Aims COVID-19 FAQs

COVID-19 Campus Access Guidance, Symptoms FAQs

• What questions will I be asked when I arrive on campus and go through the check-in station?

  You will be asked to show your ID and…

  • Do you have any Major or Minor Symptoms?

  • Have you in the past 14 days

    • Been exposed to anyone diagnosed with COVID-19?

    • Been exposed to anyone with one of the major COVID-19 symptoms?

    • Waiting for COVID-19 test results?

    • Tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days?

• What are the Major and Minor Symptoms?

  Minor Symptoms

  • Sore throat

  • Headache

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Runny nose or congestion

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting or Nausea

  • Abdominal (stomach) pain

  • Fatigue

  Major Symptoms

  • Feeling feverish, having chills

  • Temperature of 100.4 or greater

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • New or unexplained persistent cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• How many symptoms do I need to have to be required to stay home?

  One (1) major OR two (2) minor symptoms will require you to stay home.

• If I’m currently symptomatic with one (1) major or two (2) minor symptoms how long do I have to stay home?

  You will need to isolate for 10 days or until you are fever/medication free for 72 hours and other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving, whichever is longer. This means you will need to stay home for a minimum of 10 days. Unless – a COVID test is negative AND you are fever/medication free (medications related to your illness) for 72 hours and the other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving.

• What if I have been exposed to someone who is diagnosed (tested positive) with COVID-19?

  You will need to quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date you last had contact.If you are fully vaccinated, contact the COVID-19 Response Team to determine your course of action.

• What if I have been exposed to someone with one of the major symptoms or two of the minor symptoms?

  You will need to quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date you last had contact. Unless – the person with symptoms has a COVID test with negative results. If you are fully vaccinated, contact the COVID-19 Response Team to determine your course of action.

• Do I need to quarantine if I had a previous confirmed case of COVID-19 and I was in close contact with someone with COVID-19?

  No, as long as these conditions have been met:

  • Had COVID-19 illness within the previous 3 months and

  • Has recovered and

  • Remains without COVID-19 symptoms (for example, cough, shortness of breath)

• What does “exposed” mean?

  Exposure means “close contact”.

  • You were within the same space of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more (the 15 minutes does not have to be counted in one instance, however, an accumulation of encounters)
  • You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
  • You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
  • You shared eating or drinking utensils
  • They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
• What does Isolation mean?

  Isolation keeps someone who is infected with the virus away from others, even in their home (CDC guidelines).

• What does Quarantine mean?

  Quarantine keeps someone who might have been exposed to the virus away from others (CDC guidelines).

• When does the quarantine period start and end?

  Please read about scenarios and guidance from the CDC.

• What if I don’t know if I have COVID-19 or if the person I was or am exposed to has COVID-19, do I still have to follow the Isolation and/or Quarantine periods?

  Yes.  If you or someone you have been or are in close contact with has one (1) major symptom or two (2) minor symptoms you will be required to follow the isolation and/or quarantine periods. If you are fully vaccinated, contact the COVID-19 Response Team to determine your course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19

• What is coronavirus and how does it spread?

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

  You can read more about how the virus spreads from the CDC.

• I may have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?
  • If your are fully vaccinated, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
  • If you are not fully vaccinated:
  • Stay home except to get medical care. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not visit public areas.
  • Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
  • Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
  • Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis. 

  
  See more guidelines on the CDC’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19: Health, Wellness and Prevention

• What can I do to stay healthy?
  People can protect themselves and others from the spread of illness by practicing these healthy habits:
  
  

  • Get the COVID-19 vaccine. (Read information from the CDC about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine.)
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick, especially if they are exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • Stay home if you are sick. Avoid contact with others except when seeking medical care.
  • Contact your medical provider if you have any questions or health concerns.
    
    

  Please visit the CDC’s website for more information on how to protect yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19: Self-Quarantine

• In consultation with my medical provider, I understand I need to self-quarantine. Do you have guidance?

  Please refer to the information available on the CDC webpage.

• What are the current guidelines on quarantining after international travel?

  You are expected to follow the CDC’s guidelines on when to quarantine following international travel. This page is continuously being updated and will provide the most current information available. The information provided includes how to proceed for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.