Keep Harvard Healthy
Guided by our commitment to education and research and to our community’s health and safety, Harvard has welcomed many more students, faculty, staff, and researchers back to campus this academic year. 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.
For the latest information, read the most recent messages 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. The University is requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all Harvard community members and one COVID-19 booster for all eligible community members. This includes students, faculty, staff, and researchers.
Keep a mask handy
While masks are optional in most Harvard settings, many individuals will choose to continue to wear a mask, and masks required in limited settings. Individuals are encouraged to have an acceptable face covering on their persons at all times for situations in which they may be required.

Testing on campus
Guided by public health officials and experts, Harvard has transitioned to optional testing for the entire campus community. Harvard affiliates are not required to test regularly, however have the option of doing so if they wish. Anyone with symptoms or known exposure should test and follow HUHS guidance.

Verify Your Vaccination and Booster
The University is requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all Harvard community members and one COVID-19 booster 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.
Latest COVID Updates and Messages
Read the latest COVID-19 community messages from University leadership.
COVID-19 Considerations at Commencement
Dear Members of the Harvard Community, I am writing with public health guidance directed in particular to those attending commencement-related events. COVID-19 transmission is rated as “high” in Boston and Cambridge. Please use this knowledge…
COVID Update – Transition to Optional Testing Program
Dear Members of the Harvard Community, In the coming weeks, the University will cease to require regular surveillance testing. Testing will continue to be available on an optional basis, and anyone with symptoms or known exposure…
COVID-19 Guidance Update and University Travel Update
Dear Members of the Harvard Community, We are writing with updates on our evolving COVID-19 policies. We continue our daily monitoring of cases and other key indicators, including hospitalizations. While we have seen recent increases in…