September 9, 2021
Tags Undergraduates Grad and Medical Students

To Brown Students: Helpful Health Information for You

Updates

Dear Students, 

In coming together as a community and preparing for the start of classes, we appreciate your cooperation in our required COVID testing program. We are writing to briefly acquaint and remind you of our resources and processes in the event you should test positive. To assist in gaining a full understanding of our approach to COVID exposure, and the quarantine and isolation process, we recommend you review the Health Services FAQ. 

What if I test positive? 
If you test positive for COVID, you will be contacted by University Health Services between the hours of 8:30 AM and 9:00 PM, 7 days per week, and a healthcare provider will assess any symptoms you have and explain how you will isolate to limit COVID transmission in the community. A follow up call is made by the Brown Health Services contact tracing team. It is imperative that you respond to their phone call. If you will relocate to temporary housing, you will also receive a call from the COVID car to arrange transportation. Students moved to designated temporary housing for 10 days at the Marriott, in accordance with public health guidelines, may have a roommate who is also isolating. Please plan accordingly. Isolation lasts approximately 10 days from the date of your test. Health Services will be in communication with you daily and will determine when isolation can conclude. 

How will I get the things I need? 
To ensure your needs are being met while in quarantine or isolation, you will have access to our temporary resource management (TRM) portal which will help coordinate the services and supplies you may need during this time. Health Services, Brown EMS, Dining Services, Student Support Services, Facilities and Residential Life have partnered to ensure students are supported in the ways possible while in quarantine or isolation. 

What if I live off campus? 
If living off-campus, you will be advised with regard to self isolation practices that will help you and others. Health Services will assist you in navigating this. Important information can also be found here from the CDC with regard to steps you can take. 

What if I need medications? 
Medications can be delivered to your door from the Brown University Pharmacy if necessary. 

What about academics? 
Your health is confidential and is not shared without your explicit consent. With your permission, Student Support Services Dean's Office will be in communication with you regarding academic concerns or needs. Health Services can also provide you with an electronic note that you can share with any faculty or employer. 

Who can provide me with additional support? 
In an effort to ensure you are receiving holistic care, several resources are available to support and care for you at any time, particularly during isolation. CAPS reaches out to those in isolation via email. Please visit the CAPS website for more information. If you are experiencing any level of distress or concern, we actively encourage you to reach out to CAPS on Demand. Available 24/7, CAPS On Demand offers support for after hours health concerns and immediate assistance needs available 24/7 by calling 401-863-3476 and following the prompts. Additionally, the Student Support Services Dean's Office can be in communication with you regarding academic concerns or needs. Please visit the Student Support Services website, and call 401-863-3145 or email studentsupport@brown.edu for assistance. Upon testing positive, all students are asked about housing and dining accessibility needs, and are connected to Student Accessibility Services for these items including emotional support animals. To learn more, students can visit the Student Accessibility Services website, and contact them by phone at 401-863-9588 or by email at SAS@brown.edu. 

What if I’ve been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID?
Any students identified as close contacts of a Brown student, faculty or staff member will be contacted by Health Services. It is imperative that you respond promptly if Health Services tries to reach you. Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine. However, students should wear masks, socially distance at all times, and schedule a Verily test on day 4 after last exposure. Students should actively monitor for symptoms of COVID and contact Health Services should symptoms arise. Health Services will contact any students who have been exposed by phone and, if unsuccessful by phone, by secure message and/or email. Students who are unvaccinated will be required to quarantine for a duration of seven days if their tests on day 1 and 5 are negative. Health Services will be able to answer any questions students may have. 

We understand that receiving a positive COVID result or any level of exposure is a stressful and concerning experience, and that you may feel overwhelmed upon receiving this news. It is our goal to support you through this time in the ways possible and to remind you that we are here for you. The team at Health and Wellness has given great thought to the process by which we provide care to our students, and we will work to see that your physical, emotional, and mental needs are met. Please view our departmental websites for more information about Health and Wellness offerings, and reach out to nursing@health.brown.edu if you have additional questions. 

Best regards for a good start to the semester, 

The Health and Wellness Team at Brown