Student Health Service and COVID-19

The University's COVID-19 Response

For COVID-19 Concerns

• For non-urgent issues, contact Student Health at studenthealth@miami.edu
• For urgent assistance, contact Student Health at 305-284-9100 (including after hours)
• For emergencies, students are urged to seek emergency care or dial 911

Contact SHS if you...

• Have symptoms of COVID-19
• Have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• Have tested positive for COVID-19 outside of Student Health
• Have any other COVID-19 medical questions

Students who test positive for COVID-19 outside of Student Health or have been exposed to COVID-19 should complete the Student Health Service COVID-19 Self Report Form. 

Absence Verification:

If you are a professor looking to verify a student’s absence from in-person class due to isolation/quarantine or other health related issues or a student looking to notify your professor(s) of an excused absence from attending in-person class due to isolation/quarantine or other health related issues, please complete the Absence Verification survey. Student Health will only confirm the dates a student is excused from attending in-person classes, private health information will not be disclosed. No information will be shared until the student provides Student Health with authorization to disclose these dates. Students, please note that you will still need to coordinate directly with your professor(s) regarding class lectures and assignments.

Students can report concerns about unsafe behaviors of student groups or individual students to 'Canes Care for 'Canes.

• I have been diagnosed with COVID-19 OR I am waiting for test results OR I am concerned I might have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?

  If you feel healthy but recently had close contact with a person who has COVID-19: 

  • Complete the Student Health Service COVID-19 Self Report Form
  • Student Health staff will contact you for further information 
  • Stay home until it is recommended to leave quarantine
  • Check your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms of COVID-19
  • If possible, stay away from people who are at higher-risk for getting very sick from COVID-19
  • Review the University's quarantine recommendations and Student Health self-quarantine guidelines

   

  If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 OR are waiting for test results:

  • Complete the Student Health Service COVID-19 Self Report Form
  • Student Health staff will contact you for further information 
  • Stay home until it’s safe to end home isolation
  • If you live with others, stay in a specific “sick room” or area and away from other people or animals, including pets. Use a separate bathroom, if available
  • Read important information about caring for yourself or someone else who is sick
  • Review the University's isolation recommendations and Student Health self-isolation guidelines

• How do I report a positive case of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19 to Student Health?

  To report a positive case of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19, please complete the Student Health Service COVID-19 Self Report Form. You can complete the form on behalf of yourself or someone else. 

  If you require urgent clinical assistance, please call Student Health at 305-284-9100. For any other non-urgent issues, email Student Health at studenthealth@miami.edu. 

• I want to get tested for COVID-19 at Student Health. What do I do?

  How to get a viral test (for current infection): COVID-19 viral testing is available at the Coral Gables Student Testing site. More detailed directions to the testing site and parking instructions can be found here.  To schedule a testing appointment:     

  1. Log onto mystudenthealth.miami.edu and select the ‘Appointment’ tab on the top of the screen (top right on mobile devices).
  2. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, select “COVID-19 Test- WITH SYMPTOMS” for appointment reason. If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, select “COVID-19 Test- NO SYMPTOMS.”
  3. Click “Submit”
  4. Use the calendar to click on the days that are convenient for you. Available times for your selected appointment will be displayed to the right of the calendar. Schedule your appointment by clicking on the appointment time of your choice.

   

  All positive test results from off campus testing locations should be reported to Student Health.  

  How to self-administer your COVID-19 test: 

   

  Learn more about required COVID-19 testing for all students here. 

   

  How to get an antibody test (for past infection): For information about antibody testing, contact us at studenthealth@miami.edu.

• What is the difference between testing at Student Health and testing with UScreen?

  Any student who will be on any University of Miami campus at any point during the spring semester will be required to take a COVID-19 test at least once every week through the UScreen Testing Initiative. Students will receive emails and/or text message alerts to schedule their on-campus testing appointments. Testing sites will be located at the Gables, Medical, and Marine campuses. Test results from UScreen do NOT need to be uploaded to the Student Health portal.

  UScreen testing is only for students who are NOT experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Students that are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact Student Health and make an appointment at the Student Health testing site. 

  Students may be required by Student Health to take a test separate from, or in addition to, the UScreen testing requirement. Students may also schedule testing at the Student Health testing site by choice. Student Health COVID-19 testing takes place at the Coral Gables Student Testing site. Appointments and test results are available at mystudenthealth.miami.edu.

• What happens if I do not complete the weekly testing requirement?

  • Students who are not in compliance with the weekly testing requirement should not attend any in-person classes, programs, or work shifts on any University campus and will not have access to the daily symptom checker until testing is completed. A “Good to Go” daily symptom checker clearance message is required in order to enter University facilities, including residential dining and other facilities. For more information about COVID-19 testing for students, click here.
  • Beginning Feb. 8, the Daily Symptom Checker automatically receives real-time test information from UChart. If a student was not tested for COVID-19 in the week prior (defined as Monday through Sunday preceding the current week) the Daily Symptom Checker will not show the “Good to Go” screen. It will instead display a message instructing that residential students go to Pavia Garage for a walk-in appointment as soon as possible, and non-residential students schedule a testing appointment as soon as possible by visiting their MyUHealthChart account or contacting the UScreen team at 305-284-5390 or uscreen@miami.edu. The purpose of this change is to help keep the campus safe by enforcing compliance with the University’s testing protocols.
  • Students who do not comply with the weekly COVID-19 testing policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action per the University’s Students Rights and Responsibilities handbook.

• What should I do if my COVID-19 test results come back inconclusive?

  An inconclusive result is neither positive nor negative. If you tested "Inconclusive," please make an appointment for an ACCULA (rapid result) test at the Student Health testing site as soon as possible.  

  Please see below for options on how to schedule your appointment for this specific test only with Student Health Services (Church Site) and not Pavia.
  
  During Working Hours:
  (Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm) (Saturday: 10am - 2pm) (Sunday:11am- 4pm)
  • Schedule your COVID test for today by calling 305-284-9100
  
  During After Hours:
  • Schedule your COVID test for tomorrow by going online: https://mystudenthealth.miami.edu
  
  
  If you are a Medical student or a Graduate Medical student that prefers to be tested on the Medical campus, please call us during working hours at 305-284-9100 and ask to speak to a COVID nurse for assistance.
  
  
  ** Please note: Your Symptom Checker will be blocked if you do not comply **

• How do I provide my COVID-19 test results if I was tested off campus?

  To upload your COVID-19 test results to the Student Health portal, please follow these instructions: 

  How to Upload COVID-19 Test Results

• When should I seek medical care?

  If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and would like to consult a healthcare provider, you can schedule a telehealth appointment at mystudenthealth.miami.edu. 

  The CDC has created a Coronavirus Self-Checker to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. This system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 and does not replace the judgment of healthcare professionals or the performance of any clinical assessment. Apple has created a similar screening tool.

  People at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. Older adults and people of any age with certain underlying  medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

  If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

  *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. 

  Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. Put on a face mask before medical help arrives.

• How do I know if I am at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19?

  People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC website lists medical conditions that can lead to an increased risk for severe illness.

  If you are unsure, consult with a healthcare provider for guidance. Please also review the CDC’s website for information on reducing your risk of getting COVID-19 and actions you can take based on your medical conditions and other risk factors. 

Students interested in receiving the vaccine through UHealth must opt in through CaneLink. Once you have opted in, no further action is needed until you receive the notification to schedule an appointment. Click here for additional information and answers to frequently asked questions.

You may have some side effects after receiving the vaccine, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. On the arm where you got the shot: pain, redness, and swelling. Throughout the rest of your body: fever, chills, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, and nausea. Visit the CDC website for more information and tips on managing the side effects from the vaccine. Please contact Student Health if your fever lasts more than 2 days or is accompanied by sore throat, congestion, cough and/or loss of taste or smell. 

• What is the difference between self-quarantine and self-isolation?

  Quarantine

  Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, and monitor their health. 

  Isolation

  Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available).

   

  Students who have been exposed or potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19 and those with symptoms or a positive test for COVID-19 will be advised to self-isolate or self-quarantine.

  Affected students will be advised to follow self-isolation and self-quarantine guidelines.

   

• Where will self-isolation or self-quarantine occur for students?

  Residential Students: Please visit Housing and Residential Life's Quarantine and Isolation website for more information about quarantine and isolation spaces.

  Non-Residential Students: On campus quarantine and isolation spaces will not be available for non-residential students. These students should remain in their off campus housing as long as they are able to isolate/quarantine appropriately per CDC guidelines. Alternatively, students may choose to isolate/quarantine at a local hotel at their own expense. The University’s Travel Management office has partnered with several hotels to provide discounts.

• How do I self-quarantine?

  Stay home and monitor your health

  • Stay home until it is recommended to leave quarantine
  • Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
  • If possible, stay away others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19

  As per new CDC guidelines, the University has updated it's quarantine policy. Close contacts will be required to quarantine for 7 days post-exposure, if asymptomatic. On day 5 or 6 of quarantine, you must get a PCR test through the Student Health Service and/or by calling 305-243-ONE-U.

  If your test is negative and you do not develop any symptoms during your quarantine period, you will be able to return to campus after the completion of the 7-day quarantine. If your test is positive or you develop symptoms, you must isolate for 10 days from the date of your first positive test or the first day of symptoms, depending on which came first. Please remain in quarantine until Student Health notifies you that you are clear to return to campus.

  If you have a documented positive COVID-19 PCR test within 90 days and are asymptomatic, you
  do not need to quarantine or retest as long as you have not developed new symptoms. 

  
  If you are vaccinated and have an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19,
  you are not required to quarantine if you meet ALL of the following criteria:
  

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e. ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
  • Are within 3 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure

   

  Review the CDC guidelines on self-quarantine and the Student Health guidelines on self-quarantine.

• How do I self-isolate?

  Stay home except to get medical care

  • Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately
  • Stay home until it’s safe to end home isolation
  • Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible
  • Use a separate bathroom, if possible
  • Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets
  • Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils
  • Wear a face mask when around other people

   

  Review the CDC guidelines on self-isolation and the Student Health guidelines on self-isolation.

• I have received the COVID-19 vaccine. How does that impact my quarantine or isolation?

  Quarantine

  If you are vaccinated and have an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, you are not required to quarantine if you meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e. ≥ 2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
  • Are within 3 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure

   

  Isolation

  The COVID-19 vaccine does not exempt you from isolation if you test positive for COVID-19 or start to experience symptoms.

  Students experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination, should schedule a telehealth appointment with a Student Health provider by visiting mystudenthealth.miami.edu. You may be placed in isolation following an evaluation from a medical provider.

Students in isolation will be offered a TytoCare device and pulse ox monitor, which can be used to monitor your health from home. If you have any questions about your device or need technical support, you can call the Tyto support team 24/7 at 866-971-8986 or email the UHealth Virtual Center team at telehealth@med.miami.edu. 

Review this document for TytoCare Tips and Tricks and watch this video to get started with your device. 

• Prior to Travel

  It is important to have a plan to travel safely and to take steps to protect yourself and others. The CDC’s COVID-19 Travel website has important information to help you make a plan and provides tips for different types of travel.

  Make a detailed plan for traveling to and arriving at your destination. Check and abide by all local, federal, and international guidelines regarding travel to your destination, including testing and quarantine requirements. 

• Delaying Travel

  Becoming infected with COVID-19 prior to your departure may delay your travel plans. 

  Students who are sick, have recently tested positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 should delay travel to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others. You don’t want to miss out on a planned trip, but there are situations when cancelling or postponing travel makes sense for you and those you care about. Students in isolation or quarantine should delay their travel plans. If you have symptoms you are concerned about or have questions about traveling safely, you can contact Student Health. Learn more about when and for how long to delay travel to avoid spreading COVID-19. 

• During Travel

  Review the CDC's travel website for precautions you should take while traveling to minimize risk.

• International Travel

  Traveling internationally may require additional preparation. Please review the CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination and the ISSS website before traveling. 

• Arrival

  In addition to the weekly testing protocol, any student who travels outside of Florida (by any means of transportation) or by air travel within the state of Florida must receive a COVID-19 PCR test upon their return and be cleared before returning to in-person classes and other on-campus activities. Students are responsible for returning in sufficient time to obtain the mandated testing plus the 24-48 hours to receive the result. Students are also required to complete the Daily Symptom Checker upon return from travel and must follow the instructions it provides.

  It is important to continue taking precautions after you travel, even if you feel well and do not have symptoms. Regardless of where you traveled or what you did during your trip, practice physical distancing, mask wearing, and handwashing upon your arrival. 

  Please review the CDC's post-travel testing recommendations. If you traveled internationally, please review the CDC's recommendations for post-international travel.

• How does COVID-19 spread?

  COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person, including between people who are physically near each other (within about 6 feet). People who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others. 

  COVID-19 can sometimes be spread by airborne transmission, which means exposure to the virus in small droplets and particles that can linger in the air for minutes to hours. Viruses spread by airborne transmission may be able to infect people who are further than 6 feet away from the person who is infected or after that person has left the space. Available data indicate that it is much more common for the virus that causes COVID-19 to spread through close contact with a person who has COVID-19 than through airborne transmission.

  COVID-19 spreads less commonly through contact with contaminated surfaces.

  For more information, visit the CDC's website: How COVID-19 Spreads

• What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

  People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

  Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

  This list is not all possible symptoms. 

• How do I prevent COVID-19?

  Review the CDC's guidance for protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. This guidance includes wearing masks, physical distancing, handwashing, monitoring your health, covering your coughs and sneezes, getting vaccinated, and cleaning and disinfecting. 

• What is the treatment for COVID-19?

  Severe illness: For those who are very sick, hospitalization may be required. In the hospital, patients receive oxygen and other treatments to help their breathing as well as supportive care and very close monitoring. 

  Mild to moderate illness: Most people who are infected are able to stay home and monitor themselves for improvement or worsening. Over-the-counter medicines can be used to manage symptoms.

  Students who have tested positive for COVID-19 are provided care and support by Student Health staff and a contracted home health and nursing agency throughout their isolation. If you have questions regarding your symptoms, you may schedule a telehealth appointment at mystudenthealth.miami.edu. 

• Should I wear a face mask?

  Follow University guidance regarding the use of face masks as part of the "Protecting personal space" pillar.  

  CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people. Continue to keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others. The face mask is NOT a substitute for physical distancing. 

  For more information, review the CDC's recommendations and guidelines for face masks. 

• What does social distancing mean?

  Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.

  To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.

  Social distancing applies even if you are young and do not have any symptoms. Those who have no symptoms can still transmit the virus to somene else who is at risk of experiencing serious symptoms. Everyone has a role to play to reduce and slow the transmission of COVID-19 and protect those around us. 

  We strongly encourage all members of the University of Miami community to truly practice social distancing. Review the CDC's website for more information on social distancing and how to protect yourself when leaving the home. 

Your health and safety is our priority and we want you to know that we are taking all necessary precautions for our students. Here are our current safety measures:

• CDC COVID-19 Information
• Florida Department of Health COVID-19 information
• Self-Quarantine Guidelines
• Self-Isolation Guidelines
• Information for International Students
• Safer Sex and COVID-19
• UM Counseling Center 'Cane Care Package