8.24.21: Isolation and Quarantine Protocol

A message sent to students and Lehigh families.

Dear Students and Lehigh Families,

As classes begin and you fall into the rhythms and routines of the semester, we are writing to share a few reminders about the university’s isolation and quarantine protocol. Please be sure to review carefully the information provided below.

Vaccination is effective at preventing serious illness and death from COVID. With new variants, breakthrough infections for those who are vaccinated are still rare, but they are possible.

Regardless of your vaccination status, we remind all students to call the Health and Wellness Center (HWC) at 610-758-3870 if you are experiencing COVID-related symptoms and get tested. We continue to test any student who is symptomatic.

Isolation Protocol

  • The university will continue to provide isolation housing for all students living on campus who test positive for COVID.

  • Off-campus students will continue to be required to isolate in their off-campus living quarters.

Updated Quarantine Protocol

  • Following CDC guidance, vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine if they come into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID. This is the majority of students, faculty and staff at Lehigh. See current vaccination rates on the Lehigh COVID Dashboard >

  • Vaccinated individuals may still be advised to get tested if they came into close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus, but they will not be required to quarantine.

  • As an update to this year’s quarantine policy, please note that unoccupied housing space will be prioritized for use as isolation space for on-campus students with COVID. Unvaccinated students should be aware that, if they are identified as a close contact, they will be asked to quarantine at an alternative location off campus.

  • Unvaccinated students should develop a plan in advance for where they will quarantine.

Read the updated and complete isolation and quarantine protocol on the COVID website.

As the semester progresses, please monitor your email for any COVID-related updates from the COVID Response Team, which continues to meet frequently to assess conditions. The Campus Status page provides a snapshot of important information to be aware of.

We are looking forward to a healthy, productive and successful semester together.

-Lehigh University Health and Wellness Center and Housing Services