COVID-19 Testing Information & Health Updates

You had a recent close contact (within 6 ft for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19, or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

People who are considered close contacts are supposed to quarantine and get tested for the coronavirus.

If you have received a positive COVID-19 test result, here's what you should do next.

The University of Arizona is actively tracking COVID-19 positive-test cases in our community to protect public health while taking great care to respect the privacy of individuals.  All positive COVID-19 tests are reported to their local health department per state law.  Through a partnership with the state and local health departments, the UA SAFER team has been trained and authorized to start the case investigations and contact tracing for faculty, staff and students associated with The University of Arizona. 

Here is what else we are doing:

1. Posting confirmed aggregate COVID-19 positive-test case numbers among University of Arizona community members on the COVID-19 Testing Results Dashboard.  This number reflects students, faculty and staff who have a confirmed positive lab test.
2. Providing guidance on how students, faculty and staff can inform their close contacts of their positive COVID-19 result to limit its potential spread.  Individuals know their contacts best and can communicate this information rapidly to alert them.
3. Informing the campus community of potential exposures that take place on campus or through University of Arizona official business functions.  These general exposure notices are in the interest of public health but protect the privacy of individuals by not including names of positive-test individuals.
4. Encouraging all students, staff and faculty to download the Covid Watch Arizona Exposure Notification App.

Please note that with COVID-19 in our community, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You can take steps to slow the spread.

We ask that everyone act with compassion and respect the privacy of members of our community who may have tested positive for COVID-19.

No. Cold water with soap is just as effective at removing germs during hand washing. 

According to the CDC, the “temperature of the water does not appear to affect microbe removal; however, warmer water may cause more skin irritation and is more environmentally costly.”

More information from the CDC on proper handwashing.

Yes!  Please download, print and post the following:

(updatd files will be added soon)

Symptomatic Students/Employees:  

All COVID testing for symptomatic students/employees must be ordered by a medical provider, which will generate a visit charge. Campus Health will secure payment at the time of service and bill insurance plans with which we are contracted or directly to the patient. Coverage of the cost varies by insurance company and plan. 

Asymptomatic Students/Employees: 

See the Campus Testing Options & Information

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.

• Campus Health COVID-19 Self-Quarantine Guide

Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected.

• Campus Health COVID-19 Self-Isolation Guide

For more information on quarantine and isolation, visit the CDC (this website is available in multiple languages)

If you are a University Arizona located outside of Pima County, please refer to your local county health department if you are concerned about potential symptoms of COVID-19 or would like additional information.  For example, the Maricopa County Public Health Department is the contact for students residing in Phoenix. 

Getting vaccinated is the best way to reduce your risk of COVID-19. You can take other  steps to slow the spread:

• Maintain good physical distance (about 6 feet). This helps protect ourselves and others from exposure, decreases the strain on our healthcare system, and ultimately save lives.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others.
• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. 
• More prevention tips here.

Wildcat WellCheck screens employees and students before they are on campus or in class. This advanced screening will help reduce your risk of COVID-19 and ensure that our campus remains open for in-person learning, teaching, and research.  There are no apps to download or complicated systems to navigate, just answer a few brief questions on your phone via text message.

Here's how it works:

1. Text JOIN to 35106
2. After enrolling, Wildcat WellCheck sends reminders to complete a brief health screen via text/SMS
3. After enrolling, you may change your preferences
4. After enrolling, submit your daily WellCheck

See the CDC's guidelines on managing asthma during COVID-19.

Other Resources:

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Asthma
• People with Asthma and COVID-19
• Prepare Your Health
• Managing Asthma: Have a Plan
• Prepare Your Health: Falling Into Asthma