Health and Safety Information

Prevent the spread of COVID-19

People come first at East Tennessee State University, and the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors is our number one priority.  Each of us has a responsibility to protect one another. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, wear a face covering in public spaces and follow other CDC guidelines.  Pay close attention to health and safety information posted on walls, screens and floors in order to practice physical distancing in classrooms and labs or while waiting in lines for food or other services. 

Frequently Asked Health Questions

All faculty, staff, students, and visitors are expected to adhere to the following CDC guidelines:

  • Wear face coverings or masks in public settings

  • Avoid close contact by practicing physical distancing and staying at least 6-feet apart
  • Frequent handwashing for 20 seconds
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Stay home if you are not feeling well

 The University Health Center offers in-person and telehealth appointments

  • The University Health Center, located in Roy S. Nicks Hall, Suite 160, is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • In-person and virtual telehealth visits are available for ETSU students, staff, and faculty members.
  • COVID-19 testing available
  • To make an appointment, call 423-439-4225

Bucs Are Back: COVID-19 Safety Pledge

Take the pledge today!

  • Check your ETSU email for instructions on how to take the COVID-19 Safety Pledge.
  • The training module only takes about 10 minutes to complete and includes a review of public health recommendations followed by the pledge.
  • Answers to commonly asked questions and troubleshooting tips are available on the Safety Pledge webpage.
  • Please complete the training module and safety pledge before Monday, Aug. 24.

Safety Pledge

Protecting the health of the ETSU community

 

What is ETSU doing to keep people safe?

  

  • Cleaning Protocols and Physical Distancing 

    Cleaning and Sanitation

    In addition to installing additional hand sanitizing stations in residence hall lobbies and food service areas, ETSU Facilities Management has implemented additional cleaning and sanitation measures using EPA certified cleaners approved to kill viruses. Enhanced cleaning will include the use of the most current disinfecting technology -  electrostatic disinfecting equipment.

    What is electrostatic disinfecting?


    Electrostatic disinfecting equipment creates a positive electrostatic charge on the disinfecting agent when released from the sprayer. The positive charged mist seeks out negative charges (present on all fixed surfaces), which increases coverage efficacy.

     

    Deep cleaning common spaces
    • Facilities Management staff will deep clean classrooms, computer labs, restrooms, conference rooms, etc.
      • Classrooms and computer labs will be deep cleaned every evening, which will include electrostatic disinfecting of all high touch surfaces.
      • Prior to start of the fall semester, classrooms will be disinfected and treated with a long-lasting antimicrobial agent that kills viruses, bacteria, and other microbes on contact. The agent is FDA and EPA certified and is eco-friendly.
    • Focus on high touch surfaces (doorknobs, handrails, furniture in common areas, elevator buttons, etc.)
    • Restrooms will be deep cleaned every evening, which will include electrostatic disinfecting of all high touch surfaces. In addition to the deep cleaning every evening, high-traffic restrooms will be closed periodically each day for additional electrostatic disinfecting.


    Physical Distancing and Signage

    Adjustments are being made in classrooms and labs to meet recommended physical distancing guidelines such as moving desks farther apart, and limiting the number of persons sitting at a table. Plexiglass service shields will be used in many offices.

    ETSU Facilities Management is working with University Relations to develop and post appropriate health and safety signage for public spaces and buildings. 

    As you return to campus, pay close attention to health and safety information posted on walls, screens as well as floors so you can practice physical distancing while waiting in lines for food or other services. 

    View available health and safety signage

     

  • COVID-19 Testing

    COVID-19 testing is available to any student, staff, or faculty member who wishes to be tested. For more information about how to get tested, call the University Health Center at 423-439-4225

    If you experience COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) and/or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, contact your health care provider or the University Health Center. Do not go to a health care facility before you have called your provider.

    University Health Center

    423-439-4225 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) or
    after-hours at 1-888-915-7299

    At this time, testing is only mandatory for student athletes. Testing protocols may change based upon Federal, State, and ETSU Health recommendations.

     

    Frequently asked health questions

  • Medical Response Team

    A team of experts from ETSU’s health sciences colleges is helping the university navigate important decisions and policies to protect the health and safety of the campus community and ETSU Health clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Medical Response Team meets regularly to analyze disease trends, craft medical suggestions and aid in decisions and considerations regarding the safe return to campus.

  • Policy on Face Coverings

    All members of the ETSU community, including visitors, are required to wear face coverings in public spaces. 


    COVID-19 Policy on Face Coverings Frequently Asked Questions

    Acceptable Face Coverings

  • Travel Restrictions

    Travel guidelines will be updated as the campus progresses through stages of operation. Travel restrictions and guidelines currently in place include:

    INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

    All outgoing university-related international travel is suspended.

    STUDY ABROAD

    All study abroad programs for ETSU students are suspended.


    DOMESTIC TRAVEL

    Travel is suspended until further notice. College deans will continue to approve travel requests within their respective colleges, but any travel approved must have justification that it supports accreditation, tenure activities, or essential program delivery. Dean or Vice President approval is required.

    LOCAL/REGIONAL TRAVEL

    Local travel associated with everyday operations of the university, including blanket travel, will continue.


    Vehicular travel outside a 50 mile radius, with the exception of other ETSU campuses, requires supervisor approval and should be limited to activities that are absolutely necessary and cannot be rescheduled or conducted remotely.




    PERSONAL TRAVEL

    Recommendations for personal travel and international students traveling to ETSU is to follow the most current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other appropriate state and federal agencies.

    Do the travel restrictions apply to personal travel?

    This suspension is applicable to university-related domestic travel and international travel and does not apply to personal travel plans.

    What are the self-quarantine requirements if I have traveled? 

    When considering personal travel, follow the most current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which include self-quarantine guidelines when traveling to and from certain areas.





Learn more about COVID-19

 

Information for ETSU Health Patients



COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Tracking

 

Health Questions and Answers

 

 


  • What is COVID-19?

    COVID-19 refers to the illness caused by SARS-CoV2, which is a type of coronavirus. The virus was just recently discovered in the fall of 2019.

  • What are the symptoms?
    • The most common symptoms are fever, chills, or cough.
    • Other symptoms may include loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or
      diarrhea.
    • Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Some people may not experience any symptoms, and some may have only mild symptoms.
    • Others will experience more severe symptoms which may result in hospitalization, being placed on a ventilator, or death.
    • In people who get very sick from COVID-19, many organs can be affected, including the heart, kidneys, and brain.

  • How long does it last?

    Mild cases of COVID-19 may last a few days to a few weeks. For more severe cases, some people may be in the hospital for weeks or even months.

    There is emerging evidence that people may have long term complications from this illness, although not enough time has passed yet to have specific information about those complications.

  • How is it transmitted?

    COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets that come out of our noses and mouths when we talk, cough, sneeze, or even just breathe. Face coverings are very helpful at preventing this type of transmission.

    It may also be transmitted by touching a surface that has virus particles on it, and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.

    It is important to note that it is very possible to transmit COVID-19 without knowing that you are infected.

  • How is it treated?

    As of right now, there’s no definitive cure for COVID-19.

    Mild illness resolves with time, and is treated like any other mild respiratory illness: with medicines to keep fevers down, rest, hydration, and staying away from other people.

    In more severe illness that requires hospitalizations, doctors are using several different medications, most of which are still being studied in the treatment of COVID-19.

  • How can I protect myself and people around me?

    There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

    • Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
    • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth anytime you are around people other than your immediate household contacts. Click here to read ETSU’s Face Covering policy.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • What are the testing requirements? Options?

    At this time, testing is mandatory for student athletes only.

    Testing will be available to any students, staff, and faculty who elect to be tested.

    If faculty, staff, or students have health questions, they may call the University Health Center at 423-439-4225 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30
    p.m.) or after-hours at 1-888-915-7299.

    Testing protocols may change based upon Federal, State, and ETSU Health Recommendations.

  • Who should get tested?

     If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested. All ETSU faculty, staff, and employees may contact the University Health Center at
    423-439-4225 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) or after-hours at 1-888- 915-7299 to arrange testing.

    If you do not have symptoms but wish to get tested, you may do so through the Tennessee Department of Health. Click here for more information.

  • As a member of the ETSU community, what should I do if I get sick?

    If you are experiencing COVID 19 symptoms, you should contact the University Health Center or your physician to arrange testing.

    Stay home or in your campus residence hall room or apartment and follow the guidelines in the COVID-19 Wellness Addendum to the 2020-2021 Housing Contract.

    If you are a student, contact your instructors to let them know you are ill and will be missing class.

    If you a faculty or staff member, contact your department chair, dean, or supervisor and discuss modifications that may need to be made to your work patterns. You may request to use sick leave or annual leave for your initial absence, or may be eligible for Emergency Paid Sick Leave while awaiting a diagnosis. Contact Human Resources for more information.

    If you test positive for COVID 19, please See Appendix A: Reporting Protocol

  • What will be done with my testing results/information?

    The results are shared with the Health Department.

  • How is ETSU contact tracing?

    ETSU works with the Health Department on contact tracing and follows the Health Department guidelines on contact tracing.

  • I think I was exposed; can I request a test?

    COVID-19 testing is available to any student, staff, or faculty member who wishes to be tested. For more information about how to get tested, call the University Health Center at 423-439-4225 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) or after-hours at 1-888-915-7299.

    If you are a Quillen Medical student, please call ETSU Health Access at 423-952-6490. Please note that this resource is for Quillen students ONLY at this time.

    If you experience COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) and/or have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, contact your health care provider or the University Health Center. Do not go to a health care facility before you have called your provider.

  • If a faculty member, staff member or student gets tested for COVID-19, what are the protocols they follow while waiting for their test results? After receiving results?

    After testing, you should quarantine at home while you await results.

    Click here to learn more.

    See Appendix A: Reporting Protocol

    See Appendix B: Return to Work or Class Protocol

  • What counts as a “close contact” of someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19?

    Per the Tennessee Department of Health, a close contact is considered someone who:

    • Lives in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19; or
    • Cares for a sick person with COVID-19; or
    • Has been within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes or longer, including up to two days prior to the contact’s diagnosis of COVID-19; or
    • Has been in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.)
  • I was a “close contact” of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. What do I do?
    • You should stay home for 14 days after your last contact with the person with COVID-19.
    • If your contact is a household member, you may need to stay home for longer.
    • Do not go to work or school, and avoid public places for 14 days.
    • If possible, get others such as friends or family to drop off food or other necessities.
    • Watch for fever, cough and shortness of breath during the 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with the person with COVID-19.
    • If you develop these symptoms within 14 days of last contact with a person with COVID-19, you may have COVID-19. If your symptoms are mild, stay home and monitor your health.
    • If you need a medical assessment, call the health clinic or hospital before you arrive and tell the provider that you are a close contact to a person who was diagnosed with COVID-19.

    Click here for more information

    See Appendix B: Return to Work or Class Protocol

  • I was exposed to someone who has symptoms of COVID-19, and they’re awaiting test results. What do I do?
    • You should stay home until the person with symptoms of COVID-19 notifies you of their test results.
    • Do not go to work or school, and avoid public places until the test results are available.
    • If the results are negative, and you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you may return to work or school while wearing a face covering at all times.
    • If their test is positive, please see question above.
  • I was not a “close contact” of someone with COVID-19, but I was near them. Do I need to get tested or quarantine?

    No. If you do not fit into the criteria above for a “close contact,” then you do not need to quarantine or get tested, unless you develop symptoms.

    Continue to wear a face covering when outside of your home, wash your hands frequently, and stay at least six feet apart from other people.

  • What do I do after I get tested?

    Stay home and quarantine while you await test results. Click here for more information.

    See Appendix A: Reporting Protocol

    See Appendix B: Return to Work or Class Protocol

  • Will temperature checks be done at entrances to buildings, offices, classrooms, etc.?

    All faculty, staff and students are asked to conduct symptom self monitoring each day before reporting to campus. You must be free of any symptoms potentially related to COVID-19 to be eligible to report to campus.

    At this time, symptoms for COVID-19 include one or more of the following:

    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fever

    • Chills

    • Repeated shaking with chills

    • Runny nose or new sinus congestion

    • Muscle pain

    • Headache

    • Sore throat
    • Fatigue

    • New gastrointestinal symptoms

    • New loss of taste or smell

    This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as more is learned about COVID-19.

    If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, do not report to campus for work or class. You should immediately notify your supervisor and/or professor and follow guidelines for seeking medical care and self-quarantining

  • If I was sick, when can I go back to work or class?
  • I was diagnosed with COVID-19 but never had any symptoms. When can I go back to work or school?
  • I was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and stayed home for 14 days. When can I go back to work or school?
  • Do I need a negative test before going back to work or school?
  • Under what circumstances would ETSU move more courses online? Limit the number of individuals on campus?

    The health and safety of all members of the ETSU community and our visitors to campus remain our highest priority. We recognize that the current state of the pandemic is concerning to many people. ETSU continues to monitor data and other information that is being released regarding COVID-19 from local, state, and federal health organizations. Our decisions regarding academic and business operations of the institution are also being informed by our health experts and leaders on this campus.

  • I still have questions. Who should I contact?

    Please direct questions to the Live Chat Box on this website.

    If you have a health emergency, please dial 911.

  • What support services are available if I feel concern or worry about COVID-19?

    Students may contact the ETSU Counseling Center at 423-439-3333 or counselingcenter@etsu.edu

    The Counseling Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Bucs Press 2 provides counseling support by phone and is available 24/7 by dialing 423-439-4841 and pressing 2.

    The BucsCARE website is another resource for students. BucsCARE lists offices and campus resources in various categories. Student referrals can be made by submitting a CARE Report.

    The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for faculty and staff members who need counseling support and referral to other resources. Assistance is available 24/7 by calling 855-437-3486.

  • How can I protect myself and others from getting sick?

    To minimize the spread of illness, everyone should follow these everyday preventive actions recommended by the CDC:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Wear a face covering in public places.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a disinfectant. 
    • Monitor your health daily and be alert for symptoms

Commitment to Communicate

Stay informed and pay attention to health and safety information and updates. ETSU is committed to providing clear communication in a timely manner. There are several ways the university communicates and shares important messages:

 

 

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