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COVID-19 Information For Student Housing

Frequently Asked Questions for Campus Residents:

 

What do I do if I test positive for COVID19?

California ended its COVID state of emergency on February 28, 2023 as the state moves from a pandemic to endemic framework. As a result, campus residents who test positive for COVID will no longer be required to move into an isolation dorm during their isolation period. Instead, students who choose to isolate on campus will isolate-in-place during their isolation period.

  • All students who test positive must report their result to the University. If you test positive using an at-home antigen test or outside clinic, report your result via the COVID19 Positive Survey to notify the COVID Response Center. Positive tests taken at Student Health Services are automatically reported.

  • When you learn of your positive result, please do the following:

    • Wear a high-quality face covering (i.e. double surgical mask, KN95, KF94, or N95) when around other people.

    • Isolate-in-place by staying in your room unless you need to go to the bathroom, get food, or evacuate for a building emergency. Guests are not permitted in your room; only roommates can be in a room with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

    • Limit interactions with others as much as possible.

  • Someone from the COVID Response Team will contact you within 1 – 2 business days to discuss isolation protocols and answer any questions you may have. Please note the COVID Response Center (CRC) team is available during normal business hours Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM, excluding holidays. If you report positive test results outside business hours, you will be contacted the next business day to discuss isolation options. Example: Positive test results reported on Friday at 7PM may not result in contact until the following Monday or the next business day. Response times may be delayed during periods of Merced County COVID19 surges.

 

Whom do I contact for help?

  • COVID Related Questions:

    • Contact the COVID Response Center at 209-228-0000 or covidresponsectr@ucmerced.edu

      • Non-emergency medical advice:

        • Contact the Student Health Center at (209) 228-2273 for further evaluation and COVID19 testing if necessary.

          • After Hours: Students may call the Student Health Center at 209-228-2273 after hours if you wish to speak to an advice nurse.

        • Your primary care provider

    • Emergencies:

 

How do I isolate-in-place?

  • Please refer to the Housing website regarding isolation in place.

  • Wear a high-quality face covering (i.e. double surgical mask, KN95, KF94, or N95) when around other people

  • Guests are not permitted in your room; only roommates can be in a room with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

  • Limit interactions with others as much as possible. Distance yourself from others as much as possible.

  • When you are in your room, keep the windows open if outdoor conditions allow, and keep the room door closed.

  • You must wear a face covering if leaving your room or the building. If leaving the building, take the stairs; you may not use the elevator even if no one else is inside. You can leave for the following reasons:

    • To use the bathroom. If possible, avoid high-traffic times and wash your hands as soon as you enter. Always keep your mask on unless you are brushing your teeth or taking a brief shower.

    • To pick up food. You cannot eat inside the dining areas and you must be masked at all times.  You can eat your meal outside or in your room, but not in any indoor public space or another student's residence hall room. If others eat outside with you, you should maintain physical distance. Do not eat in high traffic areas.

    • To use laundry facilities. If you can delay doing laundry, please do so. Otherwise use the facilities in your building only when absolutely necessary and try to avoid peak times.

    • To attend a medical appointment.

    • To go outside for fresh air or a walk.

    • If there is a building emergency.

 

Do I have to isolate-in-place or can I isolate elsewhere?

  • Campus residents who test positive for COVID19 can either isolate-in-place in their original dorm room or isolate off-campus (i.e. home).

 

What are my meal options during isolation-in-place?

  • There are a few options you can utilize for obtaining meals during isolation in place:

    • Meals will be available at the east entrance of the pavilion for you or another person to pick up on your behalf.

    • You can also have a friend drop off food OUTSIDE of your building.

 

My roommate/suitemate is isolating-in-place after testing positive for COVID – what do I need to do?

We understand you may have questions about sharing a room with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.  It is important to remember that residential students who become sick with other illnesses such as the cold or flu usually remain in shared room/suites with their roommates while recovering.

  • Ensure there is good ventilation in the room.  Keep the windows open if outdoor conditions allow and keep the room door closed.

  • It is highly recommended to begin wearing a well-fitting mask around others if your roommate tests positive.

  • Consider testing as soon as possible to determine your current infection status.

  • If you are not experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID19, quarantine is not required, regardless of vaccination status.

    • CDC guidelines recommend testing 3-5 days after your last exposure. If you test negative for COVID, consider retesting 24 - 48 hours after your first negative test, for a total of at least two tests. The CDC states that multiple negative tests increases the confidence that you are not infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

    • Continue wearing a well-fitted mask around others during your roommate’s isolation period as well as 10 days after your roommate’s isolation period has ended.

  • If you are or being experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID19, quarantine and test immediately.  If you test negative for COVID, consider retesting 24 - 48 hours after your first negative test, for a total of at least two tests.  If you test negative on the second rapid antigen test and are concerned that you have COVID-19, consider testing again 48 hous after your second test, getting a PCR test, or contacting your medical provider to evaluate for other causes.

  • If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID19 and test positive, immediately being isolating and follow the isolation instructions.

  • If your roommate tests positive and you are at high risk of severe disease, you may request a temporary move to another location for the duration of the roommate’s infectious period. Medically high-risk residents will be provided with accommodations, and other basic needs at no extra cost.  "Medically high-risk" is determined by the Student Health Center.

    • Students at high risk of severe disease should call the COVID Response Center at 209-228-0000 immediately to mitigate risk.

 

What to do if you need Residential Education Staff support?

  • Residential Education staff members (including the RA’s and isolation coordinators) do not provide guidance when it comes to your health status.

    • Isolation coordinators will be your primary point of contact for non-medical isolation questions. We encourage you to refer to your check-in email that you received from residenceeducation@ucmerced.edu.

    • For any other questions/concerns, please reach out to residenceeducation@ucmerced.edu or call 209-628-0142.

      • Business Hours:

        • Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm

        • Saturday – Sunday: 12pm – 3pm