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COVID 19

Current Guidelines

Updated August 22, 2023

  • The information provided below is specific to undergraduate medical students at IU School of Medicine.
  • All recommendations assume you have received an approved primary COVID-19 vaccination and recommended boosters.
  • For the latest information about symptoms, testing, treatment, isolation and quarantine go to IU’s COVID-19page.

Mask Guidelines

When COVID-19 hospital admission rates are medium to high in a community, the use of a high-filtration mask may be advised/required. Masks can minimize the number of new infections among our students, residents, staff and faculty at IU School of Medicine, so the use of high-quality masking is welcomed by IU School of Medicine when there are high rates of transmission in indoor group activities such as classrooms, shared office space, and break areas when not actively eating or drinking.

Masking with a surgical mask or N-95 style mask provides protection from transmission of the current virus variants so we can protect ourselves and those around us. Please watch for updates as masking may be required in some clinical settings and patient care areas as directed by the clinical facility’s current guidelines.


Vaccination Guidelines

IU School of Medicine considers someone fully vaccinated for COVID-19 if they have completed the recommended dosing of an approved vaccine. We strongly recommend receiving any recommended boosters as directed. Please view the immunization requirements page for all vaccination guidance.

COVID-19 Testing and Isolation

  • I have symptoms of COVID-19. What do I do?
    You should isolate yourself if you are sick and suspect you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If you test positive, follow the full isolation guidelines below. If the results are negative, you can end your isolation once your symptoms resolve and you are ready to resume your studies.
  • Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
    Although Indiana University no longer provides designated COVID-19 testing centers, our student health centers can offer point-of-care testing similar to what you can get from your provider, and urgent care location, or can also be purchased at the local drug store for home testing. Any costs associated with your evaluation will be covered by your insurance.
  • I have tested positive for COVID-19. What do I do?

    Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate yourself from others if you have tested positive for COVID-19 and check with your provider on whether you should consider any treatment options. IU School of Medicine requires you to stay home for at least 5 days and isolate yourself from others in your home when possible. Follow the rest of the CDC’s guidelines on isolation. If symptoms resolve by 5 days, students may often return to school if wearing a high-quality mask through day 10 of their illness as outlined in the guidelines.

    For Phase 1 Students

    Follow the procedures as outlined above. In addition, you must:

    1. Inform the statewide course management team and your site instructor so they are notified of your absence.
    2. Complete the Time away request form so you can work with our faculty to make plans for the time you have missed due to illness.

    For Phase 2 and 3 students in a clinical environment.

    Follow the procedures as outlined above. In addition, you must:

    1. Inform the clerkship management team and/or rotation leader so they are notified of your absence.
    2. Complete the Time away request form for time away from clerkships, clinical rotations, or electives. The faculty will work with you to make plans for the time you have missed.
  • What to do after isolation and when ready to return to the clinical environment? 
    If you meet ‘ending your isolation’ criteria and you have complied with your clinical facility’s COVID-19 return to work procedures, then you may return to the clinical setting and continue to follow the masking policies currently in place for your clinical setting. Typically, this requires wearing a high-quality mask indoors through day 10. These guidelines may change over time depending on hospital admission rates for COVID-19 and the patient population you are caring for.

    You can also view the CDC’s ending isolation guidelines.
  • I completed isolation and am ready to return to the classroom. What do I do?
    If you meet ‘ending your isolation’ criteria, you can simply return to campus and the classroom. After you have ended isolation, when you are feeling better (no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and symptoms improving for 24 hours), wear your high-quality mask when on campus through day 10.

    See the CDC’s additional guidelines for masking.
  • How can I contact the infection control leaders for each facility and/or campus?
    At this moment, please contact your campus leadership or lead advisor for immediate needs.
  • What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

    As stated by the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 include:

    • Fever or chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea