Updated: August 29, 2022

Quarantine vs. Isolation

• You quarantine when you might have been exposed to the virus and may or may not have been infected.
• You isolate when you are sick or when you have been infected with the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Quarantine

Quarantine is a strategy used to prevent transmission of COVID-19 by keeping people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 apart from others.

Exposure: Contact with someone infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in a way that increases the likelihood of getting infected with the virus

What to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19

Asymptomatic Individuals

After being exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should begin precautions immediately. This is true for all individuals regardless of vaccination status or previous COVID-19 infection. These precautions include:

• You should wear a well-fitting mask around others inside your home or indoors in public for 10 days from the date of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0). This includes all public locations on campus.
• If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 you should get tested immediately.
• Asymptomatic individuals should get tested at least 5 days after their last exposure to someone with COVID-19. Several options are available on campus.
• Quarantine is not required for asymptomatic individuals exposed to COVID-19.
• Asymptomatic individuals may continue to go to class, work and events.
• Asymptomatic individuals may remain in their residence hall.
• Asymptomatic individuals should follow all guidelines below as outlined in “Additional Precautions for Masking After Exposure and Isolation.”

Symptomatic Individuals

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are exhibiting symptoms, you should immediately self-isolate (see below) and get tested. Several options are available on campus.

• Upon receipt of a negative test, these individuals should follow the guidelines above for asymptomatic individuals.
• If the test is positive, individuals should follow the isolation guidelines below and report the result via UA’s COVID-19 Test Reporting Form.

Isolation

Isolation is used to separate people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 from those without COVID-19. People who are in isolation should stay home or move to isolation housing until it’s safe for them to be around others. At home, anyone sick or infected should separate from others and wear a well-fitting mask when they need to be around others. People in isolation should stay in a specific “sick room” or area and use a separate bathroom, if available. Everyone who has presumed or confirmed COVID-19 should stay home or at their off-campus apartment and isolate from other people for at least 5 full days (day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the date of the positive viral test for asymptomatic persons). People who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 need to isolate regardless of their vaccination status. This includes:

• People who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.
• People with symptoms of COVID-19, including people who are awaiting test results or have not been tested. People with symptoms should isolate even if they do not know if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

What to do for isolation

• Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
• Stay in a separate room from other household members or roommates, if possible.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Take steps to improve ventilation at home, 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 well-fitting mask when you need to be around other people.
• Learn more about what to do if you are sick and how to notify your contacts.

All residence hall students whose permanent address is within 200 miles of campus, must return to their permanent address for the isolation period or make alternate living arrangements for the duration of their isolation.

Ending isolation for people who had COVID-19 and had symptoms

If you had COVID-19 and had symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days. To calculate your 5-day isolation period, day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed. You can leave isolation after 5 full days.

• UA policy requires a minimum of a 3-day isolation period after an initial positive test, regardless of symptom onset.
• You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. (Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.)
• You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others inside your home or indoors in public (including all public locations on campus) until day 11. See below for more information on removing your mask and other restrictions related to masking on campus.
• Residence hall students with private accommodations (including a private bathroom) and who have received a negative test result from a supervised antigen test after day 5 of their isolation may return to their room. This is the same type of test that the airlines use before some international travel. More information about supervised testing can be found under the testing section of this web page. If these criteria cannot be met, the student may not return to their room until the morning of day 11. It is the responsibility of the individual to inform the Campus Contact Tracing Team of their test results prior to asking Residence Life and Housing to have their swipe card reactivated.
• Residence hall students with shared accommodations (living space and/or bathroom) must have a negative test result from a supervised antigen test on day 6 AND day 8 in order to return to their room. If these criteria cannot be met, the student may not return to their dorm until the morning of day 11. It is the responsibility of the individual to inform the Campus Contact Tracing Team of their test results prior to asking Residence Life and Housing to have their swipe card reactivated.
• If you continue to have fever or your other symptoms have not improved after 5 days of isolation, you should wait to end your isolation until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask. Contact your health care provider if you have questions.
• Individuals with a severe and frequent cough should remain isolated, if possible.
• Do not travel during your 5-day isolation period. After you end isolation, avoid travel until a full 10 days after your first day of symptoms. If you must travel for personal reasons on days 6-10, wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others for the entire duration of travel. If you are unable to wear a mask, you should not travel during the 10 days.

If an individual has access to a test and wants to test, the best approach is to use an antigen test1 on day 6. Test only if you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. (Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.) If your test result is positive, you should continue to isolate until day 10. If your test result is negative, you can end isolation, but continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public until the morning of day 11. Follow additional recommendations for masking as described below in “Additional Precautions for Masking After Exposure and Isolation.”

Ending isolation for people who tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms

If you test positive for COVID-19 and never develop symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days. Day 0 is the day of your positive viral test (based on the date you were tested) and day 1 is the first full day after the specimen was collected for your positive test. You can leave isolation after 5 full days unless you need to return to a residence hall or fall under other specific national governing body or intercollegiate athletics conference requirements.

• If you continue to have no symptoms, you can end isolation after day 5. A negative test result is strongly recommended before returning to indoor public spaces.
• You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public until the morning of day 11 (day 6 through day 10). If you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for 10 days. Avoid people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, nursing homes and other high-risk settings, until after at least 10 days.
• If you develop symptoms after testing positive, your 5-day isolation period should start over. Day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Follow the recommendations above for ending isolation for people who had COVID-19 and had symptoms.
• Do not travel during your 5-day isolation period. After you end isolation, avoid travel until the morning of day 11. If you must travel on days 6-10, wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others for the entire duration of travel. If you are unable to wear a mask, you should not travel during the 10 days after your positive test.
• Do not go to places where you may need to remove your mask, such as the dining hall, restaurants, swimming pools and some gyms. Avoid eating around others at home and at work until 10 days after the day of your positive test.
• Residence hall students with private accommodations (including a private bathroom) and who have received a negative test result from a supervised antigen test after day 5 of their isolation may return to their room. This is the same type of test that the airlines use before some international travel. More information about supervised testing can be found under the testing section of this web page. If these criteria cannot be met, the student may not return to their room until the morning of day 11. It is the responsibility of the individual to inform the Campus Contact Tracing Team of their test results.
• Residence hall students with shared accommodations (living space and/or bathroom) must have a negative test result from a supervised antigen test on day 6 AND day 8 in order to return to their dorm. If these criteria cannot be met, the student may not return to their room until the morning of day 11. It is the responsibility of the individual to inform the Campus Contact Tracing Team of their test results.

If an individual has access to a test and wants to test, the best approach is to use an antigen test1 on day 6. If your test result is positive, you should continue to isolate until the morning of day 11. If your test result is negative, you can end isolation, but continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public until the morning of day 11. Follow additional recommendations for masking as described below in “Additional Precautions for Masking After Exposure and Isolation.” The CDC has specific guidance for ending isolation for people who were severely ill with COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised).

Additional Precautions for Masking After Exposure and Isolation

Below are some additional considerations for those who are required to mask after exposure to or isolation due to COVID-19.

• Do not dine in at eating locations on campus where your mask would be removed and avoid eating around others at home and at work until the morning of day 11. Students on the meal plan may get meals to go from Rob’s Dining Hall and other on campus locations.
• Residence hall students who have a private living space, which includes a private bathroom, and are able to return before day 11 must wear a well-fitted mask when in any public areas.
• Residence hall students are not permitted to have any guests until the morning of day 11.
• Individuals should not use the pools or common showers at the SRWC or ONAT until the morning of day 11.
• UA students may not sing or play wind instruments indoors, use the practice rooms or attend one-on-one lessons at Guzzetta Hall until the morning of day 11.
• UA students may not attend any group rehearsals for music or dance until the morning of day 11.
• Those with a UA mask exemption must either wear a mask on campus during their 10-day period or refrain from being in public locations on campus.

Removing Your Mask

After you have ended isolation, as described above, you should wear your mask until the morning of day 11. Residence hall students may utilize the following to discontinue mask use earlier in order to be permitted to return to their on-campus living space.

• Receive a negative result from a supervised antigen test on day 6 and day 8. This is the same type of test that the airlines use before some international travel. More information about supervised testing can be found under the testing section of this web page.
• Testing may be done at Health Services, urgent care, retail testing locations (CVS, Walgreen’s, etc.) or via a proctored Abbott BinaxNOW test.
• It is the responsibility of the individual to inform the Campus Contact Tracing Team of their test results.
• This process only permits an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 to return to their dorm prior to day 11. UA policy requires all individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 continue to wear a well-fitted mask until the morning of day 11 in all public locations on campus.
• This process is not valid for those exposed to COVID-19. Those individuals should wear a well-fitted mask until the morning of day 11.

Your support is necessary to help us continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

How You Can Help: PLEASE respond to contact tracing requests within 12-24 hours as we have a very limited window to identify and notify potential contacts.

Support Contact Tracing Efforts

Who you will hear from:

The University of Akron (UA) Contact Tracing Collaborative includes team members from the UA campus as well as from our partners at GattiHR/TalentBoost.

• Look for emails and calls from:
  • Team members from GattiHR/TalentBoost, UA’s contact tracing collaborative partner
  • COVIDtracing@uakron.edu
  • Calls from 330-473-4437, caller ID: “University of Akron Contact Tracing” or a city in Ohio.
    • *Depending on carrier/app used, it can produce a variety of caller-ID verbiage. 
    • ***Your provider may route this call as SPAM. To avoid this, you may want to save the phone number in your contacts. ***
  • If you decline the call, or it appears as “Spam Risk”, they will leave a message with a callback number. PLEASE call them back.
  • If you do not answer the phone, TalentBoost will attempt to leave a voicemail, and will send you an e-mail from an “@gattihr.com” domain to your university email address.
  • The caller WILL NOT ask for social security numbers, or ANY bank/credit card information.
  • The caller WILL ask for your name, University ID, and date of birth.

Positive Cases and Identified Close Contacts will receive a call from 330-473-4437 AND an email from Contact Tracers at GattiHR/TalentBoost.

• Please respond as soon as possible and provide as much detailed information as you can.
• ***Please be sure your voicemail boxes are set up to receive messages***
• Please note that GattiHR/TalentBoost and UA’s support team will contact you regarding contact tracing for ON CAMPUS contacts, and your local health department may contact you for OFF CAMPUS These are separate processes.

Who is a close contact?

Classroom Exposures:

Most students choose to inform faculty directly if they have tested positive and need to miss class.  Those students should also self-report their situation using the online reporting tool but not all do.  It is helpful if faculty report a student’s positive status using the online reporting tool so contact tracers can interview the student to more precisely identify day zero, provide them with timely advice and explain the CDC and UA protocols for returning to in person learning.  If the student is able to provide contract tracers with names of other students they had close contact with they will be reached out to individually using class rosters from the registrar and people soft data. Contact tracers cannot “guess” at attendance/seating details, they rely on accurate, detailed records from instructors if available and timely. 

Releasing Protected Health Information (PHI) when not necessary, to a professor or other member of the University community that is not involved in the contact tracing process, is a violation of FERPA. There are minimal instances when a professor should have knowledge of a student’s PIH. Those instances are:

• If there is an immediate threat to the student’s safety or the safety of others.
• If the student is being non-compliant with the contact tracing process (such as refusing to leave the classroom/remaining on campus, returning to class before isolation is over or not wearing a mask for the appropriate length of time).
• If the student chooses to disclose their PHI to the professor.
• Students (cases or contacts) participating in the contact tracing process will receive an email from the contact tracers when they are cleared to return to class.
  • A negative test is NOT required as part of our process; however, you can request the student forward you the email from the contact tracers at GattiHR/TalentBoost releasing them from quarantine/isolation.
  • Students NOT cooperating with the contact tracing process will NOT get such an email.

Steps in the Process:

1. The University of Akron Contact Tracing Collaborative learns about potential and confirmed cases/contacts through:

• On campus testing
• Online reporting (self or other, link on UA Covid website)
• Case interviews during the contact tracing process

2. GattiHR/TalentBoost Contact Tracers reach out to both collect and share critical information.
3. Depending on timeliness of notification, the UA Contact Tracing Support Team reaches out to faculty to help determine the appropriate health alert template for the classroom that includes specific dates of potential exposure and available resources for others that attended class during those dates.
   • Efforts would be made to provide testing and to determine which students were up to date on vaccine including boosters for those eligible so they could return to in-person learning.
4. Close contacts who are up to date on their vaccines, documented in Med+Proctor, and symptom free may return to class immediately following their interview wearing a mask for the appropriate number of days.
5. Close contacts will receive daily follow-up emails to check for symptoms, submit negative test results and address other mental health/academic concerns.
   • Close contacts will be removed from such emails if they submit negative test results collected in the proper post-exposure period.
   • Date of release is dependent on vaccination status, exposure details and presence of symptoms.
6. In the event of an outbreak of three or more connected cases, the UA COVID Response Team will determine appropriate course of action.

The following provides information about what to do if you feel unwell, have been exposed to COVID-19, or if someone has disclosed to you that they have COVID or have been exposed to COVID. Please follow the guidance provided. If you feel unwell or have COVID symptoms, call Health Services at 330-972-7808.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to effect on our lives, including home, school, work and personal interactions. Many of us are facing challenges that can be overwhelming and stressful. Learning how to cope with stress in a healthy way will help you become more resilient and able to care for yourself and others in a positive manner. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a robust COVID-related stress management toolkit.

Faculty/staff have access to IMPACT Solutions, which offers virtual and in-personal counseling services to University employees. Learn more on the benefits website.

FACULTY/STAFF

If you are an employee and you feel unwell or have COVID symptoms, you should:

• Report off work by notifying your supervisor.
• Reach out to your health care provider or call Health Services at 330-972-7808
• If you are waiting on test results, refrain from communal activities (including in-person classes) and always wear a mask when in the presence of others until your test results come back.
• If you have received a positive test result, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, Report COVID test, symptoms or exposure and follow any advice from contact tracers. Faculty and staff may self-disclose their health status to students and/or co-workers if they desire.

If you are a faculty member and a student discloses that they have COVID or have been identified as a close contact or they have been advised to quarantine by contact tracers, you should:

• Use the Faculty/Staff COVID-19 Report Form to report the case, even if the student has already reported it. While it is necessary to make this report for contact tracing, you should not disclose the information to others, including co-workers or students.
• Follow any advice from the University of Akron Contract Tracing Assistance Team after a report is made. Be advised that it may not be necessary for contact tracers to contact you after you report the case for additional details.
• In general, people who are up to date on their vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who has COVID-19, unless they have symptoms. However, people with up-to-date vaccines should get tested at least 5 days or later after their exposure (even if they don’t have symptoms) and continue to wear a well-fitting mask in public for 10 days following exposure.
• People who are not boosted or have out-of-date vaccines should quarantine for a minimum of 10 days if they have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19.  See CAMPUS QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION TAB for additional information on testing out of full quarantine early, and campus policy above and beyond CDC guidance/requirements.
• If you develop symptoms during the 10-day period, you should consult a health care provider.
• Note: Students will not be issued a letter of return but may return to class after the quarantine period.

If you are a supervisor and an employee (including students) discloses that they were in close contact with someone who tested positive, you should:

• Direct employees to report COVID test, symptoms or exposure and follow any advice from contact tracers.
• Supervisors may work with eligible employees to make arrangements to work from home during quarantine.

Teaching

For faculty: Fall 2022 guidelines for classes, including guidance for masks, office hours and more.

The following provides information about what to do if you feel unwell, have been exposed to COVID-19, or if someone has disclosed to you that they have COVID or have been exposed to COVID. Please follow the guidance provided. If you feel unwell or have COVID symptoms, call Health Services at 330-972-7808.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major effect on our lives, including home, school, work and personal interactions. Many of us are facing challenges that can be overwhelming and stressful. Learning how to cope with stress in a healthy way will help you become more resilient and able to care for yourself and others in a positive manner. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a robust COVID-related stress management toolkit

The University offers free counseling services for enrolled UA students. Clinical intake hours at the Counseling & Testing Center are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Walk-in intake hours on Thursday are from 1 to 3:30 p.m.  Contact the office at 330-972-7082 or view online resources at www.uakron.edu/counseling. 

If you are a UA student and feel unwell or have COVID symptoms, you should:

• Call Health Services at 330-972-7808 or your health care provider. The CDC offers an interactive self-checker tool that can be referenced for recommendations on testing or medical care.
• Let your instructor know if you will be missing class due to illness or are waiting on a COVID test result (and, if you test positive for COVID, let your instructor know).

If a UA friend discloses to you that they have COVID, you should:

Determine if you had close contact with them 48 hours prior to their symptom onset or date they took their COVID-19 test, if they were asymptomatic. People should quarantine for up to 10 days if they have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19. Close contacts should self-report. If you feel unwell or have COVID symptoms, call Health Services at 330-972-7808.  See the ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE TAB for additional information on testing out of full quarantine early, and campus policy above and beyond CDC guidance/requirements.

Updated: August 1, 2022

Beginning with the fall semester 2022, COVID-19 vaccines, including all booster shots, are strongly recommended for our entire University of Akron community but are no longer required for many students. Students working directly on certain federally funded grants and those covered under the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services emergency regulation are still required to be vaccinated or seek an appropriate exemption.  Some majors, e.g., Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, require students to document their vaccination status prior to enrollment in the program.  

Members of the UA community who work and learn at sites with independent COVID-19 vaccination requirements, e.g., hospitals, clinical sites, co-ops, and schools may be required to comply with requirements pertaining to those sites. Not complying with program partners’ COVID-19 vaccination and exemption requirements could prevent individuals from fulfilling academic and professional objectives.

Employees are not able to seek an exemption from the University’s vaccine requirement for reasons of conscience but are able to receive an exemption for recognized medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances.

This is in accordance with the federal government’s Executive Order 14042, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) emergency regulation, which require workplace safety protocols for federal contractors and individuals working in a healthcare clinic that participates in Medicare or Medicaid. Employees either will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or to obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Because of its status as a federal contractor and clinical service provider the University is required to comply with these requirements.

Employees may continue to seek exemptions based on recognized medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances, and employers are encouraged to assume that a request will meet the requirement of a sincerely held religious belief, absent objective evidence to the contrary. Proof of vaccination may be submitted to MedProctor. Employee requests for exemption may be submitted via the contact information on the exemption form.

See more specific information regarding Executive Order 14042 and the CMS emergency regulation.

Executive Order 14042

Effective January 18, 2022, Executive Order 14042 and its guidance, employees either will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or to obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.  Because of its status as a federal contractor, the University is required to comply with the requirements of Executive Order 14042.
The COVID-19 vaccination requirement became effective on October 15, 2021, for contracts and “contract-like” instruments newly entered, extended, or renewed between on or after October 15, 2021.  The requirement applies to contracts directly between the federal government and third parties, as well as contracts between the prime contractor and a subcontractor.  Although the obligation does not apply to contracts under the simplified federal acquisition threshold of $250,000 or grants, federal agencies have been encouraged also to include the requirement in contracts not covered by the order.

The vaccination requirement applies to employees working “on or in connection with” a covered contract, and to other employees working in a “covered contractor workplace.”  The guidance defines these terms expansively.  Covered employees include all employees whose work is necessary to the performance of the contract, including not only the researchers, but also employees who perform human resources, billing and legal review functions.  Covered contractor workplace includes any location where even one employee working on or in connection with the covered contract is likely to be present.  Examples of locations include, elevators, parking garages and stairwells.  Presently, this obligation does not extend to the University’s regional campuses, since no federal contracts are being performed at those locations; however, this could change in the future.    Student employees working directly on the contract also will need to be vaccinated or have a valid exemption

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Emergency Regulation

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also issued an emergency regulation that similarly requires a COVID-19 vaccination or valid exemption for individuals working in a healthcare clinic that participates in Medicare or Medicaid programs.  Facilities covered by this regulation must establish a policy ensuring all eligible staff have received the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine prior to providing any care, treatment or other services by December 6, 2021[EG1] . All eligible staff who previously had received an exemption for reason of conscience now must either have received the necessary shots to be fully vaccinated – either two doses of Pfizer, Moderna, or NOVAVAX or one dose of Johnson & Johnson – or have received an exemption based on recognized medical conditions or religious beliefs, observances or practices, by January 4, 2022. Regardless of clinical responsibility or patient contact, the policies and procedures apply to the following facility staff, who provide any care, treatment or other services for the facility and/or its patients: facility employees; licensed practitioners; students, trainees and volunteers; and Individuals who provide care, treatment or other services for the facility and/or its patients, under contract or by other arrangement.  Proof of vaccination may be submitted to MedProctor.  Employee requests for exemption may be submitted via the contact information on the exemption form.

The University continues to monitor federal guidance and regulations, which remains fluid.  The University will update its policies, should there be any further developments or changes.

See additional details.

Exemption

See exemption information

Answers to your questions

 See answers to common questions

Med+Proctor and privacy

We are partnering with Med+Proctor to securely collect the vaccination status of students and employees. Med+Proctor is a confidential record-storage site that automates the immunization-verification process for universities.

Access to the form submission and Med+Proctor data is restricted to University healthcare professionals and trained employees. Your information will not be shared publicly or directly with instructors, supervisors or colleagues.

There is no charge to upload your information.

How to upload

1. Log on to medproctor.com. First-time users will need to register for a new account. There is no charge.
2. Upload your vaccine record.

Need help? See step-by-step instructions.

Problems? Send a message to covid@uakron.edu.

We have partnered with Klein’s Pharmacy to offer the Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at no out-of-pocket expense from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Bierce Library. No reservation is required. You should bring your Zip Card, a state I.D. card (driver's license), current vaccine card if seeking a booster, and a private insurance card, if you have one.

Visit gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov for more registered vaccination locations in Ohio.

Updated: August 29, 2022

Symptomatic Individuals

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, testing is available at Student Health Services or you can obtain a take home test via curbside pickup at Bierce Library (see details below).

Asymptomatic Individuals

If you are NOT experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and would like to get tested (including those exposed to COVID-19 not experiencing symptoms) testing is available at Bierce Library. You can also pick up an at-home test from Bierce Library or the Student Recreation and Wellness Center while supplies last. See details for all options below.

Health Services

Testing for those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can get tested at Student Health Services inside the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. An appointment is required. Please call 330-972-7808 for an appointment.

Bierce Library Testing (Klein’s Pharmacy)

Testing is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 61 of the Bierce Library. An appointment is required for testing. Please schedule an appointment here. These tests are conducted by our testing partners from Klein’s Pharmacy. Klein’s Pharmacy also has COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters available on these days. No appointment is needed to obtain your vaccination or booster.

At-Home Test Pickup

At-home tests for COVID-19 may be picked up at the Bierce Library Circulation Desk and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center Main Desk during normal operating hours.

Curbside Pickup of At-Home Tests

Curbside pickup of at-home tests for COVID-19 may be arranged at Bierce Library. To arrange pickup, please call Bierce Library at 330-972-5355 or email circ@uakron2.libanswers.com to schedule a time.

Supervised Antigen Test

Supervised antigen test requirements can be met in a variety of ways including off-campus testing with official lab results, testing on campus with Health Services, Athletics Training, and Klein’s Pharmacy. Take home tests including the Abbott BianaxNow, when used in conjunction with the eMed virtual lab qualify as supervised, if used according to the remote proctoring protocols as it includes a verified lab result.

Updated: August 2, 2022

The University of Akron is not requiring testing prior to the return to campus for the fall semester. Additionally, unless changing conditions warrant, we will not be conducting mandatory weekly surveillance testing.

The surveillance testing strategy is based on several different factors that include taking into consideration each person’s potential exposure to others who have tested positive and share facilities, density of congregate living environments and activities with higher risk of close contact.

Other data points that will influence whether there is a need to implement regular surveillance testing, should conditions change, include results from wastewater monitoring in the residence halls, and multiple cases in a class like performing arts where contact tracing is not completely able to identify who the close contacts were.

UA will continue to monitor the impacts of variants and may need to adjust the testing requirements further as new information is available and we learn more about the continued benefits of booster shots. The University continues to refine, improve and adjust testing efforts as they are a critical layer in our mitigation strategy.

• As part of the University’s effort to reduce the spread of COVID we may employ periodic mandatory testing for our campus community.
  
  
• Individuals selected for surveillance testing will receive notification to their UA email with instructions on how to make an appointment for the following week or request an alternate method if there are any scheduling conflicts.   
  
  
• Students who do not comply with the testing requirement will be referred to the Department of Student Conduct and Community Standards, where they will face increasingly progressive discipline that may include warnings, educational sanctions, fines, probation, loss of campus privileges, or suspension.
• Employees who do not comply with the testing requirement will face appropriate progressive discipline. 

There will be no charge for the testing. The cost will be covered by a federal grant and supplies from the Ohio Department of Health.

Exemption forms for students

 Student request for religious exemption from COVID-19 testing/mask

 Student request for medical exemption from COVID-19 testing/masks

Exemption forms for employees

 Employee request for religious exemption from COVID-19 testing

 Employee request for medical exemption from COVID-19 testing

We encourage anyone who is not fully vaccinated, feeling ill or who is immunocompromised to use caution and consider facial coverings for their personal safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides weekly updates on COVID-19 County Community Levels, to help communities and individuals decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

County levels can be low, medium or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Summit County, Medina County and Wayne County community levels are one of several factors the University considers when modifying mask recommendations or requirements.

Unless otherwise communicated masks are optional (for those not under quarantine or isolation restrictions) in the following locations:

• Student Recreation and Wellness Center and ONAT (with exception of Student Health Services) 
• University Libraries 
• Student Union public spaces 
• Simmons Hall public spaces
• Indoors for public performances events 
• Indoor public areas in most campus buildings, including hallways, common spaces and conference rooms (see exceptions below) 
• Residence hall common spaces 
• E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (patrons and staff; note exception below for backstage personnel) 
• Athletic event venues (spectators and staff) 
• Outdoor spaces 

Please note, there will be locations where masks may still be required, including: 

• Individual classes and labs (at the discretion of individual faculty and staff) 
• Individual offices (at the discretion of individual employees) 
• Areas where employees have close contact (more than 15 minutes and less than 6 ft.) for services such as academic advising, financial aid appointments, mental health counseling or when in a small room other than an individual office (at the discretion of the employee) 
• Athletic training will determine requirements in training room and other close contact locations based on their own surveillance data 

Additional signs for requiring masks in private offices, etc., can be picked up at DocuZip in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union. 

Areas where masks will still be required universally:

• Student Health Services 
• Bierce Library COVID-testing site 
• Speech and Audiology clinics in the Polsky Building 
• Office of Accessibility 
• E.J. Thomas Hall (backstage personnel during performances) 
• Note: Those under COVID-19 quarantine or isolation restrictions are required to be masked for a minimum of 10 days

Individuals may choose to wear masks at any time.

The University will continue to monitor conditions and guidance from the CDC, the State of Ohio and local health officials and adjust protocols as needed.

More

• Faculty/Instructors who are teaching in-person classes for the 2022 fall semester may choose to wear a face shield in place of a face mask while teaching if they are vaccinated and can maintain a safe distance of more than six feet from their students if the University has a campus wide mask requirement in place. See additional information for faculty. 
• Faculty teaching outdoors may do so without a face mask or shield if close contact with others can be avoided at any time. 
• Microphones may be requested to aid in teaching.  Please contact Audio Visual Services for assistance. 
• Performance arts classes and guest performers may be granted an exception to use face shields or perform without a mask based on additional safety protocols including but not limited to distancing and enhanced surveillance, including COVID-19 testing unless they are under isolation protocols.  
• Faculty or staff seeking a reasonable accommodation should contact the ADA coordinator. If an employee or supervisor believes there is a functional reason for an employee not to wear a face covering for a specific task, or that it is a violation of documented industry standards, or prohibited by law, please complete a safety concern form to request approval for an exception. 
• Students requesting a reasonable accommodation from wearing a face covering should contact the Office of Accessibility. 
• The Office of Accessibility may request that instructors wear a clear view face mask or visible shield to provide necessary facial cues. Faculty may wear their own clear face covering or request one from the Office of Accessibility. 
• Any supervisor or employee who has questions about the non-compliance of the mask requirement for employees, please contact LaborRelations@uakron.edu. 

Exemption forms for students

 Student request for religious exemption from COVID-19 testing/mask

 Student request for medical exemption from COVID-19 testing/masks

Report COVID test, symptoms or exposure

If you have tested positive or need to quarantine because of close contact with someone who has tested positive, please let us know by completing this form.

More guidance

About Student Health Services

Located in the Recreation Center (map), Student Health Services is staffed by certified family nurse practitioners. Appointments are available for degree-seeking students and University employees.

Where to get assistance

Affording the semester

Help-A-Zip: Help for students struggling with academics, mental health, finances or adjustment to college. Make a referral or request help for yourself.

ZipAssist: Hub for student support and assistance

Campus Cupboard: Providing students in periodic need with access to the basic necessities of daily living.

Technology needs holding you back?

Students in need of technology (laptop, webcam, etc.) to complete their classes are encouraged to visit Bierce Library and reserve a device https://www.uakron.edu/libraries/services/

Equipment (such as laptops, Chromebooks, webcams and hot spots) are available for the duration of the semester. 

Students in need of internet should also check out a federal broadband assistance program. Qualified households experiencing pandemic-related hardships may be eligible for up to $50 of their monthly broadband charges through this program. Learn more about the Emergency Broadband Benefit.

If you are concerned about your ability to be successful in an online course, please feel free to submit a Help-A-Zip referral. Our team will work with you to offer resources.

For meetings and events that necessitate being in person, departments and student organizations are required to follow these guidelines. 
Departments and student organizations are required to meet the following guidelines to promote healthy behaviors to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Adherence to federal, state and local public health requirements is required. 
• Adherence to the University's policies for masks as posted elsewhere on this page. 
• Identify someone in your group to confirm protocols are met. 
• Vocal or singing rehearsals must adhere to current university mask policies and should consider additional risk-reduction strategies. 
• Understand the risks of COVID transmission at events, your level of risk acceptance and your role in identifying and managing those risks. 
• Communicate The University of Akron’s safety policies and procedures to staff and attendees, including their role and responsibility in having a safe event. 

If applicable:

• Confirm with your national governing body that meeting is permitted and what best practices need to be implemented. 
• Confirm that you meet all insurance requirements for your organization. 

Before your event

1. In marketing materials, require staff, volunteers and attendees to stay home if they do not feel well, have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Asymptomatic individuals that had direct contact with an individual diagnosed with or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow the masking and other guidance located on this web page under the Quarantine and Isolation section. Continue to share event expectations so that attendees will be prepared for your event. 
2. Prepare adequate supplies to protect volunteers and staff. 

During your event

Use a contactless method for exchanging or verifying items like identification or event attendance when possible. 

Provide hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol near the event entrance and exits. 

Contractors and other professional visitors

• If you feel unwell, reschedule your appointment for a day when you feel normal. 
• If face coverings are required while on campus. You may be asked to leave should you refuse to wear one. 
• We ask that you practice good hygiene while on campus including frequently washing your hands and using the available hand sanitizing stations.  

Families or guests of students

If you are a family member or guest of a current student and plan to meet with your student on campus, we ask that you complete a personal wellness check prior to your arrival. More guidelines:

• If you feel unwell, reschedule your visit for a day when you feel normal. 
• If face coverings are required while on campus. You may be asked to leave should you refuse to wear one. 
• We also ask that while on campus, please practice good hygiene to include frequently washing your hands and using the available hand sanitizing stations.   

Future students

We welcome you for on-campus visits, all while taking great care to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Learn more and reserve your spot today.

University Libraries

Library hours and policies.

Info for anyone traveling out of Akron:

Travel policy for students, faculty and staff traveling out of Akron and the United States

For non-U.S. students coming to Akron:

See details for students and scholars that are traveling to Akron from abroad

International students and scholars

Traveling out of the United States: International travel policy for those traveling from UA

See our active cases, and more: COVID-19 Dashboard

• Reports about expenditures for coronavirus relief funds allocated to UA