Social Work COVID-19 Updates

Protecting our Community

As we continue to learn from and adapt to the pandemic, we will remain nimble and adjust as necessary, while following the recommendations of experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Texas, and The University of Texas System.

We will all do our part to keep our community safe by continuing to practice safe social distancing, follow proper hygiene and sanitation procedures, and wear masks on campus and in public—especially when social distancing cannot be achieved. We are in this together.

Face-Covering Protocol Details

This protocol will apply to everyone on campus—all students, staff, faculty, contractors, vendors, suppliers, and visitors—and is critical in minimizing risks to others near you.

They Must be Worn

• while in campus buildings (except private offices, alone in labs, in residence hall rooms or apartments, or when eating); and
• elsewhere on campus where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., student shuttle buses, well-attended outdoor events, etc.).

Where to Obtain a Mask

Reusable, washable fabric face masks for individuals are available at Central Library and the information desk at the University Center.

Through UTA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department, reusable, washable fabric face masks are available for UTA departments and disposable, three-ply, pleated, ear-loop face masks are available for research groups.

If you have come in close contact with a COVID-positive individual

Individuals who have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 need to fill out the Close Contact Form and follow the guidelines from UTA Health Services.

If you have been in close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19, you may not return to work or class until the end of the 14-day self-quarantine period from the last date of exposure.

Report Close Contact

If you Test Positive for COVID-19

Individuals personally diagnosed with COVID-19 are required to report to the University by filling out the Personal Diagnosis form and are expected to self-isolate at an off-campus location.

Report Personal Diagnosis

You may return to campus when all four of the following criteria are met:

• At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications;
• Improvement in symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath);
• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
• You have obtained a note from a medical professional clearing you for return to work or class

Daily self-monitoring for COVID-19

Everyone must measure their temperature daily.

Prior to coming to campus or while on campus if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms that are new, worsening or occurring in a way that is not normal for any chronic conditions you may have, please remain or return home. Employees should notify their supervisor.

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea
• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit

If you have symptoms that could be COVID-19 and do not get evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, you are assumed to have COVID-19 and may not return to work or class until you have completed the same four-step criteria listed above.

If you have symptoms that could be COVID-19 and want to return to work or class before completing the above self-isolation period, you must obtain a medical professional’s note clearing you for return based on an alternative diagnosis.

You can download a printable version of the the daily self-monitoring checklist here.