July 14 COVID-19 update

July 14, 2022

The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in communities across Alaska, which means it’s a good time to review our COVID-19 protocols so that we all remain safe and healthy.

In this update:

  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Changes to testing sites, new resources, treatments
  • Be kind to your neighbor; notify close contacts
  • What about reporting forms?
  • When to isolate and quarantine

Stay home if you are sick

You can do your part to help slow the spread by staying home if you are even a little bit sick. Symptoms can be very subtle at the beginning. Some people report their COVID-19 illness feeling like a mild case of allergies at first. Even if you aren’t aware of being exposed, it’s better to be safe: Stay home. Get tested. Even if your test is negative, you should remain at home until your symptoms are gone.

Changes to testing sites, new resources, treatments

The State of Alaska has closed most drive-through testing locations in the state, but there are still multiple ways to get tested:

Wondering if you need to get tested? If you have symptoms, the answer is “yes.” If you were exposed to COVID-19, you should test 5-7 days after exposure. In addition to allowing you to know for certain whether you have COVID-19, getting tested can open the door to treatment options. If you test positive, don’t delay. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Treatment can help fight COVID-19 and help you feel better faster, but is only available during the first 5-7 days of your illness. 

Be kind to your neighbor; notify close contacts 

If you test positive for COVID-19, inform your supervisor and anyone you have been in close contact with in the 48 hours prior to having symptoms or getting tested. “Close contact” means you have been within 6 feet of someone for at least 15 minutes over a  24-hour period. Telling your co-workers and fellow students that they may have been exposed is one way we can all take care of each other. Doing so allows others to get tested, seek treatment, and protect vulnerable family members and friends. 

What about reporting forms?

Wondering if you need to report your positive COVID-19 test or close contact to your university? COVID-19 reporting requirements and tracking vary depending on location. You can visit the UAA, UAF and UAS pages of the UA COVID-19 website to find out what the requirements are for your location.  

When to isolate and quarantine

​​Quarantine and isolation length will depend on several factors. Please visit the COVID-19 scenarios page to find more information about what you should do. The CDC also has an isolation and quarantine calculator to help as well. Just make sure you check your local university COVID-19 website to see if there are additional requirements at your campus. 

If you have any other questions, please visit the UA COVID-19 website, where you can find general information, as well as guidance for each university. 

Thank you for your diligence as we continue to manage COVID-19 within our university communities.