Coronavirus Information

Information for Undergraduate Students

We are excited for the approach of the fall 2022 semester and anticipate a return to the most normal operations we have seen since the beginning of the pandemic.

COVID remains a serious challenge locally, nationally, and globally, but based on our experience in managing the pandemic within our community—and your diligence in following best practices to prevent the virus’s spread—we believe we can safely enact further loosening of our public health restrictions.

Among the policies:

Testing

  • Johns Hopkins has closed all asymptomatic testing sites. The decision to end asymptomatic testing was made after careful consideration of the pandemic’s evolution and current state. Symptomatic testing remains available, and masks and home test kits can be picked up at designated campus locations. Students are strongly encouraged to continue using Johns Hopkins resources when symptomatic or concerned about exposure to COVID-19. Affiliates can call the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Call Center (JHCCC) at 443-287-8500.

Masking

  • Masking is no longer required in any campus spaces, including for individuals with exceptions to the vaccine mandate. Masking is highly effective at preventing the spread of COVID, and we may reinstate the mandate for certain groups or in certain circumstances if necessary.
  • Individuals may choose to continue masking themselves based on their individual circumstances, and we will continue to provide free, high-quality masks for all affiliates.

Vaccination

  • A full course of COVID baseline vaccinations and at least one booster shot is required of all JHU employees and students. Documentation must be provided through our Vaccine Management System. Our policy for granting medical and religious exceptions remains unchanged.
  • Novavax has been added as an option for baseline vaccination, but we still require an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) booster shot as soon as individuals are eligible, regardless of their initial vaccine. 
  • Individuals arriving from overseas who received a vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization but not the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are immediately eligible for a booster (you may wait 28 days following your last dose).

Isolation and Leave

  • If you have any COVID or flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle or body aches, coughing, congestion or a runny nose, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, or fatigue, do not come to campus for class or work. Students who feel ill or are concerned about exposure to the coronavirus should call 410-516-5709 seven days a week between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., or email SHWCintake@jhu.edu.
  • Anyone testing positive should isolate for at least five days and until they are free of symptoms.
  • We are continuing our current policy of employing isolation in place for residential undergraduates who test positive in most circumstances. Limited alternative accommodations will be made in cases where isolation in place can’t be done safely, as determined by our medical professionals.

Events, Gatherings, and Dining

  • No restrictions are in place with regard to events and gatherings or serving food and beverages.

As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, these policies reflect close consultation with Johns Hopkins experts in public health and infectious disease, as well as compliance with state and local regulations. We will continue to closely monitor public health conditions, and if we need to reinstate control measures to protect the health and safety of our community and our neighbors, we will do so. However, based on the near-universal vaccination of our community as well as the proven effectiveness of measures such as the use of high-quality masks, we have every expectation that we will be able to complete the fall semester in person as planned.

Two students walk side by side on campus
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.

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