If I'm exposed to COVID-19, what should I do?
Exposure occurs when you have been in close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 15 minutes) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Watch for symptoms until 14 days after exposure. If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or healthcare provider. Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
What is the definition of a “close contact” or “significant exposure?”
Someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has COVID-19-like symptoms.
What does it mean to quarantine?
When should I get tested if I am in quarantine but do not have symptoms?
If I get sick with COVID-19-like symptoms, what should I do?
Does UVU require that I test negative to return to work?
Is there a form I should fill out when I am exposed or sick?
What is the isolation period if I get sick with COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms?
What is the quarantine period if I am exposed?
What if I test positive for COVID-19?
What if I test positive but have no symptoms?
What happens when someone at UVU tests positive for COVID-19?
What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
CDC states the following as symptoms:
What if I only have intestinal issues?
Because of the pandemic, we suggest you check in with a health care provider and follow their advice.
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. 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?
This answer changes as the evidence becomes clearer —currently, studies suggest the most contagious timeframes are one day before you begin to show symptoms and the first few days when the symptoms are the worst. After that, it decreases quickly.
What does contact tracing mean? Why should I care about this?
This is generally a function of the local health department — however, during pandemic times, other groups get involved. UVU is assisting the local health department with this obligation. When someone becomes sick on campus, we look at where they have been starting two days before they became sick with symptoms to the first few days of symptoms. We then figure out who they have been in “close contact” with. We trace where they have been on campus. We then contact people who meet the criteria of a “close exposure,” and we send them home for 10 days to quarantine. The sooner we can do this, the better chance we have of not spreading the virus to others on campus.
Can I get this virus from touching objects that are touched a lot by others?
Theoretically 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.
Scenario: If my spouse’s co-worker gets sick, should I stay home and let everyone at work know they should stay home?
If your spouse meets the criteria of a “close contact” with their coworker, they would be exposed and would need to quarantine (i.e., stay away from all people and wait to see if they get sick). You and your coworkers do not need to quarantine unless your spouse becomes ill or tests positive.
Scenario: If my roommate tests positive for COVID-19 and we share a room and bathroom, should I quarantine?
Possibly. You would most likely meet the criteria of “close contact” due to sleeping in close quarters all night and sharing breathing space. If the room were well-ventilated (e.g., open windows, fans) with a lot of space between the beds, you may be OK. You would likely need to quarantine.
Scenario: If I have exchanged a prolonged kiss with a spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend and they have symptoms during this time, what should I do?
You have met the criteria of a close contact and would quarantine for 14 days.
Scenario: If a person I work with or know tests positive and shows symptoms of COVID-19 and I have not seen or talked with them, but I walked into their office or workspace and touched some common objects, what should I do?
Wash your hands, and don’t touch your face. It is much harder to spread the virus this way.
Scenario: If my symptoms are not that bad, is it OK to come to work if I stay away from everyone?
No, it is not OK to come to work. Please stay home. This is exactly how we are spreading the virus by thinking the precautions do not apply to us.
The location for both testing and vaccinations has changed. It is now located on the second floor of the Sorensen Student Center, above the ballroom and across from Student Health Services. Students, faculty, and staff can make an appointment.
Students currently experiencing symptoms must make an appointment for drive-thru testing. To schedule a testing appointment (only available to UVU students, faculty or staff), visit https://www.uvu.edu/campuscovidtest.
Testing will be done using the Abbot BinaxNOW rapid antigen COVID-19 test. This test only requires an anterior nasal swab, making it more comfortable than previous COVID-19 testing. This is not an antibody test. Participants can leave at the completion of the nasal swab procedures. Results will be emailed within a couple of hours. Your results will be sent to your UVU email. The testing process should take no more than ten minutes. Testing is free and only available to UVU students, faculty, and staff. Individuals must have an active UVID and sign in to be tested. Symptoms and/or exposure are not required for testing.
Please make an appointment for all testing services. Photo identification and your university ID number are required.
If you are not a UVU student, faculty, or staff member, you may visit the Test Utah website to determine a testing location.
Is there a mandate for staff and faculty to be tested?
There is no mandate at this time, although we encourage them to be tested.
Where can I go for more information?
To sign up for testing on campus, go to uvu.edu/campuscovidtest
Please contact the Department of Workforce Services to determine resources. You can also dial 211 to access the United Way of Utah County.
What if I can’t pay a bill or have an urgent, unexpected expense?
You may be eligible for institutional emergency funds. Visit the Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.
You may also be interested in working with UVU’s Money Management Resource Center, which can help with managing money. Virtual appointments are available.
How do I access Financial Aid?
Schedule an appointment via website, email, or call (801) 863-8442. Students can also meet with a counselor by visiting BA 103.
Masks are NOT required on campus. We encourage those not vaccinated to wear a mask when around people, this is a CDC recommendation. The local health department has the authority to mandate mask-wearing in certain places and under certain circumstances, and we would take direction regarding masks from them.
What if I am harassed, threatened, or bullied by anyone regarding mask decisions?
Temporary Remote Work Agreements ended on May 31, 2021.
A Remote Work Task Force, under the direction of President Tuminez, has put together a new permanent remote work process. For more information, please review the files on the HR Remote Work webpage in myUVU.
Each vice president has reviewed and identifying positions that must work on campus, those that may use a hybrid approach (partial work on campus/partial work remote), and those that may work on a fully remote basis. HR has developed training for supervisors and employees.
The work an employee performs when working remotely is no different from the work performed while working on campus. This option gives employees flexibility in where the work is done, allowing them to save time and money from having to commute to their campus workspace every day. Working remotely is not an entitlement nor is it a university-wide benefit. Remote work does not change the terms and conditions of employment with the university. Visit the Remote Work Information section of the Human Resources Website within myUVU for additional information.
View the Travel FAQ for information about travel guidelines.
Am I allowed to travel out of the state/country on personal travel?
We encourage you, when considering your personal travel choices, to follow travel advisories issued by the CDC and local and state authorities. Refer to the Travel FAQ for guidelines and more details.
Can I travel for business purposes?
University-related travel is allowed. Please refer to the Travel FAQ for guidance.
You may also contact the UVU Travel Office at travel@uvu.edu or ext. 8965 with any questions about these guidelines.
Where can I get a vaccine on campus?
In an ongoing effort to ensure fall 2021 is healthy, safe, and successful, free COVID-19 testing and vaccination continue. The vaccination clinic offers the Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer vaccines to those over age 18. Vaccines are available to all students, faculty, and staff (and their immediate family). Booster vaccines are also available to those who meet the standards established by the CDC for immunocompromised individuals. No proof is required.
The location for both testing and vaccinations has changed. It is now located on the second floor of the Sorensen Student Center, above the ballroom and across from Student Health Services. Students, faculty, and staff can make an appointment.
Will I test positive after receiving the vaccine?
Can my family also be vaccinated?
What is the policy on COVID-19 vaccines at UVU?
All registered students, with the exception of those participating in high school concurrent enrollment, must be fully vaccinated before spring semester 2021 or have declared an exemption for religious, medical, or personal reasons.
Why is there a vaccine requirement now?
Why is there a vaccination requirement and not a mask mandate?
How will UVU know if I am vaccinated?
When does this policy go into effect?
Does the policy require vaccination for all students or only those who participate in on-site activities?
Does this policy apply to employees of the university who are also students?
Is this a one-time mandate, or will I be required to get boosters or annual shots?
What does “fully” vaccinated mean? Does it include a period of time after the dose for the immune response?
How do I document proof of vaccination? Who will maintain the student documentation?
A questionnaire will be provided through the myUVU student portal. Students will complete the survey by providing an image of the vaccine card with the date and type of vaccine received or filling out an exemption request within the survey. Data from the survey will be stored securely with other student records. The data is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and will not be shared with unauthorized individuals.
The survey will become available during the week of September 13, 2021.
Will I have to complete this survey every semester?
What about students who register late?
Are medical or personal exemptions allowed?
Will I be required to prove that an exemption is needed?
Will those who ask for an exemption be subject to early detection methods (frequent COVID-19 testing) in order to participate in in-person courses, events, and activities?
I was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and had an antibody test that shows I have natural immunity. Does this support a medical exemption?
Yes. There is immunity to COVID if you have had the disease. We know that the immunity is greatest during the first 90 days after the illness. After that, the immunity starts to wane. We do not know how long this immunity lasts, which is why vaccines are encouraged. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a positive result from an antibody test does not mean you have a specific amount of immunity or protection against COVID-19. In both cases, vaccination is still recommended.
Will a vaccine under emergency use authorization and not final FDA approval satisfy the vaccine requirement?
Who will pay for the vaccine, and where can I get one?
Vaccines are free. Moderna vaccines are available by appointment at the UVU clinic. (Utah Valley University expects to once again have the J&J vaccine by Oct. 1 and will begin offering Pfizer in mid-September.) Those who wish to receive a Pfizer vaccine can now make an appointment at an off-campus location.
What if I experience flu-like symptoms as a result of the vaccine and cannot attend classes?
Will I have to quarantine if I get a vaccine and people around me are sick with COVID-19?
No, current CDC guidelines indicate that if you have been vaccinated, you will not need to quarantine. If you are exposed to someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, we ask you to assess your health every day. If the slightest symptoms begin to show, get tested.
Isn’t requiring vaccination records a violation of HIPAA?
What if I refuse to participate in the recording of my vaccination status?
Isn’t this a form of discrimination? How is this allowed?
Will UVU-approved housing, meaning apartment complexes that require students to sign leases and the UVU code of conduct, require vaccination as well?
Are COVID-19 vaccines dangerous?
The COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe and effective. There can be side effects, but very few poor outcomes. To read more about the COVID-19 vaccines, please go to edu/covidinfo/testing/index.html.
Why is UVU recommending a vaccine that hasn’t gone through appropriate trials?
UVU offers the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and will soon offer Pfizer (fully approved by the FDA as of 8/20/2021). Moderna submitted an application for FDA approval (8/25/2021) and is expected to be approved. All vaccines underwent rigorous and robust testing to qualify for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status through the FDA as well.
You can still get COVID if you are vaccinated, so why is vaccination necessary?
No vaccine is 100% effective at preventing illness. It is expected that some people will get a breakthrough case of COVID — however, it is just a fraction of those who are vaccinated that are able to avoid illness because they received the vaccine. There is mounting evidence that shows fully vaccinated people have less severe illness — most DO NOT require hospitalization or die (according to the CDC). Unvaccinated Utahns are at 5.8 times greater risk of dying of COVID-19 (according to the Utah Department of Health).
Since UVU is mandating vaccines, will the university be liable for any bad reaction I have as a result of the vaccine?
Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate is personal; the liability lies with the individual. Utah state law has always indicated if vaccines are mandated, exemptions of medical, religious, and personal beliefs must be allowed. If a person does not wish to vaccinate, they may select an exemption.
If I have COVID-19, can I still get vaccinated?
You can be vaccinated if you have passed the necessary isolation period of 10 days. It is recommended that you have no symptoms before you get vaccinated.
Will UVU give a booster vaccine?
Yes, if you meet the criteria for receiving a booster vaccination, we can provide it. We will not ask for proof that you meet the criteria.
If I got the Moderna vaccine, can the booster be another brand?
Yes, but this only works with Moderna and Pfizer. If you received Moderna (two shots), you may have a Pfizer booster or a Moderna booster and vice versa.
Will UVU get the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine?
Will UVU begin to require other vaccines as well?
Are classes being taught in person?
Yes. State legislation passed in 2021 requires UVU to offer at least 75% of the number of in-person courses that UVU offered in Fall 2019.
Can classes that begin in person switch to online later?
The majority of students in a class ask that the course be switched to remote delivery. Can the course modality be changed?
Can I divide students into groups based on whether they will wear a mask or are vaccinated or not?
No. The health benefits of segregating students in a classroom are not proven. We suggest encouraging students to wear their masks and not attempt further classroom manipulation.
My instructor switched my face-to-face course to remote delivery — what can I do?
Face-to-face courses should be taught in the modality as listed in the fall schedule. If an instructor permanently switches a course to a different modality, you may ask the instructor for an explanation. You may also contact the department chair or write to us at askacademics@uvu.edu and we will review the situation.
My instructor has temporarily moved my face-to-face course online — what can I do?
Will all classes be recorded this year?
Why are we automatically recording all classes this fall?
What if an instructor does not want a course recorded?
Can an instructor limit access to course recordings to only those students who have COVID-related absences?
Not easily. Canvas functionality is all or nothing — all students have access, or no students have access. It is possible that a recording could be downloaded by the instructor and shared with select students, but this would require additional effort and technical skill from the instructor.
Why should I livestream a class if it is recorded?
If a face-to-face class is shifted to remote delivery, can an instructor still use the classroom to deliver the course?
My instructor requires me to participate to prove I have viewed the recordings. Is that allowed?
Yes, instructors may require students to demonstrate through various assessments that absent students have viewed the recordings and are learning the required content.
What if my instructor does not allow access to the recordings and does not have another means of providing access to course content?
Can instructors force students to wear masks in the classroom?
No. However, masks are encouraged on campus. We can no longer require them in accordance with Utah state law. Please be respectful of an individual’s choice regarding this topic. If you feel unsafe in an unmasked environment due to your health concerns, it is acceptable to ask those around you to wear a mask.
Is it possible that there could be a mask mandate?
Can instructors ask students in a classroom to wear masks?
Isn’t it my right to not wear a mask? Why should I even be asked to wear one?
Currently, masks are not required and will not be required unless the health department mandates that masks be worn. If you are asked to wear a mask, the request is to be respectful of the health concerns of those around you. You have the right to choose not to wear a mask and assume any personal health consequences for doing so. We are not trying to restrict anyone’s rights — we are asking that you respect the rights of others and be sensitive to the health and safety of the UVU community.
Are vaccinations required to be on campus or in classrooms this fall?
Vaccinations are not required to be on campus this fall.
As announced on August 30, 2021, COVID-19 vaccination will be required for UVU students starting spring semester 2022. Read the full statement here.
Can an instructor ask students if they have been vaccinated?
Are vaccinations strongly encouraged?
Can students, faculty, and staff get tested for COVID and vaccinated on campus?
Can I give extra credit to students who show evidence of being vaccinated?
No. Some students cannot be vaccinated due to health or other issues. They cannot be discriminated against. Further, it is not appropriate to ask students their vaccination status as that is private health information.
What if a particular class has an outbreak of COVID-19?
UVU will continue monitoring classes, programs, and buildings to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Instructors and students may be contacted if case counts hit a “trigger point,” and classes may be moved online at that time.
If a student is (or several are) diagnosed with COVID, will the entire class have to quarantine, and will the class be moved to remote delivery?
Can students be required to socially distance in the classroom?
If space permits, students may be asked to spread out to allow for as much social distancing as is practical.
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.
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.
My question is not answered here. What do I do now?
Check with your instructor or department chair, or send us an email.
