What to do if test positive

What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19

or if you need to report a student positive case

Please review carefully the student or faculty/staff instructions below for what you should do if you test positive - or have tested positive in the past 90 days before taking action.

FOR STUDENTS

(faculty and staff information below)

If you have tested and are awaiting results:

  • If you have symptoms you should be self-sequestering (stay home and do not go to class or work in-person) until results come back. 

    • 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.

    • Remember that it is cold and flu season: please review our cold and respiratory infections page for guidance on other infections and treatment of symptoms.  Protect healthcare capacity and avoid exposing others: there is no need to see a doctor for mild symptoms.

    • If you still have questions about moderate to severe symptoms call our 24/7 Nurse Advice at (510) 643-7197. 

    • Please do not call our advice line to ask about the status of your results, or what to do if you are positive, please see below for instructions.
    • 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.  

    • Results are generally available in 24-48 hours: please be aware you may not receive a phone call with positive results during case surges. Results for nonclinical (asymptomatic) testing may take up to 72 hours during case surges.

If you test positive at a UHS testing site:

  • Stay HOME (or in your room) and ISOLATE.

  • Do not get a repeat PCR test for 90 days.

  • Our COVID Response Team (CRT) will notify you via eTang within 24 hours:

    • If you receive a COVID questionnaire, complete and return it back to the sender.

    • Review the isolation and self-care instructions provided in the message from CRT.

    • 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.

    • Make sure you have the CA Exposure Notification App turned on and look out for code to use from our CRT team via eTang.  

    • Students can submit for early release from isolation after at least day 5 if there are no symptoms and you have a negative Antigen test.
      • To request early release from isolation after day 5, send a message to the COVID Response Team via eTang and upload a copy of your negative test results with the date along with a copy of your Cal ID in the image.

If you tested positive outside of UHS:

The best way to reach the COVID-19 Response Team is to send a message through eTang.

  • Upload a copy of your positive test result into eTang and send a message to the COVID Response Team (CRT).  

  • If you are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms and need to get medical advice, students can call our 24/7 Advice Nurse (510) 643-7197.  

  • You should go ahead and 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.

  • Students can submit for early release from isolation after at least day 5 if there are no symptoms and you have a negative Antigen test.
    • To request early release from isolation after day 5, send a message to the COVID Response Team via eTang and upload a copy of your negative test results with the date along with a copy of your Cal ID in the image. 

FOR FACULTY / STAFF

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.

  • Our COVID Response team (CRT) will notify you via a secure message in your eTang portal within 24 hours.

    • 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. 

    • You will recieve Return to Work letter clearing you for on-site work on day 11 after 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 tested positive outside of UHS:

  • 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. 

    • You will recieve Return to Work letter clearing you for on-site work on day 11 after 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.

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