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Student Testing and Related Protocols

Test Kits | Testing Positive | Isolation and Close Contact Management | COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements

Students (as well as faculty and staff) are not required to test for COVID-19 during the Fall 2023 semester. Students (as well as faculty and staff) should test if they experience symptoms of COVID-19.

  • The College is no longer maintaining separate housing for isolation; students who test positive will isolate in-place.
  • Isolation in place will last for a minimum of 5 days, from either the positive result or from the onset of symptoms.
  • Students who live a reasonable distance from campus will be encouraged to isolate at home if that is a viable option.
  • If you are exposed to COVID-19, please refer the the CDC website for the most up to date guidance on masking and testing recommendations. 

Test Kits

We encourage you to keep a couple of rapid test kits at home or in your dorm room so you have them on hand if you develop symptoms or need to test for another reason.  Test kits are readily available at most retail pharmacies and the College's bookstore.  

Testing Positive

If you test positive for COVID-19 you may notify the Student Health Center at 610-328-8058 during our clinic hours.  If you receive a positive test result outside of the Health Center’s operating hours, please call the Team Health Nurse on Call service at 610-328-8548 for evaluation of severity of illness and for further instructions.

Isolation and Close-Contact Management

The College is not maintaining separate isolation housing for those who test positive for COVID-19, and students who test positive must isolate in place, in their dorm room.  Students who live a reasonable distance from campus will be encouraged to isolate at home if that is a viable option. Isolation in place will last for a minimum of five days, with the first day being the first full day after either (A) you tested positive for COVID-19, or (B) your symptoms developed, whichever came first. If the student is not feverish and feeling better, they can leave isolation after day five, but they must wear a mask indoors from day 6-10.

Roommates, close friends and/or intimate partners should follow the CDC guidance regarding testing and masking after exposure to COVID-19. 

For more detailed information, please see the College's Isolation Guidelines for 2023 Fall Semester [doc] 

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements

The College considers individuals up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines if they have received both an initial primary series of vaccinations AND a COVID-19 booster shot.

Students are required to provide proof of their initial COVID-19 vaccine series and booster.  Students are expected to upload their immunization documentation prior to arrival on campus to the student health portal, which can be accessed through MySwarthmore. If a student has a medical or religious reason why they can not receive the vaccine, the student must complete a waiver and upload it to the student health portal.