Keep Harvard Healthy
Supporting our community’s wellbeing while advancing Harvard’s academic enterprise requires our collective participation in the University’s adaptable, multi-layered health and safety measures. Through robust commitment at the University, School, and individual level, we can all play a role in preventing the spread of infection and can help keep Harvard healthy.
January Remote Learning & Work, In-Person Spring Semester Plans
Like the rest of the country, we continue to see a very high rate of COVID-19 cases within our campus community. Public health models anticipate this surge to peak in the coming weeks, presenting challenges that require us to assess and update our protocols and policies as we move forward with our plans for an on-campus spring semester. Harvard’s Schools and Units will continue to provide detailed information to their students, faculty, staff, and researchers regarding guidance for returning to campus and resumption of on-campus activities.
For more information, read the latest message from University leadership. We will communicate additional updates and guidance as needed based on public health conditions.
View the latest data on positive cases, total tests, and vaccination rates
What to Do if You Tested Positive or Are Exposed
Use the resources below to inform your next steps if you test positive through Harvard’s testing program, if you test positive outside Harvard’s testing program, or if you have a potential exposure.
HUHS COVID-19 testing, exposure, quarantine, and isolation FAQsOpens new window
If Your Test Is Positive
The HUHS Contact Tracing Team will email you to explain next steps, including isolation and self-care recommendations. Contact tracers rely on your Harvard email for communication, so please check your inbox.
If You’ve Been Exposed
Read HUHS’ exposure guidance to determine your risk and next steps, which may include additional testing and quarantining.
Report through Crimson Clear
If you test positive outside of Harvard’s testing program, if you have symptoms, or if you have close contact exposure to someone with COVID-19, report it via Crimson Clear.
Protect Each Other
An adaptable, multi-layered approach to keeping Harvard healthy that’s grounded in science, our collective expertise, and public health conditions
Get vaccinated and boosted
Campus-wide vaccination and boosters are the best defense against severe illness from COVID-19. Harvard is requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all community members and COVID-19 boosters for all eligible community members. This includes students, faculty, staff, and researchers.
Test regularly
Regular testing is a key part of our efforts. It helps us track the presence of the virus in our community, reduce the risk of transmission, and ensure that the safety protocols we’ve established are meeting their intended goals.
Wear a high-quality mask
Masking remains critical and is highly effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19. Indoors, everyone is required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination and booster status.
Maintain Your Testing Cadence
All Harvard affiliates with any on-campus presence are required to test at their assigned cadence. As we track positive cases, we may adjust testing cadences for various populations in our community.
If you’re away from campus for the winter recess, you can disregard your Color notifications and resume testing upon your return. If you are currently outside of the Boston/Cambridge area, get tested prior to your return travel to ensure you are not putting others at risk of infection while in transit.
Verify Your Vaccination and Booster
Harvard is requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all community members and COVID-19 boosters for all eligible community members. This includes students, faculty, staff, and researchers. Consistent with federal guidance, all Harvard employees, including those who are on 100% remote work status, must be fully vaccinated. Verify your vaccination and booster with HUHS.
Practice Healthy Habits
We must continue to practice the healthy habits and behaviors that reduce the risk of transmission. Review the resources for masks, vaccination and boosters, testing, exposure and symptom reporting, quarantine and isolation guidance, and socializing thoughtfully.
Campus Access
We have an individual and collective responsibility to keep ourselves and our community members safe. All community members are expected to adhere to University policies and public health directives.
Travel Information
University-related travel, both international and domestic, is permitted for affiliates who satisfy the University’s COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirements. However, given current developments, we urge you to consider whether travel is necessary at this time and cannot be postponed.
Latest COVID Updates and Messages
Read the latest COVID-19 community messages from University leadership.
COVID Update – Additional Information and Updated Protocols and Policies
We continue to see a very high rate of COVID-19 cases locally and nationally, presenting challenges that require us to update our protocols and policies as we plan for an on-campus spring semester.
COVID Update – Spring Semester Update and Vaccine Booster Verification
We continue to plan for an in-person spring semester. Verification of your COVID-19 booster is required by January 31. If you are not yet eligible to receive the booster, your deadline will be 30 days…
COVID Update – Winter Session Travel
If you’re planning University-related domestic or international travel in the next few weeks, we urge you to reconsider those plans. Ask whether the travel needs to occur now or if it can be delayed.