Healthy Behaviors


Our priority is to protect the well-being of all members of our community and campus visitors. These simple steps will help to keep our community safe and healthy.

Self-Monitor Your Health

Each day you should confirm that you do not have signs/symptoms of COVID-19 before coming to campus. According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe symptoms, which may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and include new or worsening:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of taste or smell (without a stuffy nose)
  • Headache
  • Congestion or runny nose

NOTE: This list does not include all possible symptoms or less common symptoms that have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 symptoms.

Follow These Healthy Habits

Mask Protocols

Masks are optional indoors on Emory campuses, with the exception of clinical, patient care, and select research facilities on campus, including Student Health Services. 

Should health indicators change or heightened risks emerge, indoor masking requirements may be reinstated. Anyone who needs to or prefers to wear a mask is encouraged to do so. 

Learn more about masks

Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands throughout your time on campus and before you leave to go home, at least 10 times per day. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Emory will provide hand sanitizer stations at convenient locations.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash, and hands should be washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean yourself up with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol can be used. Emory will provide hand sanitizer stations at convenient locations.

Clean and Disinfect Personal Spaces

You are responsible for cleaning your personal areas (desks, doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards, etc.) Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and personal items daily. Use detergent or soap and water first, then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.