COVID-19 Illness and Exposure Guidance

Updated August 24, 2024

Follow the instructions on the Public Health Flowchart for COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Symptoms if you feel sick, test positive, or are exposed, and know when to report illness.

The University’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan contains additional requirements and guidance for reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.

UW Medicine medical center employees and University personnel working in patient-facing clinics should consult their clinical supervisor for site-specific respiratory disease/COVID-19 policies and reporting requirements.

If you were exposed to a person with COVID-19

• You may continue normal activities (like returning to work and class) if you do not experience symptoms.
• Consider taking precautions to protect those around you, such as wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator when around others at home and in public for the next 5 days.

If you have any symptoms

• Stay home and away from others. Do not go to work or class.
• Take a test for COVID-19. 
• Wear a well-fitting mask or respirator if you must leave home for treatment or testing.
• Follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

If you test positive for COVID-19

• People who test positive are strongly encouraged to notify friends, colleagues, and relatives who may been exposed.
• If you are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 (per CDC), consult your healthcare provider for isolation guidance, treatments available, and telehealth options that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized.

Returning to normal activities

You can go back to your normal activities after having COVID-19 or another respiratory illness when both conditions below are true:

• You are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication; and 
• Your symptoms have improved.

Stay home if you continue to have a fever, or if other symptoms have not improved (or worsened). Refer to the CDC examples to know how long to stay home.

When resuming normal activities, take added precautions for the next 5 days such as:

• Wear a face covering around others to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Masks can be picked up for free at various campus locations.
• Take a test when you may be around others with risk factors for severe illness or indoors. 
• Practice good sanitation and hygiene such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands often, and cleaning common surfaces.
• When possible, open windows, gather outdoors, and use well-ventilated spaces.
• When possible, practice physical distancing between yourself and others. 
• Stay up-to-date on immunizations recommended for you.