Important COVID-19 Reminders for Students, Faculty and Staff
As we gather together for living and learning again this semester, remember to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. If you or someone you know becomes infected or exposed, you’re encouraged to report it using the Tigers Care QuickScan. Students, especially, should consult the University Health Center with questions or concerns. Schedule an appointment if you show any signs of COVID-19. Also, be sure to follow the CDC’s guidance for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Below are some common FAQs about TU COVID Response and Faculty/Staff/Student Reporting
1.What is a Tigers Care QuickScan?
A Tigers Care QuickScan is an online reporting form to report symptoms, a confirmed COVID case, or close contact exposure to someone confirmed to have COVID. The information you enter will be reviewed by our nursing response team and you will be contacted with instructions. Get more information here.
2.Do I still need to report if I have been exposed to a positive person with COVID even if I do not have symptoms?
Yes, please complete a Tigers Care QuickScan. The COVID Response Nurse will send you an email with instructions to follow. On occasion the nurse may call to clarify dates and details. More CDC guidance on what to do after exposure can be found here.
Instructions via TU email will include:
- No need to quarantine (you are allowed to be on campus), wear a mask for 10 days from exposure and test 5 days from the exposure.
- If your test is negative no further action is needed. If you develop symptoms or your test is positive, please complete a new Tiger Quick Scan.
3. If I have symptoms that can be related to COVID, do I need to see a health care provider or get a doctor’s note?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest ER. Otherwise, first complete a Tigers Care QuickScan. A COVID Response Nurse will follow up with a call and an email. Your situation will be discussed and evaluated.
Possible symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Instructions will be given verbally and in writing via TU email:
- If your symptoms are mild, you can take an at-home COVID test and submit the result to the Response Nurse. Let the nurse know if you don’t have a home test kit and they can arrange for you to pick one up at the University Health Center. You will receive a follow up call or email. If you test negative and your symptoms improve, you will be cleared to be on campus.
- If your symptoms are moderate to severe, you will be advised to seek a medical evaluation either here at the University Health Center (students only) or at an outside facility such as an Urgent Care Center or through your PCP’s office. The COVID Response Nurse will follow up with you after your visit.
4. How can I obtain a COVID test if I have been exposed?
If you’ve been exposed, you should wear a mask and get tested at Day 5. The COVID Response Nurse can help you obtain a free at-home COVID test if you need one and arrange for you to pick this up at the University Health Center. These are available for all students, faculty and staff. Home test kits are also available for purchase in the vending machine outside the UStore. Students can also schedule a Medical Assistant appointment at the University Health Center for post-exposure testing.
5. Students: Will you tell my professors that I need to isolate, or quarantine related to COVID?
No, you are responsible for informing your professors. The COVID Response Nurse will send you an email with instructions on how long you should be in isolation or quarantine. Email instructions will confirm you will be unable to physically attend class and may need accommodations for learning. However, it is not an excuse from completing the required work. You can forward this email to your professors.
6. Faculty: Do I need to tell my students if I have COVID or if another student in the class tested positive for COVID?
No, unless you or the student that is positive has given permission to tell others. Staff should remind all students either in class or via email that if they have any symptoms, have been exposed to a positive person, or are positive for COVID to complete a Tigers Care QuickScan.
7. Faculty/Staff: Do you inform HR or my Supervisor that I am in isolation or quarantine?
No, you are responsible for contacting your Supervisor/Department Head. The COVID Response Nurse will send an email with instructions that include your isolation/quarantine expected end date and information on how to contact HR. You can forward your supervisor a copy of the email.
Categorised in: General
This post was written by Baldwin, Timm