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    • Testing Positive and Isolation/Close Contact Quarantine
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FAQ

FAQ

  • Testing Positive and Isolation/Close Contact Quarantine
  • MBA Student Partner FAQ

MBA Student Partners

MBA Student Partners

Page Updated: 06 Jan 2021(No updates in last 10 days)
Page Updated: 06 Jan 2021
(No updates in last 10 days)

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can Partners get tested through the Harvard testing program?

Only students, staff, and faculty who have permission to be on campus are eligible to participate in the Harvard testing program.

Partners who are determined to be a close contact of a positive case and are in quarantine may be activated in the campus testing protocol. The process to enable testing happens automatically but may take 2-3 business days to complete. SAS will be in touch directly about how and when to begin testing.

Can I use one of my student’s Color tests since we are living in the same household?
Tests may not be taken by another household member of an eligible tester.
Will students continue to be tested through break or will testing end during the break period post-finals? What is the guidance for those who will remain on-campus through winter break?

Testing will continue over winter break, although there will be an adjusted pickup and drop-off schedule, including some days during which the Broad lab will not be collecting tests. Please consult the Testing page for the latest information. Students who remain on-campus should continue to test based on their normal testing cadence (taking into account the adjusted pickup/drop-off schedule).

What happens if my student tests positive?

They should immediately isolate. Isolation usually lasts 10 days and possibly up to 14 days. They'll stay in their room or home for the duration of their isolation (with the exception of evacuating the building for a life-threatening emergency).

They can also begin making a list of potential close contacts for use during the clinical intake process. (A “close contact” is defined by the CDC as “any individual within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes cumulatively over a 24-hour period.”) Although they may feel concerned for their possible close contacts, they shouldn’t start reaching out to those on their list. They should take care of themselves and leave it to the experts to decide who needs to be called.

HUHS will call them and they should answer their call promptly and questions truthfully. If they do not hear from HUHS, they should call 617-495-5711.

They will not be testing during isolation. An individual who tests positive will not be tested again for 90 days following the positive results unless testing is needed to clear travel-related quarantine.

At the end of their isolation period, HUHS will notify them of their release date and time.

What happens if I test positive but my student hasn’t yet?
If you test positive, you will likely be contacted by the local Department of Public Health but should feel free to reach out to your primary care physician (PCP) in the meantime. As is the case if your student tests positive, you should immediately isolate and create a list of potential close contacts. The Department of Public Health and/or your physician will provide additional guidance, which will likely coincide with the guidance provided above. If you live together, the student should quarantine in another room from you and await outreach from the Department of Public Health.
If I (partner) or my student are diagnosed with COVID-19 over winter break, but are not in the Boston area, should we still contact HUHS?
Please contact your primary care physician (PCP) first so they can advise you as to next steps and guide you through your isolation period. Please reach out to HUHS as well so they are aware of your diagnosis, can provide additional support, and can work to update your student’s testing cadence.
What are the most recent statistics on number of cases at Harvard Business School?

While we’re unable to provide HBS-specific data given privacy concerns, you can find the most updated Harvard-wide data on the HU-wide COVID-19 Testing Dashboard. While most of the graduate students are from HBS, other graduate students are included in this data as well.

What happens if my student receives a contact tracing call from HUHS?

Contact tracers from HUHS will reach out via phone to those identified as close contacts. Your student should follow the guidance provided by the contact tracer, which is usually asking them to return to their residence immediately and begin quarantine. HUHS will provide clinical monitoring and SAS will provide support for the duration of their quarantine period. Feel free to contact SAS at 1-617-495-6087, 8am-5pm, Mon.-Fri., or sas@hbs.edu for support. During their quarantine period they may not leave their residence unless authorized by HUHS such as for testing. They should not move around or come to campus or attend any in-person activities.

Under what circumstances would HUHS contact me for contact tracing? What should I expect if I am contacted?
HUHS would only call you if you are identified as a close contact of an HBS index case. Follow the guidance provided by the contact tracer, which is usually asking you to return to your residence immediately and begin quarantine. HUHS will provide clinical monitoring, and SAS will provide support for the duration of your quarantine period. Feel free to contact SAS at 1-617-495-6087, 8am-5pm, Mon.-Fri., or sas@hbs.edu for support. During your quarantine period you may not leave your residence unless authorized by HUHS such as for testing. Do not move around or come to campus or attend any in-person activities.
What are the travel protocols for the holiday season and winter break (e.g., number of people allowed to travel with including partners and students)?
During the holiday break, the current travel policy remains in place. No more than six HBS community members (students and partners) are allowed to travel together overnight without violating Community Values. Please note that Harvard and HBS still strongly discourage all personal travel.
Will partners / students be required to get a vaccine if one is released to the general public? If so, will Harvard health insurance cover this?
While everyone is understandably encouraged by recent vaccine progress, it will still be some time before vaccinations are readily available to the majority of the HBS community. As more information becomes available, we will share any updates.
→More Frequently Asked Questions
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