COVID-19

As of March 1, 2024, if you test positive for COVID-19 you should follow the updated CDC guidelines for respiratory illnesses. This guidance applies to all respiratory illnesses, such as COVID, flu and RSV. 

In short, one must only isolate from others until:

• they do not have a fever for 24 hours (over 100.4F or 38C) without the use of fever-reducing medication and
• their symptoms are improving to the point where one can go about their normal activities with minimal symptoms (mild cough, congestion, sneezing, etc).

When a person leaves isolation, a well-fitting mask should be worn for an additional five (5) days while around others (class, dining halls, work, etc).

Students, staff, and faculty no longer need to report their test results to RISD.

If you are a student with a medical question, you may call Health Services at 401 454-6625 to speak with a nurse, or make an appointment with a medical provider. For a medical emergency, contact Public Safety at 401 454-6666 and/or call 911 and seek care at a local emergency room. 

Staff and faculty should contact their primary care provider or seek emergency care if needed.

RISD does not provide specific isolation housing for students. For on-campus students, roommate agreements should be made at the start of the semester to ensure a plan is in place should one of them test positive for COVID or any other respiratory illness. 

It is expected that one should communicate directly with their faculty or supervisor if they are to miss class or work due to an illness. 

For students, please refer to the Health Services Missed Class Policy. 

Employees who are unable to work due to illness should follow the applicable policies and procedures including sick time for staff, or, in the case of faculty, as outlined in their respective collective bargaining agreements.

Health Services will provide testing for those students seeking care and who are symptomatic for a respiratory illness (fever, cough, congestion, body aches, fatigue, etc). Health Services will not provide testing for those without symptoms or for screening if they have possibly been exposed to a respiratory illness. Employees should contact their primary care provider.

At-home COVID test kits are available for purchase at many retailers and local pharmacies including online retail pharmacies, for an out-of-pocket cost. (Please contact your health insurance and/or pharmacy insurance provider for specific details.)

As of November 20, 2023, four (4) free at-home tests (per residential household address) can be ordered through the United States Postal Service (USPS). Another option is CovidTests.gov. 

(Individuals may also be eligible for free tests through Medicaid, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or Indian Health Services. Please contact those agencies directly for more information.)

For the health and safety of our campus, we strongly recommend community members remain up to date on all vaccinations, including the updated vaccination recommendations for COVID-19 as defined by the CDC.

Anyone interested in getting vaccinated for COVID and/or flu can receive one at a local pharmacy or attend our vaccination clinics. On-campus vaccine clinics will be scheduled periodically and open to the entire RISD community.

Stay home when you are sick!

Stay up to date on your immunizations.

Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, cover your cough with your elbow, and clean high touch surfaces often.

Contact Health Services or your primary care provider if treatment may be needed.

Visit the CDC for more information on how to prevent respiratory viruses.