NOTE: The goal of the FAQ is to provide general information and guidance on a number of questions routinely asked by students. The situation is quite dynamic, and the answers provided today could literally change tomorrow. All members of the UNMC community are strongly encouraged to frequently review information provided by the CDC, the Douglas County Health Department (or your local health department) and UNMC/NM.
What can I do to avoid contracting COVID-19?
To reduce the risk of obtaining COVID-19 you are encouraged to practice good hand hygiene, avoid touching your face with your hands, be sure to clean commonly used surfaces on a regular basis and avoid travel to places that have known community spread of the virus. Additionally, you are encouraged to heed public health advice by avoiding large gatherings, keeping group interaction to groups less than 10 individuals and practicing social distancing. Wearing surgical masks is not routinely recommended.
What should I do if I had close contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19?
At present, there are still very few cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Nebraska. If you have had close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19, whether or not they are symptomatic, you should call your healthcare provider for medical advice, and notify the Douglas County Department of Health (402.444.7214) or your local health department immediately. If it is determined that you did indeed have a high-risk exposure, you may be self-quarantined and monitored by staff from the health department.
What if I’ve been in contact with someone who had previous contact with someone eventually diagnosed with COVID-19, or if I been in contact with someone who was instructed to self-quarantine?
If you have contact with someone who had contact with someone else who was eventually diagnosed with COVID-19 and you are not experiencing any respiratory symptoms or fever, you do not need to be screened for COVID-19. Similarly, if you are in contact with someone in self-quarantine because they were exposed to someone with COVID-19 but they do not have symptoms you do not need to be screened for COVID-19. In both instances, self-monitor by being aware of any new respiratory symptoms and checking your temperature daily. Call your physician or Student Health* for directions should you develop any symptoms in order to receive guidance. You should not go to the emergency department unless you have a life threatening condition.
I have seen on the news that persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 may have unintentionally exposed others in our community. What if I have visited one of these locations?
Simply being in the vicinity of a patient with known disease does not necessarily mean you will contract COVID-19. If you are not ill but have had contact with individuals who have visited places where there has been known community exposure to COVID-19 perform self-monitoring for respiratory symptoms, cough and fever. If you become symptomatic, you should contact your health provider or Student Health* before seeking medical care. They will perform a simple screening to provide you with further guidance and directions about seeking care. It is possible that you may not need tested for COVID-19.
As a student, I have been told to NOT see patients who have COVID-19 or are being investigated for the disease? How will I know? How can I avoid exposure?
There is some concern that COVID-19 can be spread prior to the development of symptoms, but this has not been confirmed. There have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 positivity in people without symptoms and other viruses, like influenza, can sometimes be transmitted for 24-48 hours before symptoms develop. However, in general, symptomatic persons are a much more consistent source of transmission. Patients are being screened before coming to the clinics if they call with concerns about symptoms, or at the entrances to clinics upon arrival. If it is determined that the patient needs further evaluation, they are brought into the clinic for that purpose. The clinical care team would be aware of this purpose and you would not be asked to participate in the delivery of care. Otherwise, it is reasonable to avoid evaluating a patient presenting with respiratory symptoms and/or fever until further evaluation or triage has been performed.
What should I do if I am feeling sick or ill?
At any point, if you feel sick or ill you should NOT come to class, clinic or hospital. Instead, contact your primary physician or Student Health* to describe your symptoms and determine whether you should be screened for being a high-risk exposure and/or warrant testing for COVID-19. Do not risk exposing others unnecessarily. Do not go to the emergency department unless you have a life-threatening condition.
I am worried about transmitting coronavirus to my patient and causing them harm. What do I do?
Make sure you judiciously adhere to the recommendations in the question above. The care you provide to patients not suspected to have or diagnosed with COVID-19, continues to be of great value to those patients and to the healthcare delivery system. You have been trained to provide safe, effective and equitable patient-centered care to another human being who is seeking your help. Remember your training, and focus on the high quality delivery of patient care in your respective role. Your concerns are normal, but they will also keep you careful and alert. If you have concerns or are experiencing symptoms of stress or anxiety, contact the UNMC Counseling & Student Development Center 402-559-7276 or by email to Pat Oberlander at poberlander@unmc.edu for further guidance.
What should I do if I have traveled recently?
Please refer to the information provided at the UNMC website for travel. The information is updated routinely and provides specific guidance pertaining to a number of travel situations. The information mirrors the latest CDC regulations and guidance which you may also want to review at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
*Student Health is available for UNMC students as follows:
- Omaha campus – UNMC Student Health at https://www.unmc.edu/familymed/studenthealth/ or 402.559.5158
- Lincoln campus – UNL Health Center at https://health.unl.edu/ or 402.472.5000
- Kearney campus – UNK Student Health at https://www.unk.edu/offices/counseling_healthcare/health-care/index.php or 308-865-8218