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 5 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.
No, the campus testing facility is now closed. COVID testing is available at the Student Health and Counseling Center.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 and Risk Management for assistance at ehsrm@mail.fresnostate.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.
Daily health self-screenings are no longer required.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should not participate in any in-person campus-sponsored activities and please complete the COVID-19 reporting form.
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.
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.
- 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
The California State University System strongly recommends the COVID-19 vaccination and booster for all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) as stated in the revised policy effective April 2023. COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Fresno State is asking all students, staff and faculty to continue to complete the self-certification form in the MyFresnoState 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. 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 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.
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.
Yes, they will be able to travel on field trips.
Kits with disinfectant spray, paper towels and gloves are available by submitting a request to Custodial Services. Hand sanitizer stations will continue to be maintained at the first floor entrance to most campus buildings.
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.
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 Jaime Horio, director of Environmental Health and Safety/Risk Management, at jhorio@mail.fresnostate.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
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.
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)
Kits with disinfectant spray, paper towels and gloves are available by submitting a request to Custodial Services. Hand sanitizer stations will continue to be maintained at the first floor entrance to most campus buildings.
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.
The California State University System strongly recommends the COVID-19 vaccination and booster for all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) as stated in the revised policy effective April 2023. COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Fresno State is asking all students, staff and faculty to continue to complete the self-certification form in the 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.