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Guidelines for Receiving COVID Tests, Reporting Results

July 8, 2020

Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise across Florida, and we cannot ignore the reality that the virus exists in our communities. As outlined in our Return to Campus Plan, UCF’s approach to opening in phases will allow us to respond to changing conditions, and we remain positioned to make adjustments as needed.

Healthcare systems across our region are currently stressed due to the influx of cases and demands for testing. While we are actively working to improve our own testing and tracing processes at UCF, it is incumbent on each of us to not let our guards down. Lives are on the line.

No matter where we are, we must take the actions required to help us reduce spread by wearing facial coverings, respecting physical distancing, washing hands regularly and avoiding large social gatherings. Remember that is it highly possible to have COVID-19 yet not exhibit symptoms, so practicing these behaviors is a matter of keeping those around you safe.

We also must respond responsibly when either we or someone we know tests positive or thinks they may have COVID-19.

With the increase in positive cases of COVID-19, I would like to address many of the questions I have received and share the steps and guidelines all UCF students and employees are expected to follow.

Determining Whether You Need to be Tested for COVID-19

NOTE: Testing may not be appropriate for all individuals, according to CDC guidelines. Especially with the current strain on testing and healthcare systems, it is important to consult with your provider about whether a test is necessary. Your risk of exposure is greatly reduced if you have been wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing and sanitizing protocols.

  • Based upon consultation with a doctor, you could be tested at one of the UCF testing sites or a location near you.
  • While you exhibit symptoms or await a test or test results, stay home and avoid contact with others until you learn whether you are positive for COVID-19 or have been cleared by a healthcare provider.

If You Test Positive for COVID-19

  • Stay home and do not come to campus. For students who reside in a UCF residential community, stay in your room and contact the UCF COVID Line at 407-823-2509. A staff member of Housing and Residence Life will contact you with additional instructions.
  • Do not report to work, class or a training site.
  • Avoid contact with others, and do not leave home for non-essential reasons. Consider contact-less methods for grocery shopping and picking up medication, for example, and do not engage in any activity where you could expose others.
  • Consult with your doctor before resuming normal activities, including returning to work.
  • If you have not already, notify the UCF COVID Line by calling 407-823-2509 to coordinate contact tracing with the Department of Health.
  • Consult with your doctor before resuming normal activities, including returning to work.

If Someone Close to You Tests Positive for COVID-19

  • Stay home and do not come to campus. For students who reside in a UCF residential community, stay in your room and call the UCF COVID Line at 407-823-2509. A staff member of Housing and Residence Life will contact you with additional instructions.
  • Do not report to work, class or a training site.
  • Contact your primary care physician to determine whether you should be tested.

If You are a Supervisor and Someone in Your Office Tests Positive

  • Require that individual to stay home and not return to work.
  • Require that individuals who had close contact with the employee (more than 15 minutes within 6 feet over the past 14 days) not return to work until they receive further guidance from their healthcare provider.
  • Contact the UCF COVID Line at 407-823-2509 to coordinate contact tracing with the Department of Health and the assessment of disinfecting needs in collaboration with Environmental Health & Safety.
  • Take other steps as appropriate based on the situation to minimize potential exposure to others (examples could include having more staff work remotely, posting additional signage, etc.). Supervisors will need to make assessments on a case-by-case basis and can contact Human Resources for additional guidance.

Through contact tracing at UCF, you will be notified directly if there is a possibility you have been exposed to COVID-19 and may require quarantine and/or testing because a colleague has tested positive. In line with public health practices and medical and student privacy laws, only those who would need to know about confirmed COVID-19 cases for personal health and safety reasons will be informed.

We are aware that due to the surge in cases, there have been delays in tracing efforts by the Department of Health. Our contact tracing practices are continuing to be improved and enhanced as we prepare for a return to UCF, with student volunteers who will receive training from the Department of Health starting later this month. They will join Student Health Services staff members who have been coordinating contact tracing.

This week, we launched the COVID Self-Checker in the UCF Mobile app to get employees accustomed to monitoring their symptoms and to collect data to assist contact tracing efforts, all in a generic method that protects individual privacy. Employees returning to campus must fill out the health assessment in the mobile app or online each day before they come into work.

UCF is focused on our community’s health and well-being, and is taking numerous steps to reduce the likelihood of spread of COVID-19. However, so much of our community’s well-being relies on the small, simple actions each of us takes every day.

Stay informed, take personal precautions and be considerate of the welfare of others.

UCF has compiled a robust list of FAQs that addresses common questions, and we are making regular updates to the university’s coronavirus website.

Armor Up, Knights.

Dr. Michael Deichen, MD, MPH
Associate Vice President of UCF Student Health Services