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Health Clearance Protocol for Health Professions Students (including MD students)

Please note that as the COVID pandemic evolves, all guidance and protocols are subject to change. This protocol is effective as of August 1, 2023. Failure to follow this protocol is a deficiency in professional behavior and may be cause for disciplinary action.

What to do if you have a POSITIVE COVID-19 test:

  • If you have a positive test result, regardless of vaccination status, whether or not you have symptoms, and regardless of where the test was performed, immediately self-isolate.
  • For students in TEC 1.0, complete an administrative excuse form
  • For students in TEC 2.0, complete the Excused Half-Day Form for the number of remaining half-days you have in your “bank” and email SALeadership@listserv.med.unc.edu to inform Student Affairs that you have tested positive.
  • Day 0 of isolation is the day of symptom onset, regardless of when you tested positive. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms started. A positive test requires you to stay home and isolate for Days 1-5 following the onset of symptoms.
  • If your symptoms are improving, you may return to class on Day 6, and you must remain masked for Days 6-10.

What to do if you have possible SYMPTOMS of COVID-19:

All students are required to self-monitor for symptoms on a daily basis:

  • Do you have new muscle aches not related to another medical condition or another specific activity (e.g., due to physical exercise)?
  • Do you feel like you may have a temperature of greater than 100.0°F?
  • Do you have sore throat, runny nose and/or congestion not related to another medical condition (e.g., allergies)?
  • Do you have a new or worsening cough that is not related to another medical condition?
  • Do you have shortness of breath that is not attributable to another medical condition?
  • Do you have recent (<5 days) loss of smell and taste?
  • Do you have new onset of vomiting or diarrhea not related to another medical condition?

If you answer yes to any of the questions above, immediately self-isolate and complete a Covid test, either at-home or via PCR through Campus Health. Students who are symptomatic must be tested for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status.

What to do if you are EXPOSED to COVID-19:

  • If you are knowingly exposed to COVID-19, whether at home, in the community, in class, in rotations, or at work, you must be extra-vigilant about self-monitoring and proper use of PPE for a period of time after exposure. Follow CDC guidelines for quarantine & testing following exposure.
  • If you have been fully vaccinated and boosted (if eligible), you may continue normal activities as long as you are asymptomatic. See the flow chart at the bottom the page for additional guidance.
  • If you notice any symptoms during this time, even if very mild, you must immediately self-isolate and follow the instructions above for symptoms.
  • If any post-exposure test is POSITIVE, you will be required to isolate. Follow the instructions above for positive tests.

Flow chart guiding students on Health Clearence screening

(Click to enlarge or open links)