Self Isolation Guide

What Does it Mean to Self-Isolate?

Self-isolation is a voluntary agreement to remain at home and not to go to work or school, limit your movements outside and monitor your health for 14 days after returning from a high risk country or area. 

How Do I Self-Isolate? 

  1. Stay at home and do not go to class or participate in any campus activities. (The university will work with you to arrange for remote access to classes if appropriate.
  2. Do not go to work. Consider working remotely if that is an option until the monitoring period has ended.
  3. Avoid all non-essential travel around the community and campus.
  4. Avoid crowds, public events, meetings, social activities, or other group activities
  5. You may go shopping for food or take a walk outside but may wish to utilize home deliver services such as Amazon, Grub Hub. 
  6. Do not share utensils, toothbrushes, water bottles, pillows, and avoid shaking hands, kissing, hugging, or other intimate activities. Avoid close contact. (Close contact is defined as closer than a 6-foot distance between you and others.) If you have a roommate, keep the recommended distance apart.
  7. If you must go to a medical appointment, call ahead and make arrangements on how to enter to office in order to reduce your chances of exposing other patients or staff.

How Do You Monitor Your Health? 

You will be asked to monitor your temperature twice a day; ideally in the morning and again in the evening.

Please contact Campus Services if you develop a temperature greater than 100.4 (F), cough or sore throat while in self-isolation at 502-852-6446-or 502-852-6479.  A nurse or physician will be available to speak with you directly when you call.

What If I Become Sick?

If you become ill during self-isolation CALL UofL Campus Health Services at 502-852-6446 or your nearest emergency room before going to any healthcare facility.   This is to protect other patients and ensure that you are in insolation immediately upon arrival.   Remember CALL FIRST!  

If You Must Go Out for Essential Reasons 

  1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  2. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
  3. Avoid shaking hands
  4. Do not travel 

When Can You Return to Work or School?

If you do not have any symptoms and feel healthy after self-isolating, you can return to your regular duties.   Campus Health Services can provide documentation that you have been cleared to returned to work or school if necessary.  

Please email us at hlthoff@louisville.edu if you have any questions.