Environmental Health & Safety

Coronavirus FAQ - UCR Faculty & Staff

HEALTH GUIDANCE
Individuals experiencing respiratory illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or flu-like symptoms should call the following for support and guidance:

  • Faculty and Staff (who have traveled internationally or been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 30 days): UCR COVID Hotline; (844) 827-6827. All others: Contact primary care or health insurance
  • COVID-19 Assessment Tool available here.

FAQ
Return to Campus Protocols
  • Protocols | Find out what you need to know before returning to work/campus, including training, symptom tool, and more.
Supervisors
  1. Authorization. Provide authorization for each employee to report onsite. 
  2. Worksite specific plan. Must develop own COVID-19 Worksite Specific Plan to share with your employees/lab groups. In some cases, the Worksite Specific Plan may be routed to campus oversight committees for review and approval prior to return to campus. For Human Subjects Research, review Human Subjects Risk Matrix, create a new Worksite Specific Plan and be sure to complete the Human Subjects Research section, and subject a new or modified IRB application to irb@ucr.edu. 
  3. Positive case? Refer to the COVID-19 Response to suspected COVID-19 cases: Guide for Department Leads, Supervisors, Chairs". Download the quick reference for Supervisors Infographic.
For All Returning Employees | COVID-19 Prevention Plan Campus Guidance

COVID-19 PREVENTION PLAN

The campus has developed general guidance, which all employees should review.

Prior to your return, your supervisor must share their Worksite Specific Plan with all their employees, and you must review and acknowledge.

Download the When To Return guidance infographic. 

For additional information, visit Research Ramp-Up Workgroup.

Decontamination 
Ventilation

We are continuously monitoring the recommendations and guidance from the WHO, CDC, and American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Based on the recommendations, Facilities is taking the following steps: 

  • Maximizing outside air to increase air circulation +1 hour before and after normal operating hours so more fresh air is being brought in the buildings 
  • Continuing to update HVAC air filters to the maximum allowed rating for each building system in occupied buildings

We remind you that the most effective way to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus is vaccination. For those that are unable to be vaccinated, the use of a mask, hand washing and physical distancing greatly reduce the potential for infection.

Filtration

Facilities Management maintains air conditioning and ventilation systems and replaces air filters on a schedule throughout the year. Filtration further mitigates risk of transmission in buildings with recirculated air. As air moves through a building's HVAC system, air filters trap and collect large and small particles such as dust, allergens and microorganisms.

For more information on Facilities Services HVAC and Ventilation information, visit the Facilities Services HVAC FAQs.

Transmission Reduction Efforts
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the COVID-19 virus appears to spread human-to-human through respiratory droplets coming from an infected person. Based on public health guidance, the key transmission reduction factors include:

  • social distancing,
  • limiting occupancy,
  • practicing good personal hygiene, and
  • utilizing face coverings

As part of the public health guidance, Facilities Services will disinfect high-touch areas including elevators, door handles, common areas and restrooms. We have made disinfecting kits available to departments and hand sanitizing stations are located at the entrance of each building. A map locating sanitizing stations can be viewed by clicking here. 

HVAC VENTILATION FAQ'S

Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

Research Operations

University Operations

  • Where can I find information on employee leave?

    Guidance on COVID-19 human resources questions is available here.

  • What is the status of campus services including the Bookstore, Card Services, and Mail Service?

    The status of campus services is as follows: 

    UCR Bookstore

    Books can be ordered online only. For general questions, call x2-4213 or x2-4456, or email sm8106@bncollege.com

    Highlander Service Station

    Closed until further notice. For academic printing or copying needs, email printingrequest@ucr.edu. For general questions, call x2-4443 or x2-4444, or email servicestation@ucr.edu 

    Card Services

    Staff will work remotely to support essential card related services & data. R'card needs may be handled by appointment and/or with contactless delivery by visiting https://ucrcard.ucr.edu. For general questions, call x-2-2273 or x2-1237 or email servicestation@ucr.edu.

    Mail Services

    As an essential function, inbound/outbound mail is still being processed daily between 8am and 5pm. Adjusted delivery routes are in place for departments in need of service. Front lobby/post office will be closed to customers, however pick-up and drop off of department mail can be scheduled with the Mail Services team. Departments should call x26245 or email mailservices@ucr.edu to schedule pick-up appointments and/or have their department added to the delivery schedule. 

    Receiving Services

    As an essential function, processing of inbound/outbound shipments and campus deliveries is occurring daily between 8am and 5pm. Delivery of items on campus is based on accessibility to the building/department that ordered. Receiving Services is still providing the following items/services: gas cylinders, research related alcohol and IDT. Please visit https://cbs.ucr.edu to order (forms under ‘Receiving Services’ menu). Will call pickups are also available at the loading dock in the Corporation Yard. For general questions, please call x23134 or email receivingservices@ucr.edu 

    ScotSupply

    As part of the CBS re-organization plan, this unit was closed at the end of FY20. In order to properly support important research on campus, limited items and services from ScotSupply have been retained and are now part of Receiving Services. Please refer to the ordering information in the Receiving section.  For general questions, call x2-5542 or email scotsupply@ucr.edu. 

    ScotSurplus

    Closed to walk-in traffic. Staff is available by appointment only to meet campus needs. Public surplus sales are cancelled until further notice. Surplus, Shredding and e-Waste pick-ups are still available. Please visit https://cbs.ucr.edu/shreddinge-wasterecycling to schedule a shredding or e-Waste pick-up. To make an appointment or schedule a Surplus pickup, please call x25543 or email scotsurplus@ucr.edu. 

    Digital Print Services

    For academic printing or copying needs, please email printingrequest@ucr.edu. For UCR business cards, letter head, or posters please visit
    https://cbs.ucr.edu to order (forms under ‘Digital Print Services’ menu). Technician still available for Copier Program repairs and service. For general questions, please call x24318 or 25097 or email printingrequest@ucr.edu.

    Auxiliary Design Services

    Staff working remotely (on site as needed) to support critical design and digital content needs. For urgent design or poster printing needs, please email auxiliarydesign@ucr.edu or visit https://cbs.ucr.edu/auxiliary-design-services 

    Central Business Services Administration

    Limited CBS leadership will be working on campus during closure and most will be working remotely. Our administration office, Corp Yard Building B, will be closed and locked. Please contact CBS leadership for assistance.

  • How is UCR responding to COVID-19?

    University leadership is working with the UC Office of the President, Riverside County Public Health, our fellow UC campuses, clinical partners, and elected officials to monitor the situation, ensure all appropriate precautions are taken, and respond quickly and effectively as matters arise. 

    For more information on campus response, please visit the Campus Return page. 

  • May UCR quarantine or isolate students who were possibly exposed to, or who have contracted, COVID-19?

    Yes. UC enacted a Policy on Safeguards, Security and Emergency Management in January 2006 that contemplates the need for chancellors to take extraordinary measures in the event of “a natural or man-made disaster, a civil disorder which poses a threat of serious injury to persons or damage to property,” or other “seriously disruptive events.”8 Pursuant to this policy, UC may take appropriate steps to protect the health and safety of its students in the face of a known serious health crisis like a serious outbreak or pandemic.

  • How is UCR disinfecting surfaces?

    UCR is taking extensive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Examples include:

    - Deployed hand sanitizers in university-owned housing, dining areas, and entrances to buildings;

    - Began using a new CDC-approved chemical disinfectant, after review and approval by Environmental Health and Safety, across the campus;

    - Increased cleaning in university-owned housing of high-touch areas including lobbies, lounges, restrooms, and elevators; and 

    - Increased cleaning in campus General Assignment classrooms and adjacent restrooms.

    For more information on cleaning and sanitizing, please view the Facilities Services Campus Return Support Information  

  • What should I do if I am planning an event?

    Please visit the Events & Gatherings page for more details.

  • Is there a duty to report COVID-19 cases to state or local health authorities?

    Yes. Generally, health care providers — including doctors, nurses, physician assistants, among others — who know of, or are in attendance on, a case or suspected case of COVID-19 are required to report it to the local health department immediately, by telephone, in accordance with internal administrative procedures. Where no health care provider is in attendance, any individual who knows of, or suspects that, someone has COVID-19 is permitted to report it to the local health department. Local health departments, in turn, notify the CDPH.

    Contact information for the local health officers may be found at the CDPH website.

  • Guidance for all Transportation-related activities including parking, permits, biking, buses, and campus transportation issues

    Please refer to the UCR Transportation FAQ for answers on questions such as:

    • Parking on Campus d including Visitor Parking
    • Parking Permits, Refunds, and Citations
    • Renting and maintaining Fleet vehicles
    • Buses, Biking, and Carpool/Vanpool
    • Parking for Student Employment
    • And many more!

Employee Leave

Travel

  • Who is covered under the UC Travel policy?

    University travelers include employees, medical residents, students, fellows, and guests with travel paid by the University.  Personal travel such as vacation travel, is not covered by the UC Travel program.

  • How can I find out what is covered by the UC Travel policy?

    The UC Travel generally covers emergency services, so routine health services would not be covered.  The most frequently used coverage is the accident medical and security extraction coverage.

    With the COVID 19 crisis, the most common benefit used is the trip cancellation/interruption coverage. A summary of the benefits is located here: 

    The benefits summary has an exclusion for “bacterial or viral infection.”  Is there coverage if I get sick due to Coronavirus and have to be hospitalized? 

    Coverage decisions are made by the insurance carrier Chubb and we have been informed that Coronavirus is a medical condition, thus if the disease is contracted while traveling overseas under this policy the medical benefit coverage would respond. However, please note that Chubb would have to comply with the local quarantine protocols in such cases.  

  • How do I pursue un-reimbursed travel expenses?

    Trip cancellation/interruption coverage is only provided for international travel and does not apply domestically. 

    If the airline or travel provider refused to issue a refund or a travel credit or charges a penalty for changes for travel to international destinations, travelers should submit their claim through the UC Travel Insurance Program.

    • You can submit a claim for airfare, hotel, cancellation fees, or conference registration for up to $2,000 for international trips (domestic trips are not covered).  Once a claim is submitted, a determination will be made by the UC Insurance Carrier, Chubb, regarding what is covered. Please note that it is the insurance company and not UCR that determines if a claim is accepted or not.  
    • Download and complete the claim form that is available on the UCOP website.
      • The Policyholder is the University of California.
      • Group Policy Number:
        • Faculty/Staff - ADD N04223810
        • Student - ADD N04223822
        • Education Abroad Program (EAP) - ADD N04834823
      • The program name is the Title of the event you were traveling for (ex. Study Abroad 2020 or International Research Conference, etc.).
      • The group leader is the name of the person running the program (if applicable).
    • Submit your completed form to Chubb:
      • Via fax (302) 476 7857
      • Email: diane.basa@chubb.com
      • Mail: Chubb USA PO Box 5124 Scranton, PA 18505-0556

    As part of your claim, Chubb will require:

    • Proof of enrollment in travel coverage/registration of their trips
    • Proof from the airlines that the tickets were non-refundable. Itinerary and the cost of the tickets.
    • Proof from the hotels that accommodations were non-refundable, cancellations fees or could be cancelled with no penalties. Cost of accommodations.
    • Proof that any extension trips were non-refundable, cancellations fees or could be cancelled with no penalties. Cost for extension trips.
    • Documentation that you requested a refund and/or travel credit and denial from the service provider.
    • Whether you were traveling to one of the CDC Warning - Level 3 - Travel Notice countries OR
    • A detailed explanation of how the business activity was actually impacted or resulted in an effective cancellation as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19). For example, you were traveling for a symposium to a currently unaffected region and the organizer cancels the event because the key speakers from affected regions were unable to attend.
  • What should I do if I plan to travel domestically?

    All non-essential domestic and international travel will be suspended, effective Monday, March 16 and until further notice. Essential travel must be registered with UC Away. Travel booked through UC Connexxus are automatically registered with UC Away.  However, travel booked through other means (e.g., Expedia or directly through an airline’s website) will need to be manually registered with UC Away.

    We strongly advise students to refrain from personal, non-essential travel (both domestic and international) during spring break. UCR recommends all domestic personal travel be registered with UC Away.

     

  • What should I do if I plan to travel internationally?

    All non-essential domestic and international travel will be suspended, effective Monday, March 16 and until further notice.

    Due to Interim Policy and Travel Guidance, All university-related international travel must be registered with UC Away . Travel booked through UC Connexxus are automatically registered with UC Away.  However, travel booked through other means (e.g., Expedia or directly through an airline’s website) will need to be manually registered with UC Away. The interim policy will remain in place for six months, during which time campus feedback will be solicited. 

    We strongly advise students to refrain from personal, non-essential travel (both domestic and international) during spring break. UCR recommends all personal travel be registered with UC Away.

    All proposed travel to high-risk countries, including those with a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Warning Level 3 (widespread community transmission) or Level 2 (sustained community transmission), must be pre-approved in writing by the appropriate Vice Chancellor or Dean, prior to scheduling travel. This is consistent with the UC President Napolitano’s directive to avoid all non-essential travel to CDC Level 3 and 2 countries.

    Other things to keep in mind when considering international travel:

    • If you are traveling for university-related business, please consider whether you can participate remotely (e.g., via online platforms or teleconference) or delay travel to a later date.
    • If you decide to travel outside of the United States, please be aware that the CDC may issue new international travel warnings without notice, potentially resulting in limited or delayed flights and possible quarantine upon re-entry.  
    • For personal travel, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to register with UC Away.  
    • Please ensure that your family and friends are aware of your travel plans and how to reach you.

Prevention & Treatment

  • What is SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19?

    Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses of which some members may cause mild upper respiratory infections. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), previously known as 2019-nCoV, is the virus responsible for the outbreak of acute respiratory illnesses in Wuhan, China beginning December 2019. The WHO has named the acute respiratory illness caused by this virus as COVID-19.

    Much is unknown about SARS-CoV-2 and current knowledge is based largely on what is known about similar coronaviruses. Experts believe that symptom onset will most likely occur between 2 and 14 days of infection. Community-based transmission has now been observed in multiple countries. Most often spread from person-to-person happens among close contact (6 feet or closer).

    Typically, with most respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when they are symptomatic, however the possibility of asymptomatic transmission has not been ruled out.

  • What can I protect myself from COVID-19?

    There are several steps you can take to effectively help prevent becoming infected with COVID-19:

    •    Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    •    Always practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, an alcohol-based gel sanitizer from 60-95% alcohol is an acceptable substitute.
    •    Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    •    Cover your coughs and sneezes into a tissue and dispose of tissue in trash immediately.
    •    Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

    See more recommendations and guidance from CDC's COVID-19 Prevention and Wellness

  • What should I do if I feel ill?

    If you are sick, stay home. If you have recently traveled (within 14 days) to a state, territory or country with widespread, ongoing transmission, or have traveled on a cruise ship or river boat, or have been in direct contact for a prolonged period with someone known or suspected to have COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider right away and inform them of your symptoms and travel history. If you require medical attention, call ahead before leaving and inform them of a potential COVID-19 case. Always call ahead when possible.

    Schedule an appointment with Student Health Center (951-827-3031) or your primary care physician if you are an employee.

    While you are sick, follow CDC recommendations:

    • Stay at home except to get medical care
    • Separate yourself from other people in your home and avoid sharing personal items
    • Wear a facemask when you are around other people
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately after use.
    • Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, using alcohol-based gel sanitizer with 60-95% alcohol is sufficient.
    • Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (call ahead of time and let the provider know of your concerns and current conditions
    • If you are placed under active monitoring, or facilitated self-monitoring, follow the instructions provided by your physician, local health department, or occupational health professional.
    • Consult with your health care provider before discontinuing home isolation.
  • Can I be tested for COVID-19?

    Riverside County has dedicated testing locations available by appointment. There is no cost or doctors orders required. To find the location nearest to you: https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus/testing

    If you feel ill, please see the FAQ question "What should I do if I feel ill?"

  • Should I use a face covering?

    The university requires the use of face coverings in public. This follows recently revised Centers for Disease Control guidelines. The campus is providing non-hospital grade face coverings for limited distribution to employees working on campus, along with instructions for their use.

  • How should I report COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test?

    One tool designed to protect the UCR Community and prevent the spread of COVID-19 is a hotline for employees for reporting COVID-19 symptoms or exposure. Below you will find instructions for reporting.

    WHO:  Faculty, Staff, Student Interns, and Student Workers

    WHERE:  Working On-site at a UCR Property or Remotely

    ACTION: Call UCR Employee COVID-19 Hotline to report if you meet any of the conditions below:

    CONDITIONS: I have 1) Two or more COVID-19 related symptoms (e.g. Cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell) 2) Been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19 3) Tested positive for COVID-19  

    WHEN: Employees should call within 2 hours of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, receiving test results, and/or learning of exposure to someone known to have COVID-19

    CALL: UCR Employee COVID-19 Hotline | 1.844.827.6827

    PLEASE NOTE: Information gathered when calling in does not constitute protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), however, any information retained is done so in compliance with applicable law(s). The use of information gathered by calling in will not be made a part of the user’s personnel file and will be accessed and utilized on a limited, need-to-know basis.

  • I have experienced mistreatment or witness stigmatizing/inappropriate behavior. What can I do?

    It’s imperative that all students, faculty and staff uphold a campus culture of respect and uphold our Principles of Community during this critical time.

    Employees are reminded not to stigmatize anyone based on national origin. 

    Students who experience any mistreatment or witness inappropriate behavior can make a report to deanofstudents@ucr.edu.

  • What do I do regarding social distancing?

    To prevent infection, we recommend adhering to the following social distancing practices:

    • Vulnerable populations should limit outings and not attend large gatherings. Vulnerable populations are people 60 years of age and older; and people with health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and weakened immune systems.
    • If you are sick, stay home. Do not come to school or work, travel, or participate in large gatherings.
    • If you have flu-like symptoms or suspect that you may have been exposed to COVID-19: Students should contact Student Health Services or their primary care physician.  Staff and faculty should their primary care physician, and UCR Health will be providing additional resources soon for all UCR employees.
    • Important reminders regarding hygiene: (1) regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, (2) cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze, and (3) clean and disinfect surfaces often.
    • For more information about social distancing and hygiene practices for the workplace and home, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

    We understand that implementing these changes with such limited notice will have broad impacts and will be challenging and disruptive for many of you, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation. 

  • What do I do if I come into contact with a sick individual?

    If the individual is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, you should contact your primary care provider (staff/faculty) or Student Health Services (students) immediately and inform them of the potential contact. Stay at home and monitor your symptoms. If medical treatment is required, call ahead and explain your history and potential contact with a confirmed/suspected case of COVID-19. Follow CDC guidelines for preventing spreading COVID-19 to others.

    If the individual is not a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, you should follow standard precautions. Avoiding close contact with the individual, wash your hands often with soap and water, and monitor your symptoms.

  • Is the campus making masks available?

    Supervisors may request a Face Covering for their team members (max 2 per person). Please submit a request here.

    UCR is requiring the use of a face covering while in public or around others. The face covering does not have to be hospital grade. Acceptable examples include bandanas, fabric masks, and neck gaiters, also known as neck warmers.

  • I get stressed/anxious about COVID-19. Are there any resources for me?

    Members of the UCR community may experience stress and anxiety as a result of the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19. Employees are encouraged to contact Employee Assistance. Student employees are encouraged to reach out to Counseling & Psychological Services.

  • COVID-19 Prevention and Self-Monitoring Guidance for UCR non-healthcare workers On-Site

    Please see the Guidance on Self Monitoring for UCR Personnel - Non-Healthcare document for guidance.

  • COVID-19 Prevention and Active Monitoring for UCR Healthcare Workers On-Site

    Please review the Guidance on Self-Monitoring for UCR Personnel - Healthcare document for guidance.

  • If I need medical treatment (for other than exposure to coronavirus), what guidelines should I follow?

    Select one of the occupational medical providers below and follow guidelines:

    First, contact the clinic to speak with an intake coordinator. Coordination for telephone/video conference with a medical provider will follow as medically appropriate. If an in-person visit is scheduled, appropriate precautions before appointment will be discussed.

    Kaiser-on-the-Job: 
    •    Call Kaiser-on-the-Job at 951-353-4322 first, to schedule an appointment. 

    Riverside Medical Clinic: 
    •    Riverside location: (951) 782-3731 OR (951) 782-3709
    •    Moreno Valley location: (951) 697-5622 OR (951) 697-5629
     

  • If I feel I have been exposed to coronavirus in the course of my work, what guidelines should I follow?

    Notify your supervisor of your potential contact.

    Report potential work-related exposure via the on-line injury reporting system (EFR): ehs.ucop.edu/efr . Each case will be investigated in accordance to Workers’ Compensation law/  regulations.

    Follow CDC guidelines for preventing spread of COVID-19 to others.

    Select one of the occupational medical providers below by contacting the clinic via phone to schedule an appointment.  Coordination for telephone/video conference with a medical provider will follow as medically appropriate. If an in-person visit is scheduled, appropriate precautions before appointment will be discussed.

    • Kaiser-on-the-Job: 951-353-4322
    • Riverside Medical Clinic: 
      • Riverside location: (951) 782-3731 OR (951) 782-3709
      • Moreno Valley location: (951) 697-5622 OR (951) 697-5629
         
  • Whom can I contact for assistance with a work-related accommodation? Whom do I notify if my doctor takes me off work for a work-related injury/illness?

    Email the Disability Management Coordinator: demetrius.patrick@ucr.edu

    Email the Workers’ Compensation office: workerscomp@ucr.edu
     

  • What is the WorkStrong Program, and how do I participate?

    Contact the Occupational Wellness Specialist/WorkStrong coordinator: Edward.Marchall@ucr.edu

    WorkStrong Program Resources: https://hr.ucr.edu/about-us/workplace-health-wellness/workstrong
     

  • How may I help ensure my telecommuting space is set up ergonomically? Who may I contact for further assistance?

    UCR’s ergonomic program provides useful tips and simple strategies to improve your ergonomics and your work-from-home (or from any remote location) experience. Visit:  https://hr.ucr.edu/about-us/workplace-health-wellness/ergonomics

    Contact UCR’s Ergonomic Specialist: clyde.blackwelder@ucr.edu
     

  • Where can I find resources to help me navigate work, home, and family so I can continue to work safely and remain healthy while telecommuting?

    Faculty/Staff Wellness Program and Healthy Campus aim to help you and your family navigate challenges with staying healthy while working from home. Please browse through a series of tips and resources in this link: https://hr.ucr.edu/document/whw-working-healthy-home

    For questions or more information email: healthycampus@ucr.edu or wellness@ucr.edu. 
     

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