What to do if test positive

If you have tested and are awaiting results:

• If you have symptoms you should be self-sequestering (stay home and do not go to work in-person) until results come back negative.
  • A single negative antigen (home) test is not 100% reassuring: if you have had recent contact with a case and have symptoms, consider a repeat or PCR test.
  • Contact your primary care provider for medical advice.
  • If you have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, severe cough, chest pain, or weakness/fainting, please seek care urgently.
• Test results will be returned via eTang, generally within 24-36 hours: please be aware you will not receive a phone call with positive results during case surges. Results for nonclinical (surveillance) testing may take up to 72 hours during case surges.

If you test positive at a UHS testing site:

• Check your eTang portal Lab Results for your test results. 
• Do not get a repeat PCR test for 90 days.
• STAY HOME and ISOLATE (see COVID-19 Isolation Instructions)
  • Make sure you have the CA Exposure Notification App turned on. 
• UHS will notify you via a secure message in your eTang portal within 24 hours. 
  • Complete the COVID-19 Positive Test Questionnaire. Go to Messages -> New Message -> Select Contact the COVID Response Team / Reporting Positive Test Results/Complete the COVID Positive Test Questionnaire -> Select “Report a Positive COVID Test /Fill out the Positive Test  Questionnaire”
  • The date of your positive test will be entered into your UHS medical record system and you should isolate until 10 days have passed since your positive test. 
  • Please notify your close contacts that you tested positive and they should get tested. The COVID response team has very limited ability to provide robust contact tracing at this time.
• Employees who wish to return to work early (before the 10-day isolation period is up) and meet the criteria can submit a request to the COVID Response Team viaeTang along with a negative antigen test taken at least after day 5 with no symptoms. 
  • Log into eTang-> go to "Messages" -> select "New Message" -> select "Contact the COVID Response Team" OR "Contact Occupational Health" -> select "Request early release from isolation for return to work" and follow the instructions. 
  • Please have a photo showing your negative test results, date and ID and be ready to upload it. 

If you tested positive outside of UHS:

• STAY HOME and ISOLATE (see COVID-19 Isolation Instructions).

• Send a message to the COVID Response Team through eTang.

  • Log into eTang -> go to "Messages" -> select "New Message" -> select "Contact the COVID Response Team"  > select upload a copy of your positive test result. You will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire as well.

  • The date of your positive test will be entered into your UHS medical record system and you should isolate until 10 days have passed since your positive test. 

  • Please notify your close contacts that you tested positive and they should get tested.  The COVID response team has very limited ability to provide robust contact tracing at this time.

• Employees who wish to return to work early (before the 10-day isolation period is up) and meet the criteria can submit a request to the COVID Response Team via eTang along with a negative antigen test taken at least after day 5 with no symptoms.
  • Log into eTang -> go to "Messages" -> select "New Message" -> select "Contact the COVID Response Team" OR "Contact Occupational Health" - > select "Request early release from isolation for return to work" and follow the instructions.
  • Please have a photo showing your negative test results, date and ID and be ready to upload it.

If you need to report a student who tested positive:

• Send a message to the COVID Response Team through eTang with the details and they will respond with any next steps. 

  Reference: Faculty and staff Return to work criteria

  Additional notes: 

  If you feel that your positive COVID result is work-related, please ask your supervisor to fill out an Employer's First Report (EFR) form, to start the process to file a workers compensation claim.