COVID-19

COVID-19 Updates

On September 12, 2023, the CDC recommended an updated COVID-19 vaccine for 2023-2024 for everyone aged 6 months and older.

The main reason to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is to protect yourself against severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. COVID-19 vaccines also reduce the chance of having Long COVID. This updated vaccine is expected to provide better protection against variants that are currently making people sick. 

Looking for a COVID vaccine? Visit Vaccines.gov or Multco.gov (for Multnomah County) to find an off-campus vaccination site.

Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Testing, Symptoms, and Exposure
(Updated 9/1/2023)

I took a COVID test that came back positive. What should I do now?

Please visit our Positive Test Instructions page for the most updated guidance on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.

Note: Nursing students should reach out to their assigned clinical faculty for additional guidance regarding COVID-19 policies and practices. If more guidance is needed please email clinical@up.edu for information.

When should I get tested for COVID-19?

The Health Center will administer COVID-19 tests to any UP student who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. To make a COVID-19 testing appointment, call the Health Center at 503.943.7134.

To get the most accurate results, self-administered rapid tests should be taken on the first and third day of experiencing COVID-like symptoms (i.e. cough, fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, congestion, etc.). On days 1-3 of symptoms, you should be limiting your exposure to other people as much as possible and wearing a mask when around others. 

If any student is asymptomatic and has recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended to get a PCR test 4-5 days after the close-contact exposure. All students should diligently monitor their symptoms after an exposure. To make a COVID-19 testing appointment at the Health Center, call 503.943.7134. You can also view a list of community testing options here.

According to the CDC, anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status. Students that are symptomatic of COVID-19 should always wear a mask during in-person classes or other in-person events. Reach out to your class instructors to let them know if you will be missing class due to COVID symptoms.

The CDC defined “close contact” as a situation where you were within 6 feet of a COVID-positive person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. If you are unsure if your situation fits the close contact criteria, contact the Health Center via phone (503.943.7134) or email (hcc@up.edu).

I was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, but I don’t feel sick. Do I still need to get tested?

This choice is up to you! It is best practice to get tested 4-5 days following a known “close contact” exposure to a COVID-positive person. You should mask around others for 10 days after the exposure and avoid spending time with people who are at higher risk. 

For example: You spent time with your roommate on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Your roommate finds out on Wednesday that their COVID PCR test taken on Monday was positive, and they immediately begin isolation in their room. The last time you were in close contact with your roommate was Wednesday, so you would get an exposure test 4-5 days after Wednesday.

I made a testing appointment/ I'm waiting on my test results. Do I need to isolate until then?

If you are having COVID-like symptoms, the Student Health Center recommends staying home until your testing appointment. If you get tested at the Health Center on campus, your provider will give you additional instructions during your testing appointment.

Regardless of vaccination status or exposure, if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, begin wearing a mask around others immediately and alert your class instructors if you will be missing class. Questions regarding a COVID exposure can be directed to the Health Center via phone (503.943.7134) or email (hcc@up.edu).

I was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, but I don’t feel sick. Do I need to isolate?

No, it is not necessary to isolate after a COVID-19 exposure if you are not experiencing any symptoms. Multnomah County Health Department recommends masking for 10 days around others, avoiding contact with individuals at high risk, and taking a COVID test 5 days after your last exposure. 

If at any point you develop symptoms of COVID-19, begin wearing a mask and call the Health Center at 503.943.7134 to schedule a COVID test and check-up appointment. Students that are symptomatic of COVID-19 should always wear a mask during in-person classes or other in-person events. Reach out to your class instructors to let them know if you will be missing class due to COVID symptoms.

Questions regarding a COVID exposure can be directed to the Health Center via phone (503.943.7134) or email (hcc@up.edu).

I got a COVID test off-campus that came back negative. What should I do now?

It's up to you! If you received a negative test result and would still like to get medical care, contact the Health Center at 503.943.7134 or your off-campus primary care provider to schedule an appointment. If you would prefer to self-care until your symptoms subside, check out our Cold & Flu Self-Care handout for tips.

Regardless of COVID-19 test results, students that are experiencing symptoms of illness should limit their exposure to others as much as possible until their symptoms subside, including wearing a mask.

Note: Nursing students should reach out to their assigned clinical faculty for additional guidance regarding COVID-19 policies and practices. If more guidance is needed please email clinical@up.edu for information.