COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Housing Accommodations

Quarantine Housing

This temporary housing option is for students who are a close contact or are uncomfortable remaining in-room with a roommate that is positive for COVID-19 and self-isolating in place in their residence hall.

If you have a positive COVID-19 test result please see Isolation Housing options for temporary accommodations.

If you have had close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, such as a roommate, please follow University COVID-19 Response and CDC guidelines for personal safety.

It is recommended that you are symptom free and receive a negative at-home rapid antigen test result before entering temporary accommodations. 

You may be paired with another student during your stay.

Quarantine Requirements

Not fully vaccinated

You will be placed in quarantine housing outside of your residence for a minimum of 5 days.

Students living in University Residence Halls who need to quarantine outside of their room have two options:

  • Option 1: return to your permanent off-campus home for the quarantine period
  • Option 2: be placed in a designated quarantine space for Housing residents

In most cases, you will be released on the 6th day from your last contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

University Housing will send an additional message when you are officially cleared to return to your academic year residence hall room. You can not check back into your residence hall or return to campus until you have received this clearance email.

Note: if you choose to stay in a designated quarantine space, you will only be allowed to leave your assigned room to go outdoors. You must follow all quarantine expectations (listed below) until you are cleared to return to your normal residence hall room. No visitors will be allowed. When outdoors, students in quarantine should wear a mask, social distance, and not gather. When exiting the building, use the most direct route and only use an elevator one at a time (if available) when needed.

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Fully vaccinated & eligible for a booster dose but NOT boosted

You need to quarantine.

  • You should schedule a test in MyUHS
  • Test any time you have symptoms of COVID-19 during your quarantine period; if you test and get a positive result, report a positive test result immediately to University Housing
  • Due to your vaccination status, you are approved to stay in your current room to self-quarantine
  • You must limit your movements to engage only in essential activities (e.g. using the bathroom, obtaining food, going to medical appointments, etc.)
  • You CAN NOT go to class or any other facility on campus unless for essential activities
  • You are encouraged to take an antigen test on day 5 to check for viral presence before ending your quarantine on day 6
  • You should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0)

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Fully vaccinated & not yet eligible for a booster dose OR fully vaccinated and boosted

You do not need to quarantine.

  • Stay in your current room and wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0)
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 at any time, you should test immediately

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If you have had close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, such as a roommate, and you are NOT fully vaccinated, you will be contacted by University Housing and given an option to either return to your off-campus home or enter quarantine housing.

If you elect to enter quarantine housing, the next steps will be:

  1. You will receive an email notification with instructions to pack and prepare to move temporarily to your permanent residence or to temporary quarantine housing.
  2. You will receive a phone call to help answer any questions you have about temporary quarantine housing and an email confirmation with details on your quarantine accommodation assignment and check-in instructions.
  3. You will be expected to check in to quarantine housing as soon as possible on the day you receive notification.
    • You must follow all public health guidelines, including the use of masks, physical distancing, and hand washing.
  4. You must remain in your assigned room for the duration of your quarantine. You will only be allowed to leave your assigned room to go outdoors. When outdoors, students in quarantine should wear a mask, social distance, and not gather. When exiting the building, use the most direct route and only use an elevator one at a time (if available) when needed. 

Your Wiscard access will be reinstated once you are cleared to return to your residence hall and room.

Entering Quarantine

Quarantine Locations

UW-Madison University Housing provides limited hotel quarantine spaces for residents based on occupancy needs and contract dates. Temporary accommodation assignments will be emailed to residents.

What You Need

Be sure to bring supplies you’ll need for at least the next five (5) days. This includes:

  • School supplies (textbooks, notebooks, pens, etc.)
  • Electronics and chargers
  • Comfortable clothing and any comfort items that will help your space feel more restful — this could include a blanket, pillows, and items to help you relax
  • Personal care items and any prescription and non-prescription medications
  • Snacks

Note: limit your personal belongings to two standard-sized suitcases and one carry-on for ease of transportation. You must be able to handle your luggage yourself. 

Transportation

Please arrange your own transportation to your room assignment. Walk, arrange a ride from a friend, take public transportation, other ride services, or the bus if you are able. 80 Bus information can be found online. Find more transportation details for students entering temporary housing.

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What if I forget an important item in my residence hall room?

Housing staff may not be able to retrieve items from your room. If special circumstances arise, contact covid19housing@housing.wisc.edu.

Do residents in quarantine get any time outside?

Yes. When outdoors, students in quarantine should wear a mask, social distance, and not gather. If students are experiencing anxiety or depression, a range of physical and mental health services are available through University Health Services (UHS), including SilverCloud, an online resource that helps students work through a variety of topics including depression, anxiety, and stress.

Expectations

  • Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m.; Courtesy hours are 24/7
  • No visitors allowed this includes other isolated or quarantined students
  • No smoking or vaping (you will not be able to leave the building to smoke or vape)
  • No controlled substances or alcohol permitted
  • No pets allowed (with the exception of approved service animals)
  • No deliveries after 9 p.m.
  • You must wear a mask anytime outside of the room
  • You must continue adhering to all policies in the Student Housing Handbook
  • First-time violations of COVID-related policies can result in Housing contract jeopardy status or removal depending on severity, and second-time violations can result in removal from University Housing

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What can I do while I'm in quarantine?

You are encouraged to bring items with you for school. You will have access to WiFi where you can access coursework, streaming services, etc.

Space & Amenities

Provided Items

Depending on your quarantine location, the following items will be in the room upon arrival:

Hotels

  • Bed
  • Linens
  • Towels
  • Desk
  • Free Wi-Fi access
  • Soap, shampoo, and lotion

WiFi and Cable TV App

High-speed WiFi is available at all quarantine locations. Cable TV is available through the SpectrumU app.

Assistance

Questions about accommodations can be emailed to covid19housing@housing.wisc.edu.

Personal Laundry

  1. Coordinated through Lazybones
  2. Log in or sign up for an account at mylazybones.com
  3. On the scheduled pick-up day, place laundry in the laundry bag provided
  4. Place the laundry bag outside your door, following the protocol for removal of items from your room
  5. Clean laundry will be placed outside your door, following the protocol for accepting deliveries
  6. Close your door

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Meals

You will be responsible for ordering and paying for your own meals. If you have snacks feel free to pack them.

You may use outside delivery services or access food delivery through Starship Technologies robots and use your Housing Dining Plan where available.

Meal Options

This adjustment is a way for you to repurpose your funds while being responsible for ordering your own food and groceries by using third party ordering services for delivery while in isolation:

Starship – some locations only

Isolation and Quarantine students may be able to access food delivery service through Starship Technologies robots where available. Use your Wiscard when ordering through the Starship app and use your Housing Dining Plan and take advantage of a 5% discount on every order.

Packages, Mail, & Deliveries

Packages

You can continue to have packages delivered to your permanent academic year address and you will receive an email notification when a package is logged for you.  Your packages can be picked up once you return to your hall. If you need something essential during your quarantine, you can request a delivery to covid19housing@housing.wisc.edu if possible, your package may be delivered to your quarantine housing.

Mail

If you are expecting something important, email covid19housing@housing.wisc.edu and request that your mail be checked regularly and brought to your quarantine housing.

Deliveries

Deliveries are accepted daily from 7am – 9pm. Deliveries will not be accepted after 9pm. Orders from restaurants, grocers, and other online services should have your name, quarantine building name, and quarantine room number specified for delivery.

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Cleaning & Prevention

Following CDC guidelines to minimize staff entering areas with potential COVID-19 exposure, you are responsible for day-to-day cleaning of your spaces and your own trash removal.

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My roommate went to quarantine and I want my room cleaned. What can I do?

Time since roommate has been in your room

CDC Recommendations

Options
Less than 24 Hours Clean and disinfect the space Contact your hall desk to radio a Building Supervisor for assistance in cleaning/disinfection
More than 24 hours Cleaning is sufficient; disinfect is optional Check out a cleaning kit from your hall desk to wipe down areas of concern in your room
More than 3 days Nothing additional is needed Check out a cleaning kit from your hall desk to wipe down areas of concern in your room

Testing

You will be provided an antigen test and directions during the Quarantine Housing Check-In process.

If you feel like you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, call UHS at 608-265-5600 or 911 in an emergency.

If you test positive for COVID-19 during your stay, you will remain in your current quarantine housing location until you have completed the isolation period established by UHS and are cleared to return to your residence hall by UHS.

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Health & Safety

Resources

You may be experiencing a range of emotions including anger, sadness, fear, and loneliness. It is normal to feel this way, and we are here to help you! A professional staff member will contact you towards the beginning of your arrival at your temporary room. Know that you are not alone and the following resources are available to support you:

Hand Washing

To ensure the safety of yourself and others, we ask that you follow these steps each time you wash your hands:

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Medical Needs

If you feel like you are experiencing worsening symptoms of COVID-19, call UHS at 608-265-5600 or call 911 in an emergency.

Security

If there is an emergency, call UW-Madison Police at 608-264-2677 or 911.

Building Emergency

In the event of an emergency, you may need to exit your accommodations. Put on a mask and exit.

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When is it important to wash my hands?

Prior to:

  • Opening your door to accept deliveries
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching garbage or other items that may be contaminated

Why is hand washing important?

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus and avoid getting others sick. It is especially important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water while scrubbing the palms, back of hands, in-between fingers, and underneath the fingernails.

Leaving Quarantine

Returning to Campus

You may use temporary housing for five (5) nights. On the morning of day six you will receive an automated email from University Housing with check-out instructions.

Please be out of the room before 10 a.m. that morning.

When returning to campus plan to use public buses, ride services, or arrange your own transportation back to campus.

Departure Date Procedures

  1. Pack all personal items and recheck you have everything with you before you leave. We are not responsible for items left behind. If you accidentally left something behind, please contact the Isolation and Quarantine Housing Team.
  2. Wash your hands and put on a mask prior to exiting your room.
  3. Follow check-out procedures for that specific hotel. Use contact-less check-out whenever possible.

Transportation

Please arrange your own transportation to your permanent academic year room assignment in your residence hall. Arrange a ride, take public transportation, ride services, or the bus if you are able. 80 Bus information can be found online.

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How do I pick up items I left behind?

The facility you stayed at will reach out to coordinate if they find items left behind. You may phone 608-262-9743 or email COVID19Housing@housing.wisc.edu to report lost items. Please include your name contact information, and a description of the item, and the location you stayed in. University Housing is not responsible for lost items.