Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Page last updated/reviewed 11:27 AM MST, 8/7/20
CAMPUS HEALTH STATISTICS
Confirmed Positive Cases: 75
Total PCR & Antigen Tests Completed: 1,319 | Percent Positive: 6% (as of 8/4/20 - results updated weekly)
CAMPUS HEALTH REMAINS OPEN. PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME IN.
Medical: (520) 621-9202 | After Hours: (520) 570-7898
Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) 24/7: (520) 621-3334
Going forward, many appointments will be done via phone or Zoom Health (HIPAA compliant).
COVID-19 TESTING
Sick or worried you have COVID-19? Please call us at (520) 621-9202 before you come in.
We are testing individuals who are concerned that they are infected with or have been exposed to COVID-19. We continue to test only students, staff, and faculty of the University at this time. Campus Health providers will evaluate patients and order testing if appropriate. Campus Health offers both PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing.
Dorm Antigen Testing Information
RESOURCES
HOW COVID-19 SPREADS
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes. For more information, visit the CDC. (The CDC website is offered in multiple languages)
PROTECT YOURSELF & OTHERS
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You can take steps to slow the spread:
- Maintain good physical distance (about 6 feet).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (for 20+ seconds). If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Wear a cloth face covering over your mouth and nose when around others.
- Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects & surfaces.
- Evaluate the risk of exposure for various activities with this COVID-19 Risk Index Chart
- More prevention tips
COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- More information on COVID-19 symptoms
IF YOU FEEL SICK
- Stay home: people who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness.
- Monitor your symptoms and seek emergency care immediately if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing, inability to stay awake, bluish lips or face). If seeking medical care, call the doctor's office or emergency room ahead and tell them about your symptoms.
- Find out more from the CDC: What To Do If You Are Sick.
Currently there is no vaccine for COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to practice prevention practices and avoid being exposed.
MENTAL HEALTH
Whatever you're going through, you don't have to go through it alone.
- Want to talk? Call Counseling & Pych Services (CAPS) at (520) 621-3334. Online counseling appointments and online groups are available right away.
- Tips & Resources For Coping With COVID-19
- TAO Pathways Self Help Program
- If you’re feeling alone or struggling, text TALK to 741741 or call 1-800-274-TALK.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
OTHER RESOURCES
University of Arizona Re-Entry Website
FAQs
Face Covering FAQs
Wash your hands before putting on your face covering. The face covering must always cover the nose, mouth, and chin. Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face and make sure you can breathe easily.
UArizona Guidelines for Face Coverings
CDC information:
CDC: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow Spread of COVID-19
It is OK to remove your face covering when actually eating or drinking on University Property, provided you maintain continuous physical distancing of at least 6 feet.
It is recommended that drivers wear an N95 respirator or face covering (if a respirator is not available) and eye protection such as a face shield or goggles (as long as they do not create a driving hazard), and the passenger should wear a facemask or cloth face covering. Occupants of these vehicles should avoid or limit close contact (within 6 feet) with others. The use of larger vehicles such as vans is recommended.
Cleaning and Disinfection for Non-emergency Transport Vehicles
Wearing a face covering for a long period may prove to be uncomfortable for some. If you need to take a break from your face covering, please move to an outdoors location where you can physically distance from all other people (not less than 6 feet separation), before you remove your mask during a break. Don your face covering again immediately if you cannot maintain at least 6 feet physical distancing.
When exercising outdoors, as long as continuous physical distancing of at least 6 feet is maintained, it is OK to remove your face covering.
Yes, please review this information about face covering accessibility from the Disability Resource Center.
Students Questions: Please contact the DRC Front Desk at DRC-info@arizona.edu or call 520-621-3268.
Employee Questions: Please contact Workplace Access at DRC-workplaceaccess@arizona.edu.
General FAQs
If you have received a positive COVID-19 test result, follow the advice of your health care provider and review these recommendations:
What To Do If You've Tested Positive for COVID-19 Guide
When You Can Be Around Others After You Had Or Likely Had COVID-19
When Can I Be With Others? [video]
Mayo Clinic: Care Tips For You & Others When Treating COVID-19 At Home
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:
- Posting confirmed aggregate COVID-19 positive-test case numbers among University of Arizona community members on our website. This number reflects students, faculty and staff who have a confirmed positive lab test.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
Variety of files, layouts, and sizes available.
Campus Health is testing for COVID-19 - please call (520) 621-9202 before you come in.
We are testing individuals who are concerned that they are infected with or have been exposed to COVID-19. We continue to test only students, staff, and faculty of the University at this time. Campus Health providers will evaluate patients and order testing if appropriate.
Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.
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.
For more information on quarantine and isolation, visit the CDC (this website is available in multiple languages)
Campus Health has developed the following guides based on CDC recommendations:
COVID-19 Self-Quarantine Guidelines
COVID-19 Self-Isolation Guidelines
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.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You can take 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 1-833-339-0504 on your cellphone
2) Complete the enrollment link you will receive via text. This will include setting preferences on the days and times you will want the reminder texts to be sent out. Set the schedule to correspond to when you plan to be on campus.
3) Go to https://wellcheck.arizona.edu/ - click on the "Change My Enrollment Preferences" at the top right corner of the page to change these days and times as needed.