Difference between quarantine, isolation, and location restriction
- Isolation (I) is for residents who have tested positive for or are presumptive for the virus that causes COVID-19. It is ordered by the DU COVID Team or HCC in alignment with City and State ordinance, and lasts a minimum of 10 days, depending on symptoms.
- Quarantine (Q) is for residents who have had direct exposure to a positive case. It is ordered by the DU COVID Team in alignment with City and State ordinance, and can last up to 14 days (regardless of test result), as this fully encompasses the virus' lifecycle.
- Location Restriction (LR) is for students involved in behavior that may have put them at risk of exposure (eg parties); they are usually required to remain in-room. This is ordered by Student Rights & Responsibilities (SRR) or Campus Safety, and can only be lifted by SRR once the student meets all conditions in the order, often including getting a COVID test.
Housing staff do NOT make these decisions, nor do we have access to specific case details or timelines. Decisions for Q and I come as a result of contact tracing and are communicated by the DU COVID Team or HCC, and are driven by City and State ordinance as well as recommendations from our Health Provider and the Centers for Disease Control. Additional information can be obtained from the Positive Protocol. LR follows SRR processes and procedures.
Questions about Location Restriction can be emailed to srr@du.edu.
Questions about Isolation/Quarantine Status and duration can be emailed to Christopher.Short@du.edu.