We've developed the following Frequently Asked Questions below to assist the Bruin community as we work diligently to address all inquiries. Please read through the newest frequently asked questions about testing, vaccination, or exposure to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Testing
Do I need to use the COVID tests provided by UCLA or are outside tests and at-home rapid antigen tests accepted when I report my positive test?
COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen tests from on or off-campus will be accepted when you contact the Exposure Management Team to report your positive test.
I haven’t received the results from the PCR test I took through the campus vending machine. What should I do?
Contact Swabseq Support via email at swabseq-support@mednet.ucla.edu.
Can I use the vending machines if I do not have a smartphone?
The use of a smartphone for registration is offered as a convenience for those testing throughout the campus community. Please note that anyone looking to test on campus will be required to have a cell phone that receives texts since a text confirmation code is necessary to authenticate and register for the test.
Where are the COVID self-test vending machines located on campus?
An interactive UCLA Campus Map of every vending machine, test center, and collection site is available online.
What should I do if my COVID-19 test is inconclusive?
An inconclusive test result is not very common. However, if you receive an inconclusive test result, please complete
another test at your earliest convenience.
If I cannot go to class and I'm awaiting my test results, can I get a medical excuse note for my faculty?
Yes. Notify your faculty that you are waiting on your results. They may not need a note if you explain your circumstance. For assistance with a medical excuse go online and click on "Messages" from The Ashe Center Patient Portal. Select “New Message". Choose the option: “Request a medical excuse if you were unable to attend work or class, or unable to complete an assignment, examination or presentation.
Positive COVID-19 Test Result
I just tested positive for COVID. What do I do?
If you tested positive, isolate immediately and report your positive test to the Exposure Management Team at exposuremanagementteam@ashe.ucla.edu or (310) 206-6217. While waiting to be contacted, please notify any close contacts of your positive test.
What is the isolation timeline for a positive COVID-19 result? When can I come to campus or leave isolation?
Students experiencing symptoms should stay home and away from others until they are fever-free for 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication) and other symptoms are improving. Students without symptoms or symptoms that have fully resolved are not required to isolate, but must wear a mask around others 10 days after testing positive.
I recently did a rapid test at home and it was positive. What should I do?
You need to isolate immediately. Alert the Exposure Management Team. The team will contact you for case investigation as soon as possible.
How do I self-request a diagnostic test via The Ashe Center Patient Portal if I have symptoms?
Log into The Ashe Center Patient Portal > Appointments/Online Services > Schedule an Appointment > COVID-19 testing. An Ashe Center nurse will contact you and provide testing instructions within one business day. Results from diagnostic testing at The Ashe Center are typically available the next morning.
Will my professors accommodate me if I have to miss class because I am isolating?
For students, the prospect of missing class time, projects or assessments because of a positive test can be daunting. Please know that your instructors understand the situation and are committed to accommodating those who cannot be in class through video or audio streaming or recordings, makeup assignments, alternative projects, or other means. Students who need to isolate or quarantine should notify their course instructors as soon as possible and explain their circumstances. If an instructor requires a medical note, students in isolation will receive an academic support letter from the Exposure Management Team after the case investigation process.
I'm a full-time staff or faculty member who just tested positive for COVID-19. Who should I contact?
Contact UCLA Occupational Health at (310) 825-6771 to report your positive test. UCLA Occupational Health provides isolation instructions for campus staff and faculty. Full-time UCLA students working a campus job should reach out to the Exposure Management Team.
UCLA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Am I required to get the COVID-19 booster?
No, the COVID-19 booster is no longer required per the UC Office of the President.
What is the new COVID-19 vaccination policy?
Under the revised policy that will be circulated for review, the University will require students and employees to either receive or affirmatively decline COVID-19 vaccination. It is expected that the revised policy will require covered individuals to be vaccinated consistent with applicable public health recommendations or opt out. Neither the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has yet made a recommendation on the frequency of vaccination.
What inspired the changes to the COVID-19 vaccination policy?
The decision to update UC’s policy reflects the welcome fact that UC has entered a very different phase in our response, with more than 88 million COVID-19 vaccines having been administered in California. The CDC continues to recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older be up to date with COVID vaccines.
I have questions or concerns about this updated COVID-19 vaccination policy. Where should I send them?
If you have questions or concerns about the proposed policy change, please direct them to: vaccinepolicycomments@ucop.edu.
Where can I learn more about these changes to the COVID-19 vaccination policy?
Visit the UCLA COVID-19 and Vaccine Resources hub for the latest news, and updates on UCLA's COVID-19 vaccination policy.
UCLA Campus Housing and Isolation
I live in the on-campus dorms and I tested positive. Do I need to move into isolation housing?
On-campus isolation housing is no longer available for students who test positive for COVID-19. Students who test positive should isolate in place and do their best to mask while around other people.