July 14 COVID-19 update

July 14, 2022

The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in communities across Alaska, which means it鈥檚 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.  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鈥檛 aware of being exposed, it鈥檚 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:

  • Visit the to find a health care provider that offers testing. 
  •  to order free home tests and find free on-site testing providers in your community. 
  • Check your  for more information about how to get free home tests from the university.

Wondering if you need to get tested? If you have symptoms, the answer is 鈥測es.鈥 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鈥檛 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. 鈥淐lose contact鈥 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 ,  and  pages of the  to find out what the requirements are for your location.  

When to isolate and quarantine

鈥嬧婹uarantine and isolation length will depend on several factors. Please visit to find more information about what you should do. The CDC also has an to help as well. Just make sure you check your  to see if there are additional requirements at your campus. 

If you have any other questions, please visit the , 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.