Covid FAQ

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COVID FAQs

What do I do if I have symptoms of COVID?

Anyone who experiences symptoms of COVID should avoid contact with others and consider masking while seeking out testing. Testing is available for faculty, staff, and students at University Health Services. Please 423-425-2266 to schedule an appointment. For additional information, review the CDC website here.

Is University Health Services able to test me for COVID even if I don't have symptoms?

Yes. University Health Services can test you for COVID for a variety of reasons including exposure to a COVID positive individual, travel requirements, among others. At least 48 hours of advanced notice for travel testing may be required. Please call 425-425-2266 to schedule an appointment.

COVID FAQs: Students

May I be tested for COVID at University Health Services?

University Health Services continues to provide COVID testing at no cost to students. Please call 423-425-2266 to schedule an appointment. Fees may apply if additional testing or send out labs are needed.

If I test positive for COVID, what do I do?

The CDC recommends isolation for people who test positive for COVID. Isolation includes avoiding contact with others. If you will be missing class and will need an academic notice sent to your faculty, you must submit documentation from an healthcare provider with your isolation recommendation (including when you will be able to return to class) to the Office of Student Outreach and Support (SOS). SOS will send academic notices to your faculty instructors via the Academic Notification Process.
For full isolation recommendations, please visit here.

What if I get exposed to COVID from someone with whom I do not live? Do I quarantine?

Quarantine recommendations vary based on several factors including vaccination status and if you are experiencing symptoms after exposure. For the latest recommendations, please review the chart found here.
If a healthcare provider has advised you to quarantine and you will be missing class, you will need an academic notice sent to your faculty. You must submit documentation from a healthcare provider with your quarantine recommendation (including when you will be able to return to class) to the Office of Student Outreach and Support (SOS). SOS will send academic notices to faculty via the Academic Notification Process.

What if I live in a residence hall or with roommates off-campus, how do we protect each other if someone in the residence has COVID?

Ideally, a COVID positive individual should vacate a residence to truly isolate and avoid exposing roommates to COVID. If this is not possible, each resident should wear a well-fitting mask when around others in the household. In addition, when continually exposed to someone with COVID, wearing a mask when around others outside the residence, even if not infected may be recommended.
Testing is also suggested after being exposed to COVID; if you continue to be exposed to a positive individual, you may need to test more than once. Please call 423-425-2266 to schedule an appointment with University Health Services if you would like to be tested there.
For detailed recommendations, click here.

Am I able to use my meal plan or get necessities from the campus store if I have COVID?

Individuals who have COVID should wear a well-fitting mask anytime they are in common spaces or are around others. If you must leave your room to retrieve food or other necessary items. Food should be taken back to a private space such as your room where you could safely unmask without others during your isolation period.

Will I be moved to a designated isolation space if I live on-campus and test positive for COVID?

It is strongly recommended that all students have isolation plans that include an alternate off-campus housing location to minimize exposing others if they are living with roommates on or off campus. The campus does not provide isolation housing for students who test positive for COVID.

What if I have additional questions about a COVID-related issue that is impacting my student experience?

For medical needs related to COVID exposure, symptoms, or travel, please call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For other questions or concerns unrelated to healthcare contact [email protected].
Additional information related to COVID can be found here.

COVID FAQs: Faculty and Staff

May I be tested for COVID at University Health Services?

University Health Services continues to provide COVID testing. Please call 423-425-2266 to schedule an appointment. Fees may apply if additional testing, a nurse practitioner exam, or send out labs are needed.

If I test positive for COVID, what do I do?

The CDC recommends isolation for people who test positive for COVID. Isolation includes avoiding contact with others. For full isolation recommendations, click here.
University employees advised by health care providers to isolate should send documentation of that instruction and notice of date to return to work on campus to their department heads/supervisors. Department heads/supervisors may reach out to Human Resources with questions related to remote work, leave time, or additional COVID-related clarification questions.

What if I get exposed to COVID from someone with whom I live?

Ideally, a COVID positive individual should vacate a residence to truly isolate and avoid exposing household members to COVID. If this is not possible, each resident should wear a well-fitted mask when around others in the household. In addition, when continually exposed to someone with COVID, wearing a mask when around others outside of the residence, even if not infected may be recommended.
Testing is also suggested after being exposed to COVID; if you continue to be exposed to a positive individual, you may need to test more than once. Please call 423-425-2266 to schedule an appointment with University Health Services if you would like to be tested there.
For detailed recommendations, see here.

What if I have additional questions about a COVID-related issue?

For medical needs related to COVID exposure, symptoms, or travel, please call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For all other questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 423-425-4221 or [email protected].
Additional information related to COVID can be found here.

COVID FAQs: Vaccines

When can I get a booster?

CDC recommends a booster for anyone who hasn’t had the newest bivalent booster to protect against the omicron variants. We are expecting to see the newest version of the COVID-19 vaccine to be released in the Fall. Click here for more on current vaccine recommendations. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed.

Do the vaccines still work?

Vaccines remain effective at protecting against severe disease, hospitalization, and death in all age groups. Vaccine effectiveness is continually monitored, and vaccines are updated as we see new variants to provide the best protection for individuals. Review CDC’s tracker on vaccine effectiveness.

What are the common misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine?

Learn about common COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions.

May I get my COVID-19 Vaccine at University Health Services (UHS)?

We no longer offer COVID-19 vaccines at UHS, but there are many local pharmacies and clinics where you can go to get vaccinated. Use this vaccine finder to find one that is convenient for you.

Does UTC require COVID vaccines for enrolling at the university?

UTC does not require the COVID vaccine for enrollment. For a list of immunization requirements, please review information at the University Health Services' website here.

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