What to do if test positive

What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19

For Students, Faculty and Staff

Recommendations for those who test positive for COVID-19: 

  • Stay Home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication) AND other COVID-19 symptoms are mild and improving.​
  • Mask when you are indoors & around other people for 5 days after you return to normal activities, especially around people at high risk for severe disease.
  • Seek treatment early: If you are at high risk for severe COVID-19 (immunocompromised or other significant chronic health condition).* To do so, speak with a healthcare provider as soon as you test positive (students can call the advice line at (510) 643-7197. You may be eligible for antiviral medicines or other treatments for COVID-19. COVID-19 antiviral drugs work best if taken as soon as possible and within 5-7 days from when symptoms start. 
  • CalOSHA Update: Sunsetting of COVID-19 Regulations: The requirement for all campus employees and students to report if they test positive for COVID has ended.  The campus no longer needs to maintain a dashboard of COVID cases across campus.  Healthcare workers still have their usual protections under the Aerosol Transmissible Disease (ATD) standard.  See Healthcare Workers Return to Work Guidelines.

University Health Services is aligned with CDPH and CDC respiratory virus guidance.

graphic showing respiratory virus prevention strategies

Core Prevention Strategies

  • Immunizations
  • Hygiene
  • Steps for Cleaner Air
  • Medical Treatment
  • Stay Home and Prevent the Spread
    • Stay home and away from others until both of the following are true for the last 24 hours:
      • Your symptoms are getting better
      • You are fever-free (without the use of medication)
      • Then take additional precautions for the next 5 days

Additional Prevention Strategies 

  • Masks
  • Distancing
  • Tests

Layering prevention strategies can be especially helpful when:

  • Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community
  • You or those around you have risk factors for severe illness
  • You or those around you were recently exposed, are sick, or are recovering