COVID-19 facts and general info

If I'm exposed to COVID-19, what should I do?

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19: QUARANTINE.

  • Stay home for 5 days. (Day 1  is the first full day after your last exposure)
  • Test on day 5, if possible.
  • If you test negative continue to take precautions through day 10 by wearing a mask when around others
  • If you test positive, isolate immediately

If any symptoms even mild appear immediately quarantine, stay away from campus, and get tested immediately.  If positive isolate (see isolation protocol). If negative return to campus when feeling better and consider wearing a mask with any respiratory illness (flu, common cold).

What is the definition of a “close contact” or “significant exposure?” 

Exposure occurs when an individual has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for a cumulative 15 minutes of more within a 24-hour period.

What does it mean to quarantine?

Quarantine is used to keep someone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. It helps prevent the spread of the virus before they experience symptoms and know they are ill. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow the directions from state and local health departments.

When should I get tested if I am in quarantine but do not have symptoms?

The recommendation is to test on day 5. If you test negative, you may return to regular activities.

If I get sick with COVID-19-like symptoms, what should I do?

Stay home, do NOT go out and about, stay away from people, and isolate yourself in a room. Clean any common areas that you must use (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms, etc.). Check in with a healthcare provider and make an appointment to get a test.

Does UVU require that I test negative to return to work?

No.

Is there a form I should fill out when I am exposed or sick?

No.

What is the isolation period if I get sick with COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms? 

If you test positive for COVID-19: ISOLATE (regardless of vaccine status).

  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves (24 hours without taking a fever-reducing medication).

What is the quarantine period if I am exposed?

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19: QUARANTINE.

  • Stay home for 5 days. (Day 1is the first full day after your last exposure)
  • Test on day 5, if possible.
  • If you test negative continue to take precautions through day 10 by wearing a mask when around others
  • If you test positive, isolate immediately

If any symptoms even mild appear immediately quarantine, stay away from campus, and get tested immediately.  If positive isolate (see isolation protocol). If negative return to campus when feeling better and consider wearing a mask with any respiratory illness (flu, common cold).

What if I test positive for COVID-19?

Isolate.

What if I test positive but have no symptoms?

If you test positive for COVID-19: ISOLATE (regardless of vaccine status).

  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves (24 hours without taking a fever-reducing medication).

What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?

Isolation separates people who have tested positive for COVID-19 from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who have been exposed to the disease but who do not have symptoms or a diagnosis. It is a monitoring period to see if they become ill.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

CDC states the following as symptoms

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

How do I decrease my chances of getting COVID-19?

Evidence has changed over the course of this pandemic, but today we know that the tried-and-true infection control measures absolutely work. Get vaccinated. Stay away from large gatherings, wear a mask when in public or common areas shared by others, keep your distance (six feet at least), wash your hands, and don’t touch your face. These precautions cannot be overstated.

What if my symptoms are not very bad? Do I really need to stay home from school or work?

Yes, in this environment especially. There is a risk of spreading the virus to others inadvertently. The virus looks different on each person it encounters. Some people have only slight symptoms, while others get very ill and at times need to be hospitalized.

When am I contagious?  When am I more likely to pass the virus to another person?

Currently, evidence suggests the most contagious timeframes are 1-2 days before you begin to show symptoms and the first few days when the symptoms are the worst. After that, it decreases quickly.

Can I get this virus from touching objects that are touched a lot by others?

 Theoretically, it is unlikely; however, we still encourage you to frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and to not touch your face. Your hands would be the vehicle spreading this virus from an object to your face (e.g., mouth, nose, eyes).

What is the most common way to spread this virus?

The most common way to spread the virus is to be in the breathing space of a person who is infected. Close contact (i.e., being within six feet of an infected person for longer than 15 minutes with or without a mask) is the easiest way to spread the virus.

If I have more questions, how can I get more information?

Contact the COVID question line at 801-863-4913.

How can I receive the COVID-19 Test?

Free at-home test kits are available at Student Health Services, Human Resources, and Campus Connection. These are distribution-only sites, and there will not be anyone available to answer COVID-related questions. 

Or

Find a testing location near you.

Masks

Are masks required on campus?

Masks are NOT required on campus, however we are a mask-friendly campus. 

What if I am harassed, threatened, or bullied by anyone regarding mask decisions?

Report any student instances of threats, bullying, or harassment, either online or in person, to the Office of Student Rights & Accountability. If you feel your safety may be in imminent danger, notify campus police immediately by calling 801-863-5555 or dialing 911.

Travel

View the Travel FAQ for information about travel guidelines.

Academics

Course Modalities

General Information

Are classes being taught in person?

Yes.

The majority of students in a class ask that the course be switched to remote delivery. Can the course modality be changed?

No. The course must be taught in the modality as scheduled for the fall semester.
Will in-person classrooms be at full capacity?

 

All classrooms can be scheduled to full capacity.
Can student attendance be required in face-to-face classes?
Yes. However, instructors should be flexible to allow students to miss class due to COVID-related issues. Even if a student has mild symptoms (e.g., perhaps they think they have an allergy), they should stay away from campus until their COVID status can be confirmed.  Students with children forced to quarantine may also find they have to miss classes. Students who are otherwise healthy are expected to attend their face-to-face classes.
Could a face-to-face course be moved to remote delivery?
Yes. It is possible, due to high infection rates, that a class may be temporarily moved to remote delivery.

Faculty Information

Can I divide students into groups based on whether they will wear a mask or are vaccinated or not?

No.

Student Information

My instructor has temporarily moved my face-to-face course online — what can I do?

It is possible that the instructor is ill, needs to quarantine, or is away from campus due to a conference and has elected to conduct class remotely. Instructors may hold class remotely until they have recovered, and it is safe for them to return to campus. This should be temporary, and your instructor should communicate the reason for the temporary change of modality. If you have questions, start by contacting the instructor. If you have additional concerns, contact the department chair or send us a message at askacademics@uvu.edu.

 

Face-to-Face Course Recordings

General Information

Will all classes be recorded this year?

Class recording is not a requirement. For information about class recordings, contact your instructor.

Faculty Information

Can I choose not to record a class?

Yes. For more specific information, check with your Dean.

Does UVU administration monitor classroom recordings?

 

No. The administration does not monitor classroom recordings. The recordings are for instructional purposes. They are to be used by instructors and students enrolled in the course. Should additional access to a recording be necessary, the instructor would be notified.
Can an instructor delete the recordings?
Yes. An instructor may delete class recordings when they are no longer useful for classroom purposes.
What happens to the recordings after the semester ends?
The recordings will be purged from the system at the end of the semester.

 

Health Accommodations

Faculty Information

I am teaching a face-to-face course but have health-related concerns. What should I do?

Contact Cameron Evans in HR immediately for consideration and possible accommodations.

Student Information

Will accommodations be made for students who are sick or otherwise have health concerns?

We ask everyone to be as accommodative as possible for students with health concerns. Ill students, faculty, and staff should remain off campus. Students who are ill and absent for more than two weeks should contact the Office of Accessibility Services to determine whether they are eligible for accommodation.

 

More Questions

My question is not answered here. What do I do now?

Check with your instructor or department chair, or send us an email.