drinking at a physical distance of at least six feet from any other person.

Last updated: Sep 2, 2020 11:41am

In Phase 2 of our reopening plan, widespread screening of everyone who comes to campus is not in place. Before the start of the spring semester, JHU adopted a mass testing plan that required a test before students return to campus and, as of Feb. 5, requires all undergraduate students living in the Baltimore area are required to be tested three times per week.

Testing will be required at least once weekly for faculty, staff, graduate students, trainees, and post-docs who are either participating in or directly supporting in-person, on-campus classes (with exceptions for clinically based instruction) or regularly exposed to undergraduates. In addition, the divisions may require more frequent testing or require mandatory testing for affiliates deemed to have a heightened risk of exposure. Testing frequency may be increased to two times per week, based on public health conditions.

Testing is free and available at one of the nine JHU asymptomatic COVID testing sites and will continue throughout the semester (testing frequency may be increased, based on public health conditions). Test centers are located at Shriver Hall and four other locations on the Homewood campus, plus additional sites at Peabody, Harbor East, D.C., and East Baltimore.

Last updated: March 10, 2021 12:52pm

Anyone who feels ill or is concerned about exposure should call the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Call Center at 833-546-7546, seven days a week, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Callers to JHCCC who are ill or are concerned they may be infected with SARS-CoV-2 will be asked a series of questions regarding their symptoms and possible exposure to others who have COVID-19. For those individuals who meet the criteria set by the Johns Hopkins Infection Control Team in collaboration with Occupational Health, the JHCCC will arrange an appointment for a COVID-19 test.

Individuals who test positive will be contacted by a health care worker to receive guidance regarding self-isolation, monitoring of symptoms, and general health advice. Positive test results will be reported (as required by law) to the Maryland Department of Health, which will be responsible for the associated broad contact tracing. In addition, the JHCCC will conduct a short interview with the test-positive affiliate regarding their on-campus activity and contact with other Johns Hopkins affiliates as part of our own investigation, contact analysis, notification process (ICAN), to help determine if other Johns Hopkins affiliates may have been exposed by a Johns Hopkins affiliate or in a JHU-associated environment.

Last updated: Nov 2, 2020 3:55pm

Our testing policies are informed by the most successful practices that have emerged from our peer institutions during the fall semester and from emerging data about the pandemic. Undergraduates, because they typically live in congregate settings, tend to be at higher risk of contracting COVID, and of spreading it to a larger number of people, making early detection of asymptomatic cases particularly important in this group. At peer institutions that have conducted in-person operations during the fall semester, the vast majority of COVID cases are among undergraduates.

Last updated: April 12, 2021 4:55pm

Our testing policies are informed by the most successful practices that have emerged from our peer institutions during the fall semester. Although other institutions have seen none to very little transmission associated with classroom instruction and laboratory settings, and there has been no known transmission in our laboratory settings, we concluded that mandatory testing for many faculty, staff, and graduate students is prudent, particularly for those who come into regular contact with undergraduates. Individuals within our community face varying degrees of risk of serious outcomes from COVID, and individuals have varying degrees of risk tolerance. We and many of our peer institutions have concluded that including many faculty, staff and graduate students in our mandatory testing program, and offering optional testing for all affiliates, provides the greatest level of safety and peace of mind to the community.

Last updated: April 12, 2021 4:56pm

Beginning Aug. 26, 2020, individuals returning to campus will be required to complete a daily health check using a mobile app/website called Prodensity. The short questionnaire will ask specific questions to assess a user’s actual symptoms and/or exposure risks. Answers will yield a status to a campus pass, which will be used to grant/deny campus access. The campus pass expires after 12 hours. People may not report to campus unless they have a green campus pass.

This app has provisions for check-in and check-out of campus spaces, although this is not yet operational campus-wide. For those campus spaces (e.g. labs and research areas) that elect to manage density using this app, users may need to scan QR codes to ensure compliance with capacity limits. Please refer to individual laboratory policy for specific requirements.

Last updated: Aug 21, 2020 1:48pm

JHU will have wellness kits available for all undergraduate students, which include a face mask, hand sanitizer, a digital thermometer, and cleansing wipes. Residential undergraduate students will receive their wellness kits at move-in and off-campus undergrads can pick up a kit prior to the start of the semester. All faculty, staff, and graduate students who are on-campus will be provided with a face mask through their division.

Beginning on approximately March 15, free high-quality, three-ply, reusable face masks with bendable nose wires and adjustable ear loops will be available at all on-campus COVID testing sites.

More substantial PPE will be provided in situations where the work of the laboratory called for that level of PPE before the COVID-19 outbreak, or where strict physical distancing requirements cannot be met (e.g., equipment requires two persons for safe usage).

Last updated: March 10, 2021 1:54pm

Custodial crews will clean common areas, lobbies, restrooms, classrooms, and conference rooms daily based on CDC guidance. Several times daily, custodians will provide additional cleaning of high touch points (stairwell and room door handles, elevator buttons, etc.).

Individual affiliates will be expected to clean tables, surfaces, or labs with which they make contact and wipe down personal workspaces. Before starting activity in a space and before leaving any room in which they have been working, individuals must wipe down all areas with a cleaning agent. This includes any shared-space location or equipment (e.g. copiers, printers, computers, A/V and other electrical equipment, coffee makers, desks and tables, conference tables, light switches, door knobs, etc.). People should avoid using other affiliates’ phones, desks, offices, or other tools and equipment and should clean and disinfect them before and after use.

We are putting extraordinary demands on the JHU cleaning and custodial staff. If you are on campus, please take a moment to thank them for their efforts.

Last updated: March 10, 2021 1:56pm

Affiliates should limit density to a maximum of four per elevator, with each person occupying a corner. While using the elevator, face coverings must be worn, and individuals should press elevator buttons with another object, their knuckle, their elbow, etc., if possible. Everyone should wash hands or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol upon departing the elevator. Elevators are an area designated for more frequent cleaning.

Last updated: March 10, 2021 1:57pm

The ventilation—the number of air exchanges per hour and amount of fresh air intake—in each building is being reassessed and increased when appropriate. Facilities is also performing preventative maintenance checks to ensure filters have been changed and that systems are working properly.

Last updated: June 19, 2020 10:57am

Everyone who rides JHU buses and shuttles must wear a face covering while on the bus/shuttle and avoid touching surfaces with their hands to the maximum extent possible.

Based on input of our public health and safety experts, starting on Saturday, May 15, JHU transit buses may transport up to 30 passengers at once, which is an increase from the previous guideline of 20 passengers. Bus windows should remain open as weather permits. At this time, Blue Jay Shuttle vans are still limited to six simultaneous passengers.

Last updated: May 12, 2021 2:25pm

Use of restrooms should be limited based on size to ensure at least 6 feet between individuals. Fixtures will be limited to 50% to support physical distancing requirements. Individuals should wash their hands thoroughly after use to reduce potential transmission of the virus. Electric hand dryers will be disconnected, and paper towels will be provided in all public restrooms.

Last updated: March 10, 2021 2:02pm

Non-essential travel outside of the greater Baltimore area is strongly discouraged for undergraduates at any time. Undergraduate students are required to register personal travel through the Prodensity app or website so they can receive support for prompt testing and self-quarantine upon return and until a negative test is received. All non-essential university-sponsored travel (both international and domestic) is suspended at this time. University-sponsored travel includes all travel funded by the university or its sponsors, including discretionary funds, and all travel sponsored or organized by student organizations, regardless of the funding source. Essential travel may include time-critical research, clinical care delivery, and/or clinical trials, as determined by an affiliate’s dean or designee. Personal travel should be undertaken with an understanding of the risks. Before making personal travel plans, review the CDC’s travel guidance.

Last updated: March 10, 2021 2:06pm

Yes. The university is covering all testing costs, and your insurance will not be billed. While you may be asked to verify insurance information in MyChart, testing will not be billed to either you or your insurance.

Last updated: March 23, 2021 11:50am

Yes. All JHU undergraduate and graduate students who will be on-campus in the United States attending classes, performing duties, and/or participating in on-campus activities will be required to show documentation of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine or receive an exception.

Last updated: May 19, 2021 3:14pm

We are seeking opportunities for on-campus vaccination, but for now, you will need to seek vaccination through the state or your local jurisdiction, a pharmacy, or a health care provider. Registration for the state of Maryland’s mass vaccination sites and a directory of vaccine providers near you is available here. You can also get information on the State’s vaccination program by calling 855-MD-GoVAX (855-634-6829).  

Johns Hopkins Medicine is providing vaccination to all Hopkins affiliates in Maryland and Washington, D.C., as its allocation of vaccine supply from the state allows. You can register through MyChart. If you have trouble activating your MyChart account or are not able to use MyChart, please contact TestingInfo@jhu.edu for help. 

Last updated: April 14, 2021 11:09pm

At this time, the university is not able to procure its own supply of vaccine; this situation may change over time. However, for now, the university is unable to guarantee vaccination to students. Having said that, the university will try to help facilitate vaccination for those who are unable to be vaccinated in their home jurisdictions before they arrive.  

Last updated: April 9, 2021 11:28am

No. For international students, we will accept documentation of vaccination using a World Health Organization-authorized vaccine approved for use in other countries but not approved in the U.S.

Last updated: May 5, 2021 1:16pm

Yes. Given the still-evolving understanding of the science related to these vaccines and the operational difficulty of enforcing different rules for different people within our community, we are not relaxing any of our COVID safety protocols at this time based on individuals’ vaccination status. We have robust evidence that all three COVID vaccines that have been approved in the United States (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) provide strong protection against severe symptoms of COVID, and consequently hospitalization and death from the virus. However, we do not yet have enough information to say with certainty whether they prevent mild symptoms, transmission of the virus, or infection.  

We may soon be able to draw conclusions about the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing infection and transmission, and may thus potentially consider changes to our operating procedures as a result, but we are not yet at that point. Consequently, vaccinated individuals at JHU are still subject to the same rules, including those for testing, masking, physical distancing, and limitations on gathering. 

Last updated: April 9, 2021 11:29am

Students who do not qualify for an exemption and fail to get vaccinated will not be allowed on campus in the United States. 

Last updated: May 4, 2021 11:11am

We have a tremendous amount of information and support available for those who have questions about the vaccine or want to learn more. JHM has compiled a set of resources on Covid vaccine effectiveness and safety and what to expect when getting vaccinated. JHU’s Coronavirus Resource Center has extensive information about how the vaccines were developed and tested, as well as data on their distribution in the U.S. and internationally. 

Last updated: April 14, 2021 11:09pm

The university is developing a registration system for COVID vaccines similar to the one used to document compliance with the flu vaccine requirement. We will communicate details about the system as they become available. In the meantime, you should keep documentation of your vaccination. 

Last updated: April 9, 2021 11:30am

Our current Phase 2 guidance outlines a number of safety guidelines including:

• There are maximum occupancy rates for each designated space.
• Researchers can expect decreased density compared with normal operations, and research teams may need to stagger work schedules/shifts to limit density.
• Face coverings are required to be worn at all times indoors and outdoors, unless inside a single-occupancy office with a closed door or eating at an appropriate distance from other people.
• Cleaning protocols remain; limited shared surfaces; some common areas reopen with distancing rules
• Schools must provide specific guidance on the use/limits on common spaces and shared instrumentation, based on guidance from the University and HSE.

Last updated: March 15, 2021 10:45am

JHU’s lab readiness is based on a PI-driven approach, with school and university oversight. PIs are the most knowledgeable about the details of their research space, workflow, personnel, shared instrumentation, and program priorities.

Every laboratory was required to have an approved reopening plan as well as a shut-down plan (in the event of increased infection rates and/or as dictated by public health or government guidance/mandate) in place before resuming on-campus work. Approval of reopening plans developed by PIs occured at the department level first and then the relevant dean’s office. While the specifics about how particular labs will achieve compliance with central safety guidance will be left to PIs, adherence to safety requirements is a requirement for labs to be permitted to continue on-campus work, and personnel are provided easy means for reporting violations.

Last updated: March 15, 2021 10:48am

Starting on April 1, 2021, density restrictions in labs will be relaxed and low-density in-person group meetings will be allowed.

In labs, we will now require the equivalent of a 7.5-foot diameter around each person, allowing for approximately 44 square feet per person, compared to the previous standard of 150 feet per person. It is the same standard now in place in Johns Hopkins classrooms and the same or similar to the restrictions now in place at many peer universities, which have also seen little to no evidence of COVID transmission in lab settings.

For meetings, participation will be limited to 10 people, including the PI, in spaces large enough to allow participants to maintain 6 feet of physical distance from one another. Meetings in faculty offices are not allowed. Masks must be worn, and no food may be served. Remote options must be made available for anyone not comfortable with meeting in person.

Both changes are in accordance with current Centers for Disease Control guidelines and have been reviewed and endorsed by Johns Hopkins’ Health & Safety Planning Committee.

Last updated: March 25, 2021 3:13pm

Guidelines and a recording of a town hall on this topic are available on the Research Animal Resources website.

Last updated: June 30, 2020 12:26pm

JHU will have wellness kits available for all undergraduate students, which include a face mask, hand sanitizer, a digital thermometer, and cleansing wipes. Residential undergraduate students will receive their wellness kits at move-in and off-campus undergrads can pick up a kit prior to the start of the semester. All faculty, staff, and graduate students who are on-campus will be provided with a face mask through their division.

Beginning on approximately March 15, free high-quality, three-ply, reusable face masks with bendable nose wires and adjustable ear loops will be available at all on-campus COVID testing sites.

More substantial PPE will be provided in situations where the work of the laboratory called for that level of PPE before the COVID-19 outbreak, or where strict physical distancing requirements cannot be met (e.g., equipment requires two persons for safe usage).

Last updated: March 10, 2021 1:54pm

If you are ordered for a test after calling the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center, your supervisor or Student Affairs representative will receive an “off-duty” notice. If your test comes back positive, then the JHCCC’s ICAN team will automatically initiate a contact investigation.

The JHCCC ICAN team will follow up with anyone with whom you are determined to have had “meaningful contact” and instruct them to isolate. In some cases, if necessary to determine potential exposure, your name will be shared with close contacts with your consent. If you do not provide consent to the JHCCC, an analysis will be conducted to determine if there is a public health risk that presents a substantial risk of harm to others. If that is determined to be the case, the JHCCC will disclose the test results to your supervisor and anyone else who may need to know your identity in order to mitigate risk and limit exposure to others.

If you test positive for COVID-19 on a test not ordered by the JHCCC, you are not required to disclose your test result to your principal investigator or supervisor, but you are strongly encouraged to contact the JHCCC so that a contact investigation can occur. The test results of individuals who are not tested via Johns Hopkins are not automatically provided to a Hopkins contact investigator.

Last updated: July 23, 2020 9:02pm

All students, faculty, and staff who are participating in on-campus activities should monitor themselves daily for any symptoms. Anyone who has symptoms associated with COVID-19 or who has concerns about exposure to COVID-19 is strongly encouraged to call the the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center, or JHCCC, at 833-546-7546 to be triaged to determine if they meet the criteria for testing. In the case of employees, their supervisor will be informed that the employee is “off-duty” until cleared. In the case of students, their school’s Student Affairs representative will be notified that the student is “off-duty.” The student’s name will be shared with the student’s consent.

The JHCCC will inform you of your test result if you are tested at a Johns Hopkins facility. If your test is negative, your supervisor or Student Affairs Representative will receive a message that you have been cleared. If you test positive, you will remain “off-duty” and there will be no additional communication to your supervisor or Student Affairs representative until you are cleared. You are encouraged but not required to share the information with your supervisor or Student Affairs representative.

Last updated: Dec 3, 2020 9:41am

Current CDC guidelines allow for anyone who is not severely immunocompromised to return to work if they meet the following criteria:

1. At least 10 days have passed since symptom onset or asymptomatic testing
2. At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without using fever-reducing medications
3. Symptoms have improved.

Employees who believe they have met this criteria should call the Occupational Health Services at the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center (410-614-6000) for an evaluation and clearance to return to work. Individuals who were first notified of the employee’s “off-duty” status will be informed by OHS that they are cleared to “return to duty.”

Students who need clearance to return to class should be instructed to do the following:

• Students from the schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing should contact University Health Services at 410-955-3250 for an evaluation and clearance to return to class. Individuals who were first notified of the student’s “off-duty” status will be informed by UHS that they are cleared to “return to class.”
• Students of any other JHU school should contact the Student Health and Wellness Center at 410-516-8270 for an evaluation and clearance to return to class. Individuals who were first notified of the student’s “off-duty” status will be informed by SHWC that they are cleared to “return to class.”

Last updated: July 23, 2020 9:10pm

Due to privacy concerns, a lab’s principal investigator will not necessarily be notified of a lab member’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis. PIs will be notified if a lab member is placed “off-duty” at the time of testing. In the case of students, the Student Affairs representative will notify the PI.

In some cases, the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center may need to disclose the name of the lab member who tested positive to a PI, or designated lab member, who can identify any lab members with whom the individual has had high-risk close contact as part of a contact investigation. In limited cases, disclosure may also be necessary to a PI, or designated lab member, who can identify areas of concern for cleaning purposes. A JHCCC representative will inform anyone who had close contact with the individual who has tested positive, request they quarantine, and refer them for testing as appropriate.

In general, we will not broadly notify affiliates of COVID-positive individuals on-campus. The only possible exception is when we identify clusters or patterns where notification of the broader groups of which the COVID-positive individuals are members may be helpful. In such cases, we will want to assess the setups in case they are not controlling transmission adequately.

Last updated: July 23, 2020 1:11pm

No. Information regarding an individual’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis should not be shared with anyone else—that information is confidential health information.

If the individual who tests positive for COVID-19 tells a PI of their diagnosis, the PI must not disclose the name of the individual who tested positive, except to report the individual’s diagnosis to the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center so a contact investigation process can be initiated.

PIs can share that a lab member is “off-duty.”

Last updated: July 27, 2020 2:18pm

Contact investigations will be used to trace any JHU affiliates who have high-risk contacts of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. This includes individuals whose contact with the possibly infected person was within six feet for 15 minutes or more.

A Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center ICAN (Investigation, Contact Analysis, Notification) team traces the infectious period, currently defined as two days prior to the onset of initial symptoms in symptomatic patients and two days prior to a positive COVID test result date for asymptomatic cases. High-risk close contacts will be notified of their exposure, asked to quarantine to prevent additional transmission, and monitored for symptoms through Occupational Health (employees) or Student Health (students).

Last updated: July 23, 2020 1:41pm

Not necessarily. Criteria for testing is continuing to evolve. At this time, individuals will only be tested if they have symptoms associated with COVID-19. Meaningful exposure includes individuals whose contact with the possibly infected person was within six feet for 15 minutes or more during the infectious period.

Last updated: Aug 27, 2020 8:55am

No. Due to the fact that large droplets readily settle out of the air, and there are a high number of air exchanges in a lab, you can safely enter the lab without enhanced respiratory protection (fit-tested N95 mask or PAPR) within three hours of the time a COVID-positive individual was last in the lab. Lab personnel should perform their standard cleaning and disinfection procedures in the lab wearing standard PPE.

If the principal investigator has questions or concerns about cleaning protocols or about when they can re-enter the lab, contact the Department of Health, Safety and Environment for assistance (Homewood: 410-516-8798; East Baltimore: 410-955-5918). If HSE determines that additional disinfection is required, EVS/Custodial Services or an outside contractor may perform that service, under the on-site supervision of the PI (or their designee).

More information is available in the Return to Research guidance.

Last updated: July 23, 2020 4:38pm

Lab staff will typically perform the cleaning after they can safely re-enter the lab without needing enhanced respiratory protection (a fit-tested N95 mask or PAPR). If staff are uncomfortable with performing the cleaning, the principal investigator should contact the Department of Health, Safety and Environment to arrange for cleaning by EVS/Custodial Services or an outside contractor. HSE will coordinate the cleaning of the lab with the PI and Facilities. The PI or their designee must be present on site to oversee the cleaning.

Last updated: July 23, 2020 4:42pm

JHU faculty, staff, postdocs, and student employees who are working on campus are required to complete a health screening attestation every day they are expected to be working onsite. In addition, employees who begin feeling ill after being onsite should contact the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center at 833-546-7546 and go home.

Last updated: Dec 3, 2020 9:42am

JHU faculty and staff must follow the department’s standard process for reporting an absence from work. In addition, they should talk to their supervisor/local HR representative to determine whether they are allowed to work remotely, if they are feeling well enough to do so.

If a trainee/student is not approved to be onsite, their faculty sponsor will be notified that they must remain offsite. The faculty sponsor will not receive any further information, and they will not have access to the postdoc’s health information. Trainees/students should contact their faculty sponsor, supervisor, or PI directly regarding their absence per policy (RPH 10.3) and should discuss whether and what work can be done from home.

Last updated: July 23, 2020 9:20pm

Anyone who feels ill is encouraged to call the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center at 833-546-7546. The JHCCC will indicate if the individual is approved to remain onsite. If the lab member is asked to leave the lab, the principal investigator should ensure they follow this instruction promptly.

A clinician from Occupational Health (for faculty, staff, and postdocs), Student Health Services (for Krieger, Whiting, Peabody, Carey, School of Education and SAIS students), or University Health Services (for School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and Bloomberg School students) will review the individual’s symptoms remotely and follow up with the person who is sick, as needed.

We recommend labs continue routine cleaning and disinfecting of work surfaces, as prescribed in the Return to Research guidelines.

Last updated: Dec 3, 2020 9:45am

Just as was the case before COVID-19, viruses and colds circulate throughout the year. Recent background testing of certain essential on-site reporting populations indicate there is very low circulation of COVID-19 on site at this time. If someone is sick and not approved to be on site, it should not be assumed that they have COVID-19.

Also consider that COVID-19 is primarily spread through person-to-person contact from respiratory droplets (e.g., uncovered sneezing or coughing). The most effective prevention measures remain maintaining adequate physical distancing, wearing face coverings when in the lab, and frequent handwashing. If these measures are followed, it significantly reduces risk of exposure.

It is important to note that touching a contaminated surface is not thought to be the primary way the virus spreads. While this risk of infection via a contaminated surface is relatively low compared to the risk associated with close contact with infected individuals, it is important to continue frequent handwashing and routine cleaning and disinfecting of shared work surfaces to further reduce the potential for transmission.

Last updated: July 23, 2020 8:50pm

As part of the contact investigation, the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center ICAN team will interview the individual who tested positive to determine if they had meaningful exposure to any other affiliates—including individuals whose contact with the possibly infected person was within six feet for 15 minutes or more—during the infectious period. High-risk close contacts will be notified of their exposure, asked to quarantine to prevent additional transmission, and monitored for symptoms. If you have not been contacted by ICAN, you should assume there was not an exposure that requires follow up.

Last updated: July 23, 2020 9:17pm