COVID-19 Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated on Feb. 17, 2023
These FAQs are intended to provide critical information for students, faculty and staff. The questions and answers will be updated as the situation changes or as more information becomes available. New questions will appear at the top of the page. Updated questions will have the date it was changed.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health officials, and other well-known domestic and global health organizations informs this FAQ.
In addition, the campus community should also read emails sent by University administrators, which provide more detailed updates.
Questions by Category
No. An individual who has tested positive may return to in-person activities without additional testing after 10 days from the day they started experiencing symptoms or testing positive (whichever comes first), once they are feeling better and have no fever without the benefit of medication for 24 hours.
Note: In accordance with California Department of Public Health and Cal-OSHA guidelines, students, faculty and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 may return to in-person activities after a minimum of five (5) days of isolation if their symptoms are not present or are resolving, and they test negative with a home rapid antigen test. Please write your name and date on the negative home test result, and either reserve the actual test kit result or a picture of it in case documentation is requested.
Yes. COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are available to all current students, faculty and staff, at no cost.
Click on the link for more information: COVID-19 Testing.
As of 7/25/22, if you are a close contact to an infected individual, you no longer have to quarantine unless you become symptomatic, or you test positive. However, please do submit a COVID report. Please visit the campus COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidance page for more information.
You can get the vaccine or booster after you have recovered from your illness and are allowed to exit isolation, but no less than 10 days from the start of your COVID-19 illness.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available at community clinics and other locations. Californians can make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine by using the MyTurn appointment system.
Households can order a total of four rapid Covid tests for free at CovidTests.gov at this time. This may be for a limited time period so check the website to see if this is still offered.
In addition, at home Rapid Antigen Tests are available for the campus community to pick up at the following locations: Student Health & Counseling Center, Library, USU and Housing Atrium.
Yes. A Rapid Antigen Test is allowed for COVID-19 testing whether you have symptoms or not. This was confirmed by the Fresno County Department of Public Health on 8/9/22.
Click on the link for more information: COVID-19 Testing
As a reminder, you are eligible for a booster two (2) months after receiving a final primary series dose, or an original booster.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available at community clinics and other locations. Californians can make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine by using the MyTurn appointment system.
Please remember to update your vaccination/booster documentation on your Self-Certification form located in your My Fresno State portal: Homepage - My Fresno State Portal
Yes. An individual who has had a close contact exposure to COVID-19, is experiencing symptoms, and/or has tested positive is required to complete a COVID-19 reporting form.
The individual will get an email of next-step guidance applicable to their situation in accordance with the California Department of Public Health guidelines.
As of September 13, 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) rescinded the testing requirement (except as specifically noted to comply with federal requirements) for health care workers exempt due to medical reasons or religious beliefs. Order of the State Public Health Officer Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement
Note: Healthcare facilities may have more stringent requirements.
At a faculty member’s discretion, students can be assigned COVID-19 training (includes information about campus protocols) via Canvas. Contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety/Risk Management for assistance at ehsrmsrequest@listserv.csufresno.edu.
There are numerous resources and support programs available through the Student Health and Counseling Center. Please visit the Student Resources page for a complete list of student support services.
Illness and exposures due to COVID-19 must be reported using the online reporting form. Follow the guidance you receive via email after your report is submitted.
In accordance with recent updated guidelines from the California Department of Public Health, employees and students who have attested to a medical or religious exemption (including those who are booster eligible, but not yet boosted) are no longer required to test weekly at the COVID-19 Testing Center effective Monday, October 10, 2022.
Daily health self-screenings using our online daily screening tool are required to be completed prior to coming to campus. The survey can also be accessed in the Downloadable mobile app or accessed within the COVID-19 campus website.
Individuals are approved to come to campus if they clear the health screening. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should not participate in any in-person campus-sponsored activities and must follow the guidelines/protocols given by the online daily screening tool.
Students should take such concerns to the chair of the department in which the course is offered. If the instructor is the department chair, they should take the concern to the School/College Dean.
The Library provides spaces for taking Zoom classes in between in-person courses. The best option is for students to “Book a Study Room” on the library website. The library has individual and group study rooms available. The North wing study areas are collaborative, and could be used as well. Library Tech Lending has headphones and some other peripherals available to support virtual learning. Besides the library, many outdoor areas of our campus are Wi-Fi accessible.
No, the instructor is only obligated to teach in the modality specified in the student portal and the course schedule.
Classes are taught in a variety of modalities, including fully online, virtual, hyflex, hybrid, and face-to-face. The modality of the class is listed in the schedule of classes in the student portal, and designated on the course syllabus. Each course will be offered in the modality listed only, and face-to-face classes will not have an online option. Students who have health concerns about specific courses are encouraged to discuss them with their advisors for options. Fresno State is not accredited to offer online degree programs, and some courses cannot be offered online.
No, but individual faculty may choose to record their own Zoom-based online or hybrid lectures.
If a student has difficulty hearing/understanding a faculty member because of their face covering, the student should discuss this with the faculty member to determine options. Students with hearing disorders should contact Services for Students with Disabilities to discuss options for any accommodations needed. Check out the following link for more information: Services for Students with Disabilities.
Free surgical grade masks (i.e., face coverings) are available at:
- Library
- University Student Union
- Student Health and Counseling Center
- Student Housing Atrium
- Student Recreation Center
- University Warehouse
No, you are not required to wear a mask on campus unless you are in a clinical environment (e.g. Student Health & Counseling Center), or in a class where the instructor requires it. While masks (i.e., face coverings) are no longer otherwise required, they remain a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19, especially in large group settings. We fully support and respect those who wish to continue wearing face coverings.
Requesting that a student/employee provide documentation as to their vaccination status does not violate their privacy. The University will restrict access to this information to specific campus staff authorized and trained to properly manage highly confidential student/employee data.
The COVID-19 vaccination is not available on campus at this time.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available at community clinics and other locations. Californians can make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine by using the MyTurn appointment system.
Watch for updates of scheduled walk-in clinic dates for COVID-19 vaccinations. For up-to-date information and instructions, please visit the campus vaccination page on the campus COVID-19 website.
No. If you have proof of completing a series of any FDA-licensed or FDA- or WHO-authorized vaccine consistent with your country’s implementation, you will be considered to have complied with the vaccine mandate.
- To protect your personal health as well as that of others, including friends, loved ones and your campus community. Getting immunized helps prevent serious illness, and even death, due to COVID-19.
- It is safe, effective, free and convenient at upcoming campus clinics.
- The vaccine helps to prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading and replicating, which would allow it to mutate and possibly become more resistant to vaccines.*
*Source: MayoClinic.org
If you completed a Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine primary series outside of the United States you should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for booster shots.
Otherwise, if you were vaccinated abroad with other COVID-19 vaccines you can get a booster shot if you are 18 years or older and you either:
- Received all the recommended doses of a World Health Organization emergency use listing COVID-19 vaccine not approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Or completed a mix and match series composed of any combination of FDA-approved, FDA-authorized, or WHO-EUL COVID-19 vaccines.
CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was:
- Their final primary series dose, or
- An original (monovalent) booster
COVID-19 vaccine and booster recommendations may be updated as CDC continues to monitor the latest COVID-19 data.
Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC
Yes, if the vaccine is authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has developed a process for assessing and listing unlicensed vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics during public health emergencies. Through that process, a number of vaccines not available in the United States have received Emergency Use Listing (EUL). The University, consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California Department of Public Health guidance, will accept proof of vaccination with any international vaccine that has been authorized for emergency use by WHO.
The CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy allows for students to seek an exemption based on medical or religious reasons.
If a student submits a declaration for a religious exemption, they will not need to provide any supporting documentation at this time. If documentation is needed in the future, a personal statement from the student explaining the basis for the religious exemption will likely be required. The University does reserve the right to seek further documentation in any instance where there is significant evidence that a student has fraudulently requested the exemption.
If a student submits a declaration for a medical exemption they will need to upload documentation from a licensed healthcare professional.
Students seeking either a medical or religious exemption will need to attest to this on the Self-Certification which is an online form available through their My Fresno State student portal.
In accordance with recent updated guidelines from the California Department of Public Health, employees and students who have attested to a medical or religious exemption (including those who are booster eligible, but not yet boosted) are no longer required to test weekly at the COVID-19 Testing Center effective Monday, October 10, 2022.
Students who only enroll in virtual/online courses are not required to provide proof of vaccination. However, these students will need to declare/attest on their Self-Certification form that they do not plan to access Campus/Programs, and that if their plans change, they will submit a revised Certification in advance of any such access. If students need to access any in-person support services, they will need to revise their Certification in advance of arriving to campus.
A vaccine mandate is our best opportunity to create a secure space for everyone who works and studies on campus. Vaccines not only protect the person vaccinated but also that person’s family, neighbors, and classmates or co-workers. This is especially important for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons and those who live with young children and others who cannot yet be vaccinated. Additionally, we now know that new variants (e.g., Omicron) are much more transmissible and infectious than earlier forms of the virus.
Effective Jan. 3, 2022, all individuals who access campus/programs must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or have attested to a medical or religious exemption. Students who are eligible should get their booster as soon as possible. Compliance with the vaccination policy is required as a condition of being physically on campus. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action.
Update your vaccination documentation with your booster information on your self certification form located in your MyFresnoState student portal: Homepage - My Fresno State Portal.
The University follows up on all notifications made through the online campus reporting process. A case investigator from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety will follow up and conduct appropriate contact-tracing, and guidance is provided to the student via email after a report is submitted. The student can forward this email to the instructor as needed.
Instructors should direct the student to submit an online reporting form which can be found on the Spring 2022 Updates/COVID-19 webpage. Upon submission of the report, the student will receive an email of next-step guidance to help them determine how and when they can return to in-person activities. Students are guided to inform their instructor, and can share the email as needed.
If the student needs to be absent, the APM 232 is the guiding policy for handling such absences.
No, but while masks will no longer be required, we strongly encourage their use, as face coverings are still a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19, especially in large group settings. We fully support and respect those who wish to continue wearing face coverings.
If the clinical site allows exemptions, the student will be tested twice/week. If the clinical site will not take unvaccinated students, please consult with your department chair to discuss options for the student.
Yes. Attendance requirements are governed by existing policy and have not changed.
Yes, unvaccinated students will be allowed to attend in-person classes, but will be required to submit a vaccination exemption request.
In accordance with recent updated guidelines from the California Department of Public Health, employees and students who have attested to a medical or religious exemption (including those who are booster eligible, but not yet boosted) are no longer required to test weekly at the COVID-19 Testing Center effective Monday, October 10, 2022.
No. This will be treated as confidential health information.
Instructors should direct students to the student portal, where students may submit their COVID-19 self-certification form and find guidance on how to submit an exemption request. If assistance is needed, students should contact the Student Health and Counseling Center at 559.278.2734.
Fully online courses can offer office hours virtually. Hybrid classes should consider a combination of online and in person hours.
No, but individual faculty may choose to record their own Zoom-based online or hybrid lectures.
Faculty need to apply for travel and obtain approval after review by the Office of the Provost based on current travel guidelines by the Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California State University.
Yes, they will be able to travel on field trips.
A wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispenser will be installed in every classroom and lab, and our custodians will refill them as needed. These have also been installed at building entries, stairwells, elevators and athletic facilities. In addition, disinfectant kits will be provided that include the following items:
- A spray bottle with disinfectant
- A package of single fold towels
- A box of gloves
- A box of masks
No, the California Department of Public Health and Cal-OSHA no longer requires physical distancing. However, the wearing of face coverings indoors is strongly encouraged.
Yes. Updated policy language is included in the syllabus template.
The instructor may discreetly ask the student to leave the class and contact the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC) for guidance from a medical professional. If the instructor deems it appropriate, they can ask the student to follow the protocols for COVID-19 exposure/illness, which includes submitting a COVID-19 report. If a faculty member is concerned about the health and safety of a class, they may cancel a class meeting or temporarily meet virtually. Faculty should contact both their department chair and Lisa Kao, director of Environmental Health and Safety/Risk Management, at lisak@csufresno.edu for any additional guidance.
Yes, it is possible. If you become symptomatic, please stay home, submit a COVID-19 report. Please follow the emailed guidance provided, which will include getting a Rapid Antigen Test from the campus testing facility.
Please be aware that if you test positive for COVID-19, and would like to submit a Workers Compensation claim, you will be required to provide a positive PCR test result as a part of the review process. If you initially tested positive via a home rapid antigen test, you can obtain a confirmation PCR test from your personal healthcare provider or from a community testing center.
You can get the vaccine or booster after you have recovered from your illness, and are allowed to exit isolation, but no less than 10 days from the start of your COVID-19 illness.
CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was:
- Their final primary series dose, or
- An original (monovalent) booster
COVID-19 vaccine and booster recommendations may be updated as CDC continues to monitor the latest COVID-19 data.
Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC
Free Rapid Antigen Test kits are available in the Student Health and Counseling Center, Library, and USU. It’s a good idea to keep a couple kits at home at all times in case you need them.
Households can order a total of four rapid Covid tests for free from the Federal Government at CovidTests.gov at this time. This may be for a limited time period so check the website to see if this is still offered.
Yes, if you are symptomatic you should test at home. Please be aware that if you test positive for COVID-19, and would like to submit a Workers Compensation claim, you will be required to provide a positive PCR test result as a part of the review process. If you initially tested positive via a home rapid antigen test, you can obtain a confirmation PCR test from your personal healthcare provider or from a community testing center (such as: My Turn Find a testing site).
Follow guidance on the quarantine/isolation webpage.
Yes. Any employee who has had a close contact exposure to COVID-19, is experiencing symptoms, and/or has tested positive should submit a COVID-19 reporting form. The employee will get guidance applicable to their situation in accordance with the CDPH guidelines.
In accordance with recent updated guidelines from the California Department of Public Health, employees and students who have attested to a medical or religious exemption (including those who are booster eligible, but not yet boosted) are no longer required to test weekly at the COVID-19 Testing Center effective Monday, October 10, 2022.
Yes, vaccinated employees can use the campus testing site to access PCR testing at no cost. More information is available on the testing webpage.
Yes. Staff are expected to complete the COVID-19 Daily Screening tool prior to coming to campus, and to stay home if ill. If an employee develops symptoms after coming to campus, their manager should send the employee home. The employee should submit a COVID-19 Reporting Form.
If staff receive the red “X” when completing the daily screening tool, they need to complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form, contact their supervisor or Human Resources.
Staff should contact Julie Irwin in Human Resources (julie@mail.fresnostate.edu) to initiate a request for an ADA accommodation.
Staff who are unable to work on-campus due to school and/or daycare closures, or because their child must stay home for COVID-19 reasons, may make alternative work arrangements with their supervising manager.
Managers will need to check with Human Resources in regards to any request for an alternative work schedule.
If the employee has indicated they are not feeling well, the default should be that they take a sick day. Sick leave is a benefit and should be used so people can stay home and rest. If sick leave is exhausted, they can contact their Human Resources leaves coordinator to discuss a leave of absence.
If employees need to report a possible or confirmed COVID-19 case, they need to complete the COVID Reporting Form.
If you have any questions, managers and staff may contact Human Resources at 559.278.2032.
Please fill out this COVID-19 Reporting Form if you are:
- An employee (State or auxiliary, including student assistants) working on campus or at an off-campus affiliated location (either full-time or intermittently).
- AND if you either test positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, or you suspect you have COVID-19, or if you are feeling ill. (As a reminder, your health information is confidential.)
- Please be aware that if you test positive for COVID-19, and would like to submit a Workers Compensation claim, you will be required to provide a positive PCR test result as a part of the review process. If you initially tested positive via a home rapid antigen test, you can obtain a confirmation PCR test from your personal healthcare provider or from a community testing center (such as: My Turn Find a testing site)
In accordance with recent updated guidelines from the California Department of Public Health, employees and students who have attested to a medical or religious exemption (including those who are booster eligible, but not yet boosted) are no longer required to test weekly at the COVID-19 Testing Center effective Monday, October 10, 2022.
There is no cost for these supplies. We have a variety of the most-commonly used supplies, which can be requested online from Procurement at no cost to your department (these items are funded by federal HEERF institutional funding):
- Disposable surgical masks
- KN95 Masks
- Quart bottles of hand sanitizer
- 8-ounce bottles of Purell hand sanitizer
- Clorox disposable wipes
- Departments should use this online form to submit a supply request.
Note: Face shields and N95 respirators are items that must be requested by the individual who will be using the item. Individuals should use this online form to submit a face shield or N95 respirator request.
While masks will no longer be required, we strongly encourage their use, as face coverings are still a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19, especially in large group settings. We fully support and respect those who wish to continue wearing face coverings.
Employees who would like a higher level of protection may request N95 masks and face shields using this process order form.
While masks will no longer be required, we strongly encourage their use, as face coverings are still a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19, especially in large group settings. We fully support and respect those who wish to continue wearing face coverings
Watch for updates of scheduled walk-in clinic dates for COVID-19 vaccinations. For up-to-date information and instructions, please visit the campus vaccination page on the campus COVID-19 website.
Free community resources are also available; find a clinic through MyTurn.ca.gov. Or schedule an appointment with your health care provider.
Effective Jan. 3, 2022 all individuals who access campus/programs must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or have attested to a medical or religious exemption. Non-represented employees who are eligible should get their booster as soon as possible. Compliance with the vaccination policy is required as a condition of being physically on campus. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary actions.
Update your vaccination documentation with your booster information on your self certification form located in your MyFresnoState portal.
In accordance with recent updated guidelines from the California Department of Public Health, employees and students who have attested to a medical or religious exemption (including those who are booster eligible, but not yet boosted) are no longer required to test weekly at the COVID-19 Testing Center effective Monday, October 10, 2022.
Employees and students who want to test for surveillance purposes are welcome to obtain free PCR testing using the self-service vending machine located on the main level of the USU. All deposited tests will be picked up M-F before 2:30 pm for lab testing and results will be provided within 24 - 72 hours. Additionally, Rapid Antigen test kits are available for pickup from the Student Health and Counseling Center, Library, and USU.
Yes, if you are symptomatic you should test at home. For employees: Please be aware that if you test positive for COVID-19, and would like to submit a Workers Compensation claim, you will be required to provide a positive PCR test result as a part of the review process. If you initially tested positive via a home rapid antigen test, you can obtain a confirmation PCR test from your personal healthcare provider or from a community testing center (such as: My Turn Find a testing site).
Yes, students and employees who are coming to campus are required to complete the COVID-19 daily health screening questions using the Fresno State app. If an individual comes to campus , or other location for a campus-sponsored activity (such as a field trip, event, or experiential learning) the individual effectively attests they've completed the health screening app, and have received the green checkmark. The green checkmark indicates, based on the answers provided, approval to participate in in-person campus activities.
Students, faculty and staff irrespective of vaccination status, can get PCR tested once a week, by using the self-service vending machine located on the main level of the USU. All deposited tests will be picked up M-F before 2:30 pm for lab testing and results will be provided within 24 - 72 hours. Additionally, Rapid Antigen test kits are available for pickup from the Student Health and Counseling Center, Library, and USU.
The University has been reporting the number of cases among the campus community who have tested positive while on campus during their infectious period. The website also includes communications about when the campus community has been notified about positive cases (building specific).
Consistent with the local public health department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols for infectious disease response, anyone identified as being a close contact with these individuals will be notified. If appropriate, facilities will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected or temporarily closed.
Due to state privacy laws and federal HIPAA privacy rules, the University will not release any information involving private health care information.
As a recommended practice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door knobs, tables, keyboards, light switches) with a disinfectant. Please avoid putting disinfectant gels or liquids on electronics and other equipment, including elevator buttons, unless they have been indicated as safe to use on those devices.
The University's custodial staff have implemented a cleaning protocol, including the use of disinfectants, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. urfaces. Here is a video that provides details.
Here are two messages of interest: Maintaining a clean and safe campus environment and Maintaining campus ventilation systems at the highest level.
The Facilities team has also taken recommended measures for the restrooms and the plumbing systems to further safeguard transmission.