COVID FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions & COVID Guidance

How can I reduce the risk of getting Covid-19?

  • Being fully vaccinated and boosted
  • Maintain good hand hygiene
  • Wear a mask in public settings especially when feeling ill
  • Wear a mask if you are around someone with a current Covid-19

Do I have to wear a mask on campus?

The campus policy is mask-optional in most spaces. Because certain buildings and classrooms can require masking it is recommended you carry an N95 or KN95 mask with you.  Professors can require that masks be worn in their classes.

Is Covid-19 testing available?

For symptomatic students, an appointment should be made at the student health center for evaluation.  Testing will be done based on the clinical decision of the provider. Screening tests for Covid-19 are no longer being offered by the University.  

The COVID center in Room 3600 of the Hospital Towers building will be available for testing symptomatic employees (staff and faculty).

What are the Covid Vaccine requirements?

Howard University strongly recommends the Covid-19 vaccination and bivalent booster, however vaccination is no longer a requirement.

If I test positive for Covid what is the isolation policy?

For those students that test positive, if you live on campus in a shared dorm room, you will be placed in isolation for five days.

Students will be moved to isolation as soon as possible. Until the transfer can take place, all students in the room should wear a mask.

After 5 days if you are asymptomatic you will be able to return to your dorm and you are expected to wear a mask for a remaining 5 days.  If you test positive off campus, email your results to shcscreening@howard.edu.

If roommates test positive at the same time they may isolate in their dorm room together for the initial 5 days and then wear a mask for the remaining 5 days.

If I test positive at home, do I need to come in to test at the Student Health Center?

No, to limit the spread it is important to stay home once you have tested positive.  Based on CDC recommendations you must isolate for a minimum of 5 days and wear a mask for an additional 5days after testing positive.  You can email your results to shcscreening@howard.edu.

If my symptoms are getting worse, what should I do?

Notify the student health center who will perform a triage and may request that you come in for further evaluation.

How do I manage my classes if I test positive for Covid-19?

Certain classes may require verification of medical absence.  If you are enrolled in a class that requires verification, the student health center can provide an excuse note if you were seen in the student health center or if the student health center has prior documentation of your positive test results.  Positive results should be emailed on the date you tested positive to shcscreening@howard.edu.   If you were seen by an outside provider, that office can provide an excuse note.