Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions
General COVID-19 Information
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What are the University's policies on vaccinations?
UNF highly encourages all students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated. -
Where can I get vaccinated?
COVID-19 vaccines are currently available at multiple sites across Northeast Florida. Vaccine locations can be found using the Florida Department of Health Vaccine Locator at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/. -
Should I get a COVID-19 booster shot?
The CDC has strengthened its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older, and individuals 16 and up may now be eligible to receive the booster. See updated guidelines.
Vaccine locations can be found using the Florida Department of Health Vaccine Locator at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/. -
What should I do if I am feeling COVID-19 related symptoms?
For the health and safety of the University community, it is imperative that individuals experiencing illness stay at home and confirm whether their symptoms are related to COVID-19 or another transmittable virus.
Employees and students who believe they are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms are encouraged to be tested. -
When do I need to quarantine or self-isolate?
The CDC has updated its COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidance.
In summary, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days and may leave isolation after the fifth day if they are fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and have no symptoms or symptoms are resolving. After that, they should wear a mask for five days when indoors/around others, including the home.
For individuals exposed to COVID-19, quarantine after exposure has been extended to a larger group, including those who are fully vaccinated but not boosted and outside of the five-month window following Pfizer/Moderna vaccines or two months following J&J. Quarantine for those exposed to the virus is five days from exposure followed by five days of wearing a mask when indoors/around others, including the home. Testing is recommended on Day 5.
Persons who are boosted, or within five months of Pfizer/Moderna series or two months of J&J series do not need to quarantine, but should wear a mask around others for 10 days. Testing is recommended on Day 5. -
Do I need to quarantine if exposed or can I remain on campus?
You do not need to quarantine if you came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 if you fall into one of the following groups:
- You are ages 18 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people.
- You are ages 5-17 years and completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
- You had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test).
You should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact with someone with COVID-19 (the date of last close contact is considered day 0). Get tested at least 5 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19.
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Will there be a quarantine/isolation site on campus for those students who are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19?
No. There is no quarantine/isolation site on UNF’s campus this semester. Students exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19 will be asked to quarantine/isolate off-campus. Students and their family/support network should discuss this possibility and develop a personal plan for approaching this possible situation as on campus space for isolation and quarantine will not be an option. Visit the following link for a listing of preferred hotels in the area: http://www.unf.edu/procurement/Hotels.aspx. -
Can employees and students still request COVID-19 modifications?
Students with health concerns are encouraged to contact Student Accessibility Services to explore their options for reasonable accommodations, while employees may contact the ADA Compliance Office for guidance. -
My physician has advised me that I should not get vaccinated against the coronavirus. How can I ensure that I am protected on campus?
According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for and can be administered to most people with underlying medical conditions. However, employees or students with documented health conditions that preclude receiving a vaccination can contact the ADA Compliance Office (for employees) or Student Accessibility Services (for students) to seek a reasonable accommodation.
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Does this mean that other restrictions are also being lifted, such as prohibitions against large gatherings?
The University has lifted restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings. Organizers are encouraged to take reasonable precautions to protect participants as appropriate to the event, such as providing hand-sanitizing stations and ensuring that participants who wish to wear masks can do so.
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Are employee meetings now required to be face-to-face? What if I'm uncomfortable spending time in closed conference rooms?
Employees who are uncomfortable with face-to-face meetings, even when masked, are encouraged to consult with their supervisors to determine what alternatives might be available. Many conference rooms have technology that will allow remote participation, or meetings may be arranged to be conducted entirely over Teams or Zoom, as appropriate. After discussing their concerns with supervisors, employees who still have concerns should consult with Human Resources. -
My lab instructor is requiring me to wear a mask. Isn't this contrary to the University's guidelines?
For some courses, masks have always been required to protect the students or to ensure the success of experiments, and faculty can continue to require masks for these situations. Similarly, some internships, field classes, and other experiential learning opportunities may require masks due to the nature of the work or the requirements of the off-campus locations. -
I'm an international student/visiting faculty and was vaccinated in my home country. I know that the University is not requiring students or faculty to be vaccinated, but how can I be sure that I'm adequately protected?
The CDC's guidelines on the different vaccines available globally suggest that individuals who have received a vaccine listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) do not need any additional doses of a US FDA-authorized vaccine. However, if the vaccine you received is not authorized for emergency use by the WHO, you are encouraged to receive a complete series of a US FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. -
I'm a student in a clinical/experiential/internship program, and the faculty member asked me about my vaccination status. I thought this was not allowed?
While the University is not requiring vaccinations for students to enroll in courses and participate in University activities, many of the opportunities for clinical experiences, internships, etc. are made possible by off-campus partners who have their own COVID-19 policies to which you must adhere. Faculty overseeing these arrangements may need to ask you your vaccination status to ensure that they can place you with appropriate partners.