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 if you have COVID-19 symptoms, until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication, AND other COVID-19 symptoms are mild and improving.​
    • Review the most up-to-date UHS Isolation Guidance from UHS.  You can also review the CDPH guidelines, which UCB follows. 
    • It is recommended (not required) to report your positive test through the eTang portal. This helps so that we can get you care and treatment information:
    • Upload a copy of your positive test result into eTang. Complete the COVID-19 Positive Test Questionnaire. Go to Messages -> New Message -> Select “Report a Positive COVID Test /Fill out the Positive Test Questionnaire” 
  • Mask when you are around other people indoors for the 10 days* after you become sick or test positive (if no symptoms). You may remove your mask sooner than 10 days if you have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart. Day 0 is the symptom onset date or positive test date.
  • Avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days*. Higher-risk individuals include the elderly, those who live in congregate care facilities, those who have immunocompromising conditions, and that put them at higher risk for serious illness.
  • Notify people you know you were in close contact with.
  • Seek Treatment. If you have symptoms, particularly if you are at higher risk for severe COVID-19, speak with a healthcare provider as soon as you test positive. You may be eligible for antiviral medicines or other treatments for COVID-19. COVID-19 antiviral medicines work best if taken as soon as possible and within 5-7 days from when symptoms start.
    • Students can call the UHS 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at (510) 643-7197
    • Faculty and staff should contact their healthcare provider
    • Call 1-833-422-4255 if you are unable to contact a healthcare provider, or use the treatment options to find one.​
  •  If you are an employee (including a student employee), review the guidelines about when to return to work.

*The potential infectious period is 2 days before the date of symptoms began or the positive test date (if no symptoms) through Day 10. (Day 0 is the symptom onset date or positive test date).