COVID-19 Policy and Frequently Asked Questions


General Information

Instructions for Individuals with COVID-19 Symptoms or a Positive Test

Close Contact to Someone with COVID-19

National Defense University COVID-19 Quarantine/Isolation Policy

College/Component COVID-19 Reporting POC Roster

General Resources

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General Information

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 and was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It is very contagious and has quickly spread around the world.

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include:

✓ Fever or chills                   ​​​​​​​✓ Headache
✓ Cough                              ✓ New loss of taste or smell
✓ Shortness of breath         ✓ Sore throat
✓ Fatigue                             ✓ Nausea, vomiting, or Diarrhea
✓ Muscle/body aches          ✓ Congestion/runny nose

What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?

  • Isolation is for people who are sick, beginning to show symptoms, think they might have COVID-19, or tested positive for COVID-19. Those in isolation need to stay home for 5 full days after their symptoms begin. Additionally, people can end isolation when their symptoms have improved, and they have been without fever for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medications. People should wear a mask for an additional 5 days when around others.

  • Quarantine is for people who have been exposed through close contact but are not sick. It is a pre-emptive measure to prevent spread of disease when people may have been exposed to COVID-19.​​​​​​​

Instructions for Individuals with COVID-19 Symptoms or a Positive Test

What should I do if I am sick?

  • Stay home if you do not feel well!  Please inform your Seminar Team Leader and reach out to the JFSC nurse. 

  • Get tested. You can pick up a COVID Self-Test kits with the JFSC nurse and/or Norfolk Branch Health Clinic Lab (Sewell’s Point) during the weekdays.

  • Report your condition to your College/Component COVID Reporting POC and Seminar Team Lead to discuss virtual participation.

    • Click here for the College/Component COVID Reporting POC Roster

  • ​​​​​​​Notify your Close Contacts of your COVID positive status. Work with supervisors to notify Close Contacts of masking and testing requirements. Close Contact is defined as being within 6 feet of someone for 15 minutes over a 24-hour period.  

What do I do if I test NEGATIVE for COVID-19?

  • If your test is negative, you may return to campus when you are 24-hours without a fever and your symptoms are improving.

What should I do if I have a POSITIVE COVID-19 Test?

  • Isolate for 5 full days after your symptoms begin and until your symptoms have improved and you have been without a fever for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medications. Wear a mask for an additional 5 days when around others. Notify your Seminar Team Lead and COVID Reporting POC..

  • You or your supervisor should notify your Close Contacts that you have COVID. Close Contact is defined as being within 6 feet of someone for 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. Close Contacts should be instructed to wear a mask for 10 days.

Instructions for Individuals who are a Close Contact 

What should I do if I was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19?

  • If you are up to date on your COVID vaccinations, to include the primary series and a recommended booster, you do not need to quarantine. You should wear a mask for 10 days from the date of the last known exposure.

  • If you are NOT up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, you should quarantine for 5 days from the last known exposure.  You should also wear a mask for an additional 5 days after you complete your quarantine.

What should I do if someone I live with tested positive for COVID-19?

  • Quarantine is no longer required as long as you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations.

  • If you are NOT up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, you should quarantine for 5 days from the last known exposure.  You should also wear a mask for an additional 5 days after you complete your quarantine.

  • Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days. ​​​​​​​

National Defense University COVID-19 Quarantine/Isolation Policy

  • NDU follows Department of Defense guidelines and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. ​​​​​​​

College/Component COVID Reporting POC Roster

General Resources

Where can I find a local vaccination site?

Where can I find the latest information pertaining to COVID-19

The following is a list of websites that should be consulted for additional guidance on occupational safety and health considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC
• World Health Organization (WHO): Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (who.int)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
• Department of Defense (DoD): Latest DOD Guidance (defense.gov)