What to do if test positive

What to do if you Test Positive for COVID-19

With the high volume of Omicron cases we have adjusted our instructions about what you should do if you test positive - or have tested positive in the past 90 days and have not already informed UHS.  Please review carefully the student or faculty/staff sections before taking action.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Please note our priority right now is notifying and working with those who recently tested positive and may require assistance with isolation.  We are not able to prioritize changing badge status for those that recently tested positive.  Badges are set red for isolation for 10 days after test date, on 11th day your badge will turn green to reflect you have been released from isolation.

1. 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.

2. If you test positive at a UHS testing site:

  • STAY HOME 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.  

3. If you tested positive outside of UHS:

Please do not call the COVID Response Team at this time due to high volume, the best way 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).  

  • Your badge will be set based on the test results you report and upload.

  • 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.

  • Follow the isolation guidelines.

FACULTY / STAFF INFORMATION

Please note our priority right now is notifying and working with those who recently tested positive and may require assistance with isolation.  We are not able to prioritize changing badge status for those that recently tested positive.   Badges are set red for isolation for 10 days after test date, on 11th day your badge will turn green to reflect you have been cleared from isolation.

1. 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.

2. 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 your badge will be red relecting isolation period starting 10 days after your positive test. 

    • The badge will return to green to reflect your release from of isolation on day 11.

    • Review the isolation guidelines.

    • 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.

  • Review the return to work criteria for employees.

3. If you tested positive outside of UHS in the last 10 days:

NOTE: If you have had COVID recently and are fully remote or not coming back to campus at this time, please defer sending a message to the CRT.  Due to the high volume of calls and messages, please wait until one week before your intended return to send a message. 

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

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

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

  • 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.

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.