COVID-19 Information

Your risk for contracting COVID-19 in the U.S. is still very low, with influenza still posing a greater risk. Preventive wellness efforts are the best way to avoid viruses. These include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing and before eating.

• Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Stay home when you are sick (students, please inform your instructors).

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe that kills viruses such as influenza and coronavirus.

Surgical masks have not been shown to prevent persons wearing them from getting sick, so they are not recommended. The U.S. Surgeon General has also reminded the public that the currently limited supplies of masks should be reserved for our health care workers who indeed are at greatest risk. 

If you are symptomatic, you should call ahead to a medical facility or emergency room before presenting for care. Employees who wish to seek medical attention should contact their own clinic or health care provider.  
 
Current UWRF students can learn about what services they have access to at the Vibrant Health Family Clinic in River Falls. Students can call Vibrant Health Family Clinic in River Falls to consult about being seen and an appointment may be scheduled.

COVID-19 testing criteria and availability continues to change, and it is up to the health care provider whether persons are tested, based on current recommendations, including that generally asymptomatic persons and persons with mild symptoms are not tested. Testing may not always be available at all health care facilities depending on testing criteria and availability.

Answers to questions related to COVID-19 or influenza can be found at CDC.gov. Clarifying questions can be directed to UWRF Student Health and Counseling at 715-425-3293.

It is not unexpected that the COVID-19 situation is creating concern and anxiety among many people. Please know that there are services and resources available. Students can call UW-River Falls Counseling Services at 715-425-3884 or check the Counseling Services webpage regarding services and other online information and resources. For employees, see the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Human Resources.