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.
Testing will continue throughout the summer semester. 9:00 am - 2 pm Monday-Friday in the Science Bld. Atrium, but you need to
Symptomatic Testing in parking lot L-10 Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
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 is an approved face covering? Do I have to wear it in my office?
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?
All University-related travel is restricted and must be cancelled until further notice. As an exception to this restriction, travel considered business essential for the university must be approved by the divisional vice president prior to making travel arrangements. Please read the COVID-19 Travel Guidelines for additional details. Please contact the UVU Travel Office at travel@uvu.edu or ext. 8965 with any questions.
Where can I get a vaccine on campus?
During the summer the vaccine clinic is available in the Pope Science Building Atrium on Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The location changes to the SC on the second level across from the Student Health Center with the start of fall semester 2021 in August. Times to be announced. For more, go to: https://www.uvu.edu/covidinfo/testing/index.html .
Will vaccines be required?
Will I test positive after receiving the vaccine?
Can my family also be vaccinated?
What type of vaccine does UVU administer?
