- Masks are available in many buildings across campus. Though not required, you are welcome to wear a mask at any time.
- Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout campus for your use.
- HBS meets or exceeds recommended air filtration levels, and optimizes the amount of fresh ventilation and outside air being supplied to all campus classroom and assembly buildings.
- The Harvard community is highly vaccinated and we strongly encourage guests and visitors to be as well.
- We request that you do not come to reunion or commencement if you are feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for COVID.
- Masks: Masks are optional throughout the HBS campus. Any individual in our community can always choose to wear a mask and should never feel obliged to explain the reasons for their decision. Those who choose not to wear a mask may wish to have one on their person in case the need arises. Masks will remain available at locations throughout campus.
- Testing: Guided by public health officials and experts, Harvard is no longer requiring routine testing for COVID-19. However, all community members have the option of testing if they wish, by taking a self-administered test and submitting it via Color. Anyone with symptoms or known exposure is encouraged to test and report status through Crimson Clear.
- Feeling Sick? If you're experiencing symptoms, please complete a Self Assessment on Crimson Clear, which will initiate a consultation with Harvard University Health Services (HUHS). Please wait for guidance from HUHS before returning to campus activity.
- Specific for students: MBA students have modified COVID guidelines. Log-in for current details.
What You Need to Know Today
- Chao Center Guest Services Desk
8 am-5 pm - Spangler Center 2nd Floor Service Counter
9 am-4 pm - Shad Hall Fitness Counter
6 am-8 pm - Aldrich Hall Security Window
24/7 for when other test kit distribution sites are not available
- Spangler Center 1st Floor East Rotunda
7 am-10 pm - SEAS Building Front Lobby
7 am-7 pm
Testing & Tracing
Guided by public health officials and experts, Harvard is no longer requiring routine testing for COVID-19. However, all community members have the option of testing if they wish, by taking a self-administered test and submitting it via Color. Anyone with symptoms or known exposure is encouraged to test and report status through Crimson Clear.
If you receive a positive test result through a provider outside of Harvard’s coronavirus testing system, have a positive rapid test, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing symptoms please complete a Self Assessment on Crimson Clear, which will initiate a response from Harvard University Health Services (HUHS). Please wait for guidance from HUHS before returning to campus activity.
Crimson Clear
Isolation after a Positive Test
In the time between receiving your positive test result and moving into isolation, it’s very important to minimize your movement and exposure to others. If you are off campus, do not come to campus for any reason. If you receive a positive result while you are on campus for the day, gather your belongings and go home immediately.
Additionally:
- Isolation protocols at Harvard are informed by the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), and other public health experts.
- Infected individuals with no symptoms, or resolving symptoms and no fever, may end strict isolation after 5 full days (isolation ending on day 6). You then need to wear a well-fitting mask (whenever required by overall policy) for another 5 days.
- You should also avoid travel during the full 10-day period
- Additional requirements apply to specific settings, including healthcare and campus child care.
- Individuals who test positive should identify and notify their close contacts. HUHS will no longer be doing this due to the high volume. Email communication from HUHS following a positive test notification will provide guidance on notifying close contacts.
To reach the contract tracing team please call 617-496-2288 or email Contact_Tracing_Questions@huhs.harvard.edu. When emailing, please be concise but include all relevant details, including the infected person's identity, exposures of concern, and who you are, along with your contact phone number. Please be patient and do not call or email repeatedly.
Close Contact Protocol
If you have been exposed to a COVID-positive community member and are considered a close contact:
- If you are fully vaccinated and boosted:
- You are not required to quarantine provided you have submitted proof of vaccination and booster to HUHS and are not experiencing symptoms
- Wear a mask around others for 10 days following exposure
- Test on day 1 and day 5 following the exposure
- Self monitor for symptoms
- If you have not received a booster shot:
- You must quarantine for 5 days after exposure
- Wear a mask around others for 10 days following exposure
- Test on day 1 and day 5 following the exposure
- Self monitor for symptoms
- If you are unvaccinated and receive a close contact notification:
- You must quarantine for 5 days after exposure
- Wear a mask around others for 10 days following exposure
- Test on day 1 and day 5 following the exposure
- Self monitor for symptoms
Please note, the term isolation refers to a positive COVID-19 case. Quarantine refers to close contacts who have not yet tested positive but are unvaccinated or are recommended by their care provider to limit contact with others. Isolation is more restrictive than quarantine. The only reason one can break isolation is for an emergency or a medical appointment. People who are quarantined can leave their dwelling to pick up and submit COVID tests.
How to Verify Your Booster
Vaccination Exemptions
Travel
If you’re planning Harvard-related travel, you are required to satisfy the University’s COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirements. In addition, please review the University’s travel guidance for more information and register all international travel in advance.
MBA students: please see "Group travel" under "Guidelines for the New Normal" on the Current Guidelines page (log-in required).