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Health/Safety

In support of Rutgers’ commitment to health and safety for all members of its community, the University has updated its Immunization Requirements for Students to include the COVID-19 vaccine. (Read Policy 10.3.14 COVID-19 Immunization Record Requirement for Students). This health policy update means that, with limited exceptions, all students must be fully vaccinated, receive a booster shot when eligible, and upload record of these vaccinations to the Rutgers Student Immunization Portal. In addition, Rutgers has required all employees, both faculty and staff, to upload proof of vaccination and proof of booster shot as soon as eligible. The university requirements allow for medical and religious exemptions. All members of the Rutgers community are encouraged to get vaccinated.

Symptoms

COVID-19 presents with a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all inclusive. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. See the CDC website for details.

Behavioral Health and Wellness

This is a difficult time that presents new stressors and burdens on our community members. Please remember that support and guidance services are always available to our students in need through CAPS or UBHC.

Rutgers4U is a confidential support line to offer emotional and therapeutic support during and following the COVID-19 pandemic to Rutgers staff, faculty, and their families. The support line will be operational Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m., with additional hours to be added. Access the support line by calling 1-855-652-6819.

 

COVID-19 Testing

Rutgers is transitioning to self-administered rapid (antigen) tests, which will be available through the established test kit vending machines. Individuals with waivers must upload test results by way of an attestation; results must be uploaded here.

All students, irrespective of waiver status, may avail themselves of up to two tests per week and upload their results.

 

Rutgers Students

If a student is on campus with symptoms, they should contact student health services. A student who tests positive for COVID-19 and is physically on campus or in Rutgers facilities should contact student health services directly to report the case and seek guidance.

To make an appointment with Rutgers Student Health:

 

Rutgers Faculty and Staff

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 and are physically on campus or in Rutgers facilities should contact Occupational Health directly to report the case and seek guidance.

Occupational Health offices by location:

  • Rutgers–New Brunswick, Rutgers–Newark, and Rutgers–Camden: 848-932-8254
  • Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) Newark: 973-972-2900
  • RBHS New Brunswick/Piscataway and University Correctional Health Care: 848-445-0123 ext. 2
  • Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Faculty and Staff: 732-235-6559

Quarantining and Isolation

The Centers for Disease Control offers an interactive Quarantine and Isolation Calculator that provides valuable information and guidance for individuals with COVID-19 and for those who have had close contact with an infected person. The CDC tool provides guidance on face coverings, testing, and isolation. All employees and students with COVID-19 or who have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 should follow the recommendations provided by the Quarantine and Isolation Calculator.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 (via PCR or antigen test), regardless of whether they have symptoms, should follow the advice provided from the CDC calculator, inform their campus Occupational Health office of positive test results if they are working on campus and have close contacts at work, and follow up with their personal physician/urgent care to obtain return-to-work clearance if they are not significantly improved by day five.

Employees who are able to work remotely and feel well enough may do so, with supervisor approval, while in isolation. Employees who are unable to work remotely must use sick time or paid time off.

Students who test positive for COVID-19 (via PCR or antigen test), regardless of whether they have symptoms, should follow the advice provided from the CDC calculator, inform their campus Student Health office of positive test results if they live in campus housing, and follow up with their personal physician/urgent care. Students living on campus in university housing are urged to return home for isolation whenever possible.