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COVID-19 FAQ for UCR Parents

 

  • How is UCR responding to COVID-19?

    The university is in Phase 2 of it's COVID-19 response. 

    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. 

  • 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 and dining areas;

    - 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.

  • 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
  • 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