University of Georgia
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

What if I have been exposed but am not showing any symptoms?

Guidance for UGA Employees:

Per CDC guidance, if you have been fully vaccinated [i.e., it has been two weeks since your final vaccine dose or you have had COVID-19 in the past three months, have recovered, and remain without COVID-19 symptoms (for example, cough, shortness of breath)], you do not need to quarantine if you come in close contact with an individual who tests positive for COVID-19. You may continue to come to work as you normally do. However, monitoring yourself for symptoms is still recommended. The CDC recommends that you test 3-5 days after the last exposure and strongly recommends wearing a mask until a COVID test is negative or for 14 days. For information on where to get tested, visit the COVID-19 testing portal.

If you have not been fully vaccinated, or it has been over three months since you had COVID-19, you are required to quarantine for 10 days. Per the University System of Georgia, telework may be possible, depending upon the nature of the work to be performed:

  • Faculty may temporarily transition the modality of their class, with the approval of the Provost’s Office. Change in modality is subject to an end date correlated to isolation or quarantine guidelines. Department chairs will make arrangements for class coverage when faculty are unable to teach due to illness.
  • Staff members should consult with their supervisor to determine whether teleworking is an appropriate option under the “Occasional Teleworker” provision of UGA’s Telework Policy.

Provisions for special paid leave associated with COVID-19, other than Vaccine Leave, have expired. Those who are unable to telework must take accrued leave [Sick or Annual Leave or Leave Without Pay (LWOP)] during the 10-day period of quarantine.

It is recommended that you be tested for COVID-19, regardless of whether you are exhibiting symptoms, on Day 8 or 9 of quarantine. For information on where to get tested, visit the COVID-19 testing portal. If you test positive for COVID-19 at any time while quarantining, you must report the positive test to the University via DawgCheck. You will then be required to isolate for a period of 10 days from the date the COVID-19 test was taken, using accrued leave or LWOP.

Guidance for Students:

Per CDC guidance, if you have been fully vaccinated [i.e., it has been two weeks since your final vaccine dose or you have had COVID-19 in the past three months, have recovered, and remain without COVID-19 symptoms (for example, cough, shortness of breath)], you do not need to quarantine if you come in close contact with an individual who tests positive for COVID-19. You may continue to attend class and activities as you normally do, but you should monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms. The CDC recommends that you test 3-5 days after the last exposure and strongly recommends wearing a mask until a COVID test is negative or for 14 days. For information on where to get tested, visit the COVID-19 testing portal.

If you have not been fully vaccinated or it has been over three months since you had COVID-19, you should report your potential exposure via DawgCheck. If you live in on-campus housing, case managers in Student Care and Outreach (SCO) can help you to determine if quarantining is necessary. If quarantine is warranted, you will not be allowed to stay in your residence hall during the quarantine period and will be encouraged to return home. If this is not a viable option, SCO can arrange for housing and meal delivery. Students living off-campus can contact SCO directly at sco@uga.edu or 706-542-7774, after reporting the exposure via DawgCheck, if they need specific support with instructor notifications or require any other assistance. It is recommended that you be tested for COVID-19, regardless of whether you are exhibiting symptoms, on Day 8 or 9 of quarantine. For information on where to get tested, visit the COVID-19 testing portal. If you test positive for COVID-19 at any time during the quarantine period, you must report it via DawgCheck. You will then be required to isolate for a period of 10 days from the date the COVID-19 test was taken. SCO will continue to assist you during this period.