January 19, 2022

Dear Resident Students,

As we remain adaptive in our response to COVID-19, this message outlines important changes to our isolation and quarantine protocols for resident students.

Isolation time

The isolation time for students who test positive for COVID-19 but are asymptomatic has been reduced to five days in accordance with CDC guidelines. Upon completion of the isolation period, students are required to always wear a mask when around others—including outdoors—for an additional five days.

Off-campus isolation spaces

As in previous semesters, the University has secured a limited number of off-campus spaces at nearby hotels for resident students required to isolate or quarantine. However, the availability of rooms has been significantly reduced due to increased tourism throughout South Florida, which limits our ability to relocate students.

To prioritize the use of the finite number of off-campus spaces, we have revised the conditions under which a resident student may be required to isolate off campus. A summary of our approach is outlined below. University health officials may adjust these guidelines as needed based on a student’s individual circumstance and the availability of off-campus isolation spaces.

The following resident students who test positive for COVID-19 and are exhibiting symptoms consistent with the virus are likely to isolate at a nearby hotel:

• Reside in a shared bedroom within Lakeside Village
• Reside in Hecht or Stanford residential colleges
• Reside in a suite in Mahoney, Pearson, or Eaton residential colleges

Note: Any student residing at THesis Hotel or Miami Marriott Dadeland who tests positive for COVID-19 will be moved to a designated isolation space, regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms or not.

On-campus isolation

Any other on-campus resident student (not mentioned in the above populations) who is required to quarantine or isolate will remain in their on-campus housing assignment. The University will continue to provide meals and support services for these students as we have throughout the pandemic.

If a student who tests positive for COVID-19 resides in a shared bedroom, safety kits containing disinfecting wipes and N95 masks will be provided for use by both roommates.

For students who prefer not to share a bedroom with a roommate who has tested positive for COVID-19, the University encourages these students to temporarily reside off campus with friends or family. Alternatively, a reimbursement program has been established for COVID-negative residents who temporarily relocate to a local hotel during their roommate’s in-room five-day isolation. More information and additional criteria will be available soon on the Housing and Residential Life website.

These revised protocols enable us to maximize the University’s finite number of isolation and quarantine spaces. We expect this to be a short-term condition as we manage the omicron surge, and we deeply appreciate your flexibility and patience.

Questions

For questions related to quarantine and isolation protocols, use of N95 masks, or other medical questions, contact Student Health Service at studenthealth@miami.edu or at 305-284-9100.

For other non-medical related matters, including the reimbursement program, contact Housing and Residential Life at housing@miami.edu or 305-284-4505.

The latest information and guidance related to the University’s response to COVID-19 is available at coronavirus.miami.edu.