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Keep HBS Healthy

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Page Updated: 11 Apr 2022
Page Updated: 11 Apr 2022
Reunions and Commencements: During May and June we are thrilled to welcome back guests to campus for reunions and commencements. To support our community’s wellbeing, the following health measures are in place:
  • 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.
Be sure to check this page for the latest guidance before coming to campus, but please note:
  • 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

May
17
May
17
Open / Closed (Tue)
Testing & Tracing
→Activate Your Testing Kit
→Verify Your Booster
→Harvard University Dashboard
→Harvard Business School Dashboard (login required)
Testing (Tuesday Hours)
Pick-up (Tue)
  • 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
Collection Drop-Off (Tue)*
  • Spangler Center 1st Floor East Rotunda
    7 am-10 pm
  • SEAS Building Front Lobby 
    7 am-7 pm
*M-F, samples are collected at 9:30 am. Kits dropped after 9:30 am will be picked up the next day, except on Saturdays when there are no pickups scheduled. Sunday pickups are at 9 am. Harvard is offering a 1:00 pm weekday pickup at the Science and Engineering Complex in Allston. There will be no pickups or processing on Monday, May 30 or Tuesday, May 31.
Questions? coronavirus@hbs.edu
Harvard University Health Services: + 617.495.5711

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

Crimson Clear is used to communicate an individual's testing cadence, to confirm that booster information has been received, and submit a vaccine exemption. In addition, please use Crimson Clear to report when you are experiencing COVID symptoms, have a recent exposure to a positive case, or test positive outside of our program. When you do so, HUHS can follow up to provide you with health guidance.

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

Booster shots are required for all members of the community within 30 days of your eligibility to receive a booster. Details on how to find and schedule a shot and upload your proof of vaccination are outlined on the University's COVID-19 Vaccine & Booster Information page.

Vaccination Exemptions

Members of the Harvard community can claim exemptions to the vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons. Students claiming an exemption should complete the Student Vaccine Exemption Form. Faculty, staff, and researchers wishing to note an exemption to the vaccine requirement can do so through Crimson Clear, which you can access from the Verify Your Vaccination webpage. Unvaccinated persons (regardless of the reason) will be subject to additional public health measures, including extra testing, above and beyond what is required of vaccinated individuals.

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).

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Email: coronavirus@hbs.edu
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