Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a highly contagious viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that produces respiratory symptoms similar to a cold or the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 million people have died from COVID-19 in the United States. Although the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergecy declaration ended on May 11, 2023, actions to protect those at highest risk of severe COVID-19 are still critically important.

If you feel sick and have any of the following symptoms stay home and get tested:

• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you are symptomatic or exposed to someone with COVID-19, it is important to choose the right type of test for your circumstance. There are two types of test: PCR and Antigen.

If you test positive for COVID-19, have worsening symptoms or a history of a chronic illness, please reach out to your healthcare provider about next steps.

Learn more from the CDC about what you should do and when.

Testing for UC students, as well as faculty and staff, is also available at local health centers, pharmacies and drugstores. Additionally, COVID-19 tests are offered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Test to Treat program. Find a location near you.

Faculty and staff that test positive for COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to seek treatment from their medical provider.  

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have had close contact with an individual who has COVID-19, it is important to take the appropriate precautions to prevent spreading it to others. COVID-19 is highly contagious. Recommendations from the CDC include isolation and masking.  

Wearing a well-fitting mask consistently and correctly can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 you should also wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from your last exposure, regardless of vaccination status or history of prior infection.

It is important to support those within our community who choose to wear a protective facial mask in public areas. Masking is a personal choice.  

The university strongly recommends faculty, staff and students receive COVID-19 vaccines. It is important to note that the university will continue to consult with medical and public health experts and may change our responses as needed.

COVID-19 vaccines are available through many medical providers and pharmacies:  

• UC Health is offering vaccine appointments at multiple locations Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 513-584-DOSE (3673) to schedule an appointment.
• You can also check vaccines.gov and gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov to find a nearby vaccine provider and to schedule an appointment. 
  

 All vaccinated students, faculty and staff may voluntarily submit vaccination status using the COVID Check app or the web-based version of COVID Check app.  Please do not submit other personal information to this address.  

The COVID-19 vaccine exemption application is for UC students and should only be used if your organization does not have its own exemption process. Students enrolled in off campus experiences with organizations, like UC Health, that do have an exemption application process, should use that process. Students enrolled in an off-campus experience with an organization requiring COVID-19 vaccines that does not have its own exemption application process may utilize UC’s COVID-19 vaccine exemption application form. Faculty and staff in need can email uccovidcheck@ucmail.uc.edu for assistance.