Quarantine Policy and Vaccination Program Updates (1/8/21)

Dear Members of the Yale Community,

As many of us return from the winter break, some after taking time away from Connecticut, I would like to acquaint you with some policy changes, remind you of travel quarantine and testing requirements, and update you on the Yale COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

While the promise of vaccines is becoming a reality, infection rates for COVID-19 remain high in Connecticut, as well as the rest of the country. Of particular concern is the emergence of a new and likely more infectious strain of COVID-19, two cases of which have just been identified in our state. In this climate, it is extraordinarily important that we diligently practice all of our health and safety guidelines.

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS FOLLOWING CLOSE CONTACT HAVE CHANGED

Our understanding of the best ways to reduce COVID-19 transmission continues to evolve. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its recommendation for quarantine after COVID-19 exposure to include options for reducing the length of quarantine to either 10 days or 7 days with a negative test, rather than the previously recommended 14 days.

After careful consideration of the new CDC guidance and on the advice of Yale’s Public Health Advisory Committee, we have modified our quarantine protocol for close contacts of individuals who have COVID-19. Going forward, anyone identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 will be told to quarantine for 10 days—rather than the previously required 14 days—and will be advised by the contact tracing team to obtain COVID-19 testing during the quarantine period.

TRAVEL QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS REMAIN THE SAME

Please be aware that there are no changes in the university’s quarantine and testing requirements related to travel.

For those who are returning from any out-of-state travel and who plan to be on campus, options include:

• Quarantining for 10 days or
• Obtaining two negative COVID-19 tests, one on day 1 in Connecticut, the second no sooner than day 5 and quarantining until both negative test results are received.

Travelers returning from states other than New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island who do not have plans to be on campus must follow the State of Connecticut travel requirements. Options include:

• Quarantining for 10 days or
• Obtaining a COVID-19 test with a negative result within 72 hours prior to arrival or
• Obtaining a COVID-19 test upon arrival and quarantining until a negative result is received.

All travelers returning from states other than New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island must complete the Connecticut Travel Health Form.

THE YALE COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM GOES LIVE

Over the past month COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Connecticut and have been distributed by the state to approved vaccine distribution centers. Per the state’s guidelines, initial doses of the vaccine are being given in Phase 1a to healthcare personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, and medical first responders.

Yale Health has been approved to receive and administer vaccines at the Lanman Center. The Yale COVID-19 Vaccination Program (the Yale Program), led by Nanci Fortgang, Chief of Yale Health Clinical Operations, conducted its first vaccination clinics for Yale healthcare personnel and medical first responders last week. The Yale Program is closely coordinating its activities with Yale New Haven Hospital to ensure that all eligible Yale health care personnel receive invitations to be vaccinated either at the Lanman Center or at one of YNHH’s vaccination locations.

The State of Connecticut, in reference to CDC guidance and with the input of the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group, is actively considering which groups will be eligible for the next phase (Phase 1b) of vaccinations. Likely candidates are individuals 75 years old and older, certain frontline essential workers, and residents of congregate facilities such as prisons. The timing of Phase 1b will depend upon vaccine supply and the completion of Phase 1a vaccinations.

Many members of the Yale community have asked how they will know when they are eligible to be vaccinated. The Yale Program is closely tracking state guidance and maintaining rosters of Yale community members in order to be ready to send invitations as soon as community members become eligible under each of the upcoming phases. The most important thing you can do to be ready is to make sure you have signed up for MyChart, the way you will likely be notified when the vaccine is available for you.

As is the case with most issues related to the pandemic, we expect that information about vaccines and vaccinations will evolve over time. As I noted in my December 18, 2020 message to the community, I will communicate frequently to update you about the vaccines and Yale’s vaccination plans. Additionally, we have posted vaccine FAQs on our COVID-19 website. Finally, if you have specific questions or suggestions about the Yale Program, please share them at yhvaccine@yale.edu.

In closing, I must thank you once again for your extraordinary diligence and partnership over the past many months of this pandemic. As we begin this new year with its promise as well as its challenges, I look forward to communicating with you each week and working together to protect the health and safety of our community.

Sincerely,

Stephanie S. Spangler, M.D.
Vice Provost for Health Affairs and Academic Integrity
Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
University COVID-19 Coordinator