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Student Symptom Screening and COVID-19 Testing

On this page you will find information about the daily symptom and exposure screening, what to do if you receive a yellow or red thumb, COVID-19 testing, what to do if you have symptoms, what to do if you receive a positive result, isolation housing and mental health support.

Daily Symptom Screening

On-campus students and students coming to campus: required

All undergraduate and graduate students living on campus or coming to campus or any UC location or property for educational, research, co-curricular, recreational or social activities, regardless of vaccination status, must conduct daily symptom and exposure screening. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you must conduct a test. Student employees, including teaching assistants, should only use the student daily screener.

Remote students not coming to campus: recommended

All undergraduate and graduate students who are living off-campus and studying remotely are strongly encouraged to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and conduct a daily self-screening in order to consistently monitor their health and quickly schedule testing, if the need arises. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you must conduct a test.

Register for the daily screener

What Do the Thumbs Mean?

All UC San Diego students who are on campus or any other physical UC San Diego location must conduct a daily self-screening for COVID-19 before arrival. You will receive a colored thumb after you complete the screening to signify if you are cleared to work and attend class on-campus, or if testing is needed. 

Green Thumb icon
  • Allowed on campus
  • Follow campus safety guidelines
Yellow Thumb icon
  • Allowed on campus
  • Must mask indoors and outdoors
  • Must eat alone
  • Follow campus safety guidelines
Red Thumb icon
  • Not allowed on campus until further steps are taken

Yellow Thumb Instructions

Getting a yellow thumb on your daily symptom screener means that you have been exposed to COVID 19 but do not have any symptoms. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you do not have any symptoms, you should take the following steps, whether you have been vaccinated, boosted, or not:

  1. Test on day of notification and Day 5 from exposure. You can get a PCR test or a rapid antigen test from one of the COVID-19 vending machines on campus.
    1. If you had COVID-19 in the last 30 days, you do not need to test. If it has been more than 30 days since your last infection, follow the testing recommendations above.
    2. If your test result is positive, isolate. PCR test results are automatically sent to Student Health Services (SHS). SHS will send out isolation instructions. If you did a rapid antigen test and the results are positive, please report it to the UC San Diego Public Health Team at ucsdcovidadmin@health.ucsd.edu, and include "Secure: COVID-19 test" in the email subject line. Alternatively, you can call (619) 543-5722. Include your name, your phone number, and student ID in your message. The UC San Diego Public Health Team will reach out to you. Please answer calls from (619) 543-5722.
    3. If your test result is negative, monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 10 days following your exposure. You do not need to send negative test results to SHS. If symptoms develop, get tested immediately and isolate while waiting for test results.
  2. Wear a well-fitting mask around others (even at home), especially indoors and around those at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease, for 10 days following exposure even if your test is negative.

Red Thumb Instructions

Getting a red thumb on your symptom screener means that you have COVID-like symptoms or you have tested positive for COVID-19. Please take the following steps:

  1. If you have symptoms: Stay home. Do a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test, which can be found at campus test kit vending machines. 
  2. Isolate yourself while waiting for the results (instructions on how to isolate can be found here). Wear a mask when around others. If you are having severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or severe chest pain, please see emergency care immediately or call 911.
  3. Positive COVID results: PCR tests results are automatically sent to Student Health Services (SHS). SHS will send out isolation instructions. If you did a rapid antigen test or non-UCSD PCR test and the results are positive, please report it to the UC San Diego Public Health Team at ucsdcovidadmin@health.ucsd.edu, and include "Secure: COVID-19 test" in the email subject line.  Alternatively, you can call (619) 543-5722. Include your name, your phone number, and  student ID in your message. The UC San Diego Public Health Team will reach out to you. Please answer calls from (619) 543-5722.
  4. Negative COVID test results: stay home until your fever has resolved for 24 hours without medications and your symptoms are improving. You can return to the classroom if you have no fever and your symptoms are improving, but must wear a mask until symptoms resolve. You do not need to report negative test results.

COVID Testing

All undergraduate and graduate students have access to free symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 testing through Student Health Services or UC San Diego Health, including tests in vending machines distributed across campus.

Testing Requirements

Routine asymptomatic testing regardless of vaccination status is not required, but is available.

  • All students are required to test if they develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
  • Residential students must complete a rapid antigen test 24-48 hours prior to move-in, then test on Day 1 and Day 3 of move-in each quarter. See more on the Student Housing Safety page.
  • Students who have used the restroom facilities in a facility with a positive wastewater signal are strongly recommended to conduct a test (PCR or rapid antigen test), regardless of vaccination status.

The CDC has announced requirements for a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) within two days prior to departure for all air passengers two years or older entering the U.S. from mainland China (including Hong Kong and Macau) or documentation of recovery from COVID. The requirements go into effect Jan. 5, 2023. 

International Students

  • For newly admitted students unable to arrive by your program start date, work with the International Students and Programs Office (ISPO) to amend your program start date or receive a travel support letter as needed.
  • For continuing students unable to arrive for or return to their studies:
    • Undergraduate Students: Work with your Undergraduate College and academic department advisors regarding questions about Winter 2023 enrollment and making academic progress.
    • Graduate Students: Work with your Graduate Coordinator and Faculty Advisor regarding questions about Winter 2023 enrollment, employment, and making academic progress.
  • For students living in on-campus housing, a rapid antigen test 24-48 hours before returning to campus is required. You may use the negative COVID test results (PCR or antigen) documentation required for entering the U.S. to meet this campus requirement. Then, residential students must complete a PCR test on Day 1 and Day 3 after moving in for the Winter 2023 quarter.
  • For more information and additional support, contact ISPO or meet with an International Student Advisor.

All students (including student employees) with testing related, clinical, or medical questions should contact the SHS Advice Nurse through the ASK A NURSE function in your MyStudentChart or call 858-534-3300.

Access a Self-Administered Test Via Vending Machines (Must have campus ID card)

Students may visit one of several vending machines on campus to pick up a self-administered test kit. There are two types available:

  • PCR: This is a very sensitive molecular test that looks for genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 by a self-administered nose swab. Samples should be dropped off within 72 hours from the time the kit is picked up, no appointment needed. PCR samples are picked up Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. There is no pick up on Sunday. Rapid antigen tests are available 24/7.
  • Rapid antigen test: These self-administered tests also involve a nasal swab. They produce results very quickly, within 15-30 minutes. They do not need to be processed by a lab. If your rapid antigen test result is positive, you must report it on your MyChart.

Retrieving a test

Students are required to swipe their campus ID card (see which cards are compatible) when picking up a self-administered test kit from a vending machine. For those who need a card replacement, please see here.

While test kits are still free, a virtual debit of $1 will happen automatically on your campus card account, followed by an immediate credit return that will balance out to zero each day; there will be no actual charge. After your card is validated, you may make any selection from numbers 10-69.

How to complete a PCR test

Individual self-administered tests are identified by using a barcode that is scanned at the time of sampling and links to your campus credentials. This identification step is critical to ensure accurate and timely results.

Watch a video here about how to complete the self-administered PCR test. Please see instructions for the self-administered test in English here and in Spanish here. Or download a pdf guide on how to conduct the test here.

Please prepare before you arrive:

  1. A smartphone or mobile device*
  2. Your campus ID card
  3. Know your Active Directory (AD) username and password
  4. Download the free UC San Diego app. For those who already have it, please be sure it is updated. You will need the updated app to scan the test kit.
  5. Download the MyChart app and select “Student Health and Well-Being” as the provider for MyStudentChart. Please login using your Active Directory (AD) credentials rather than using the “Guest Login” or signing in with a previous username. This will prevent duplication of records and ensure your results are delivered correctly.

Vending Machine Hours and Locations

PCR samples are picked up Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. There is no pick up on Sunday. Rapid antigen tests are available 24/7.

  • Muir College | Roots Restaurant (map)
  • Seventh College | Next to the Parcel Center (map) 
  • Nuevo East (Porton) | Outdoor Gym Area (map)
  • Price Center | First Floor Across from Burger King (map)*
  • Thurgood Marshall College Res Halls | TMC Residence Life Lobby (map)
  • Warren College | Across from the Residence Life Office (map)
  • Eleanor Roosevelt College | Next to the Laundry Room at Student Activity Center (map)
  • Village at Pepper Canyon | Lodge (map)
  • South Mesa | 9126 Laundry Room (map)
  • One Miramar | Next to the Parcel Center (map)
  • School of Medicine | Biomedical Research Facility II (map)
  • Revelle College | Argo Hall Parcel Center (map)
  • Campus Services Complex | Electric Shop (map)
  • South Parking Structure | Level 3 West Entrance (map)
  • Scripps Institution of Oceanography | Eckart Building Loading Dock (map)
  • Jacobs School of Engineering | Near Bear Statue (map)
  • Coast Apartments | Laundry Room (map)
  • Gilman Parking | Pepper Canyon Hall Corridor (map)
  • North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood (map)
  • Rita Atkinson Residences (map)
  • Torrey Pines Center South | Second floor breezeway near shuttle (map)

Students with symptoms

  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay in your residence, do not attend any in-person classes, and complete the daily symptom and exposure screener to receive guidance.
  • Symptomatic and exposure testing is available for all undergraduate and graduate students at more than two dozen test kit vending machines. 
  • You may also choose to visit your own healthcare provider for testing. If you receive a positive test from a non-UC San Diego Health location, you must report your results to the UC San Diego Public Health Team at ucsdcovidadmin@health.ucsd.edu, and include "Secure: COVID-19 test" in the email subject line. Alternatively, you can call (619) 543-5722. Include your name, your phone number, and student ID in your message.

Positive result

scientist holding biohazard positive COVID-19 test
  • As soon as you receive a positive COVID-19 test result:
  • All campus residential students must contact the UC San Diego Public Health Team to discuss their isolation plan. Email the UC San Diego Public Health Team at ucsdcovidadmin@health.ucsd.edu, and include "Secure: Isolation Assistance" in the email subject line.
  • If you receive a positive result from either a COVID rapid antigen test or a PCR test done outside of UC San Diego, please report it to the UC San Diego Public Health Team at ucsdcovidadmin@health.ucsd.edu, and include "Secure: COVID-19 test" in the email subject line.  Alternatively, you can call (619) 543-5722. Include your name, your phone number, and  student ID in your message. The UC San Diego Public Health Team will reach out to you. Please answer calls from (619) 543-5722.
Find full instructions on what to do if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result here, including medical care and food resources during isolation and when you can end isolation.

Isolation Housing for Students

students getting ready to quarantine
books icon

Depending on clinical and living situations, isolation housing may be available. Please email the UC San Diego Public Health Team at ucsdcovidadmin@health.ucsd.edu, and include "Secure: Isolation Assistance" in the email subject line. Find full isolation instructions here.

money icon

Students with an on-campus housing contract will not be charged extra for isolation housing. Learn more on the HDH FAQ page.

meal icon

Meals will be delivered to isolation housing three times a day, charged to students’ dining meal plan or billed to their housing account. Costs are $8 for breakfast, $11 for lunch and $11 for dinner. Meal charges will be applied to the student’s dining plan. Students without a dining plan will be billed through their housing/student account.

testing icon

You will receive care from Student Health and Well-being Services. 

Student Contacts During Isolation

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students may reach out to the Dean of Student Affairs in their college. Deans can assist with notifying your instructor about absences, connecting you with campus resources, retrieving items from your on-campus residential hall room or apartment (if needed), and helping to answer non-medical questions.

Graduate Students

Support

There are many new and existing resources available to help maintain mental and emotional wellness during the pandemic. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers confidential counseling and psychiatric services for registered students via telemedicine video visits. To start the process, schedule a brief telephone assessment by calling (858) 534-3755 or online through MyStudentChart. In addition, CAPS offers drop-in virtual workshops to help develop coping skills to increase resilience and wellbeing during this pandemic, as well as free, self-guided mental health technologies through iFlourish.