Vandal Health Clinic

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Last Updated: March 14, 2022

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Most Recent Updates

Masks Optional in Moscow, Coeur d’Alene

A dramatic decline in COVID-19 cases across the state, as well as easy access to vaccinations and KN95 masks, allows us to move to a personal approach to COVID-19 protocols. Masks are optional in Moscow and Coeur d’Alene. Masks are no longer required in labs, meeting rooms, hallways or other areas of the university. To facilitate this transition, instructors may still require masking in their classrooms until directed otherwise. Other areas of the state should continue to follow local guidance.

This decision aligns with new CDC guidance issued last Friday. Both Gritman Medical Center and Idaho Public Health also support the move to personal protection choice. But, if positive cases dramatically increase or if a new variant threatens our local hospital capacity, we will move swiftly to reinstate a mask requirement.

You should thoughtfully consider your own healthcare needs and wear a mask where you deem appropriate. Be kind and considerate to your fellow Vandals about their decisions to wear or not wear masks. Stay home if you feel ill. Free at-home tests are available each weekday from noon-2 p.m. at the east entrance of the Student Recreation Center. Vandal ID required.

COVID-19 testing is available by contacting the Vandal Health Clinic at 208-885-6693 or by contacting your regular physician.

Reported Cases: 27

Aug. 21-27, 2021

Reported Cases: 11

2020-21 Testing Data

U of I reports results weekly of tests processed through testing protocols for Moscow-based university-wide testing. This is not necessarily inclusive of all positive cases in people associated with U of I. The numbers below are a snapshot for the time period described and are reported using the Idaho Public Health guidelines, though numbers here may not match the official reporting of Idaho Public Health. In an effort to produce timely reporting, numbers reported here may include some people who were known to previously be positive, have already completed their required quarantine period and are no longer infectious. These people are not included in the public health reporting.

Idaho Public Health reporting is available on their website.

The U of I statistics below:

Include both U of I employees and students;
Do not reflect the number of swabs collected;
Do not represent total number of unique individuals who have been tested;
Do not reflect the number of infectious cases

Spring Semester Totals - Jan. 1 to May 14 – Posted on May 21

Total Test Results Received: 18,475
Total Positive Results: 373
Percent of Positives to Total: 2.41%

This concludes our reporting on testing results.

May 8-14 – Posted on May 17

Total Test Results Received: 180
Total Positive Results: 1
Percent of Positives to Total: 0.56%

These results include random surveillance testing of asymptomatic students and employees, as well as testing of symptomatic and close contacts of positives.

May 1-7 – Posted on May 10

Total Test Results Received: 348
Total Positive Results: 5
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.44%

These results include random surveillance testing of asymptomatic students and employees, as well as testing of symptomatic and close contacts of positives.

Apr. 24 to Apr. 30 – Posted on May 3

Total Test Results Received: 454
Total Positive Results: 12
Percent of Positives to Total: 2.64%

These results include random surveillance testing of asymptomatic students and employees, as well as testing of symptomatic and close contacts of positives.

Apr. 17 to Apr. 23 – Posted on Apr. 26

Total Test Results Received: 503
Total Positive Results: 27
Percent of Positives to Total: 5.37%

Apr. 10 to Apr. 16 – Posted on Apr. 19

Total Test Results Received: 474
Total Positive Results: 19*
Percent of Positives to Total: 4.01%*

These results include random surveillance testing of asymptomatic students and employees as well as testing of symptomatic and close contacts of positives. The general re-test is complete so the number of tests will be smaller for the remainder of the semester. *Duplicate previous positives were removed twice. Positives increased from 17 to 19 and 3.59% to 4.01% from original report.

Apr. 3 to Apr. 9 – Posted on Apr. 12

Total Test Results Received: 667
Total Positive Results: 21
Percent of Positives to Total: 3.15%

These results include random surveillance testing of asymptomatic students and employees, and testing of symptomatic and close contacts of positives. The general re-test is complete so the number of tests will be smaller for the remainder of the semester.

Mar. 27 to Apr. 2 – Posted on Apr. 5

Total Test Results Received: 1,031
Total Positive Results: 12
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.16%

These results include mass testing of asymptomatic students and employees.

Mar. 20 to Mar. 26 – Posted on Mar. 29

Total Test Results Received: 3,970
Total Positive Results: 14
Percent of Positives to Total: 0.35%

These results include mass testing of asymptomatic students and employees.

Mar. 13 to Mar. 19 – Posted on Mar. 22

Total Test Results Received: 376
Total Positive Results: 11
Percent of Positives to Total: 2.93%

These results include random surveillance testing of asymptomatic people and requested tests by symptomatic people.

Mar. 6 to Mar. 12 – Posted on Mar. 15

Total Test Results Received: 837
Total Positive Results: 31
Percent of Positives to Total: 3.70%

These results include random surveillance testing of asymptomatic people, symptomatic people and targeted surveillance of known close contacts and others living with people who have tested positive.

Feb. 27 to Mar. 5 – Posted on Mar. 8

Total Test Results Received: 745
Total Positive Results: 28
Percent of Positives to Total: 3.76%

These results include random surveillance testing of asymptomatic people, symptomatic people and targeted surveillance of known close contacts and others living with positives.

Feb. 20 to Feb. 26 – Posted on Mar. 1

Total Test Results Received: 802
Total Positive Results: 61
Percent of Positives to Total: 7.61%

These results include random surveillance testing of asymptomatic people, symptomatic people and targeted surveillance of known close contacts and others living with positives.

Feb. 13 to Feb. 19 – Posted on Feb. 22

Total Test Results Received: 311
Total Positive Results: 4
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.29%

The university has concluded the initial mass testing for the start of the spring semester. These results include random surveillance testing.

Feb. 6 to Feb. 12 – Posted on Feb. 16

Total Test Results Received: 655
Total Positive Results: 6
Percent of Positives to Total: 0.92%

The university has concluded the initial mass testing for the start of the spring semester. These results include random surveillance testing.

Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 – Posted on Feb. 8

Total Test Results Received: 529
Total Positive Results: 6
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.13%

The university is conducting mass testing for the start of the semester and has experienced five consecutive weeks of 1.80% or less in positive results.

Jan. 23 to Jan. 29 – Posted on Feb. 1

Total Test Results Received: 570
Total Positive Results: 8
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.40%

The university is conducting mass testing for the start of the semester and has experienced four consecutive weeks of 1.80% or less in positive results.

Jan. 16 to Jan. 22 – Posted on Jan. 25

Total Test Results Received: 778
Total Positive Results: 14
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.80%

The university is conducting mass testing for the start of the semester. The first 6,023 tests had 1.78% result positive.

Jan. 9 to Jan. 15 – Posted on Jan. 19

Total Test Results Received: 3,437
Total Positive Results: 61
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.77%

The university is conducting mass testing for the start of the semester.

Jan. 1 to Jan. 8 – Posted on Jan. 11

Total Test Results Received: 1808
Total Positive Results: 32
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.77%

The university is conducting mass testing for the start of the semester.

Dec. 19 to Dec. 31 – Posted on Jan. 4

Total Tests Received: 216
Total Positive Tests: 2
Percent of Positives to Total: 0.93%

The university returned 23,559 COVID-19 test results in 2020. The positivity rate was 2.72%.

Dec. 12 to Dec. 18 – Posted on Dec. 21

Total Tests Received: 470
Total Positive Tests: 5
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.06%

The results include symptomatic testing, close contact testing after the six-day minimum wait period from last exposure and those who wanted tested before the holiday break. It did not include the random general surveillance testing of asymptomatic members of the U of I community.

The university currently has 2.73% of positives in total results received since the start of testing in early August. This does not include the positive cases in Athletics prior to the start of the university-wide testing.

Dec. 5 to Dec. 11 – Posted on Dec. 14

Total Tests Received: 399
Total Positive Tests: 12
Percent of Positives to Total: 3.01%

The results include symptomatic testing, close contact testing after the six-day minimum wait period from last exposure and those who wanted tested after Thanksgiving break. It did not include the random general surveillance testing of asymptomatic members of the U of I community.

The university currently has 2.77% of positives in total results received since the start of testing in early August. This does not include the positive cases in Athletics prior to the start of the university-wide testing.

Nov. 28 to Dec. 4 – Posted on Dec. 7

Total Tests Received: 296
Total Positive Tests: 14
Percent of Positives to Total: 4.73%

The results include symptomatic testing and close contact testing after the six-day minimum wait period from last exposure. It did not include the random general surveillance testing of asymptomatic members of the U of I community, so, as expected, the percentage of positives is higher than weeks with random general surveillance.

The university currently has 2.76% of positives in total results received since the start of testing in early August. The number of active positives to total population changes daily and continues to be low in the 1.0%-1.5% range. This does not include the positive cases in Athletics prior to the start of the university-wide testing.

Nov. 21 to Nov. 27 – Posted on Dec. 1

Total Tests Received: 402
Total Positive Tests: 22
Percent of Positives to Total: 5.47%

Testing this week was provided as a service to U of I students and employees who wanted to be tested before and during the holiday break. The results include symptomatic testing, close contact testing after the six-day minimum wait period from last exposure and voluntary testing by U of I students and employees who thought they may have been exposed and wanted to be sure they were negative before being around family and friends. It did not include the random general surveillance testing of asymptomatic members of the U of I community, so, as expected, the percentage of positives is higher than weeks with random general surveillance.

The university currently has 2.74% of positives in total results received since the start of testing in early August. The number of active positives to total population changes daily and continues to be low in the 1.0%-1.5% range. This does not include the positive cases in Athletics prior to the start of the university-wide testing.

Nov. 14 to Nov. 20 – Posted on Nov. 23

Total Tests Received: 1,095
Total Positive Tests: 60
Percent of Positives to Total: 5.48%

Testing this week was provided as a service to U of I students and employees who wanted tested before the holiday break. The results include symptomatic testing, close contact testing after the six day minimum wait period from last exposure, and voluntary testing by U of I students and employees who thought they may have been exposed and wanted to be sure they were negative before being around family and friends. It did not include the random general surveillance testing of asymptomatic members of the U of I community, so, as expected, we did see an increase in the percent of positives.

The university currently has 2.69% of positives in total results received since the start of testing in early August. The number of active positives to total population changes daily and continues to be low in the 1.0%-1.5% range. This does not include the positive cases in Athletics prior to the start of the university-wide testing.

Nov. 7 to Nov. 13 – Posted on Nov. 16

Total Tests Received: 1,756
Total Positive Tests: 66
Percent of Positives to Total: 3.76%

This week included random surveillance testing of our asymptomatic population, increased symptomatic testing and increased close contact testing after the six day minimum wait period from last exposure. Next week will not include the random general surveillance testing, so we do expect an increase in the percent of positives as symptomatic testing will be a larger percentage of the overall tests conducted.

The university currently has 2.54% of positives in total results received since the start of testing in early August. The number of active positives to total population changes daily and continues to be low in the 1.0%-1.5% range. This does not include the positive cases in Athletics prior to the start of the university-wide testing.

Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 – Posted on Nov. 9

Total Tests Received: 999
Total Positive Tests: 25
Percent of Positives to Total: 2.50%

The university currently has 2.43% of positives in total results received since the start of testing in early August. The number of active positives to total population changes daily and continues to be low in the 1.0%-1.5% range. This does not include the positive cases in Athletics prior to the start of the university-wide testing.

Oct. 24 to Oct. 30 – Posted on Nov. 2

Total Tests Received: 789
Total Positive Tests: 7
Percent of Positives to Total: 0.89%

The university currently has 2.42% of positives in total results received since the start of testing in early August. The number of active positives to total population changes daily and continues to be low in the 1.0%-1.5% range. This does not include the positive cases in Athletics prior to the start of the university-wide testing.

Oct. 17 to Oct. 23 – Posted on Oct. 26

Total Tests Received: 912
Total Positive Tests: 21
Percent of Positives to Total: 2.3%

The university currently has 2.49% of positives in total results received since the start of testing in early August. The number of active positives to total population changes daily and continues to be low in the 1.0%-1.5% range. This does not include the positive cases in Athletics prior to the start of the university-wide testing.

Oct. 10 to Oct. 16 – Posted on Oct. 19

Total Tests Received: 2,757
Total Positive Tests: 43
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.56%

This was the second week of the university retest of all Moscow-based students attending in-person classes and we continue to see a decline in positives and spread. The average positive percentage rate of the most recent 5,256 students tested is 2.2%.

Oct. 3 to Oct. 9 – Posted on Oct. 12

Total Tests Received: 2,499
Total Positive Tests: 74
Percent of Positives to Total: 2.96%

This week the university initiated a re-test of all Moscow based students attending in person classes. There were positives in students living on and off campus. The highest concentration of positives were in the on campus Greek live-in population; however, there was a significant improvement over the past two weeks.

Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 – Posted on Oct. 4

Total Tests Received: 1,389
Total Positive Tests: 116
Percent of Positives to Total: 8.35%

These results are a mix of Greek specific testing and general surveillance of the entire U of I community. The live-in Greek chapters continue to be the primary source of the positives and 4X more infected than other students living on campus. There is little to no infection across the off campus students and employees.

Sept. 19 to Sept. 25 – Posted on Sept. 28

Total Tests Received: 561
Total Positive Tests: 67
Percent of Positives to Total: 11.94%

Targeted surveillance testing of close contacts to known clusters of positives was completed this week. Positives were primarily found in live-in members of Greek chapters. In addition to the targeted surveillance testing, we will conduct a large random surveillance testing next week with a broader cross-section of our population, including employees, to better understand the positive rate of the overall U of I community.

Sept. 12 to Sept. 18 – Posted on Sept. 21

Total Tests Received: 531
Total Positive Tests: 25
Percent of Positives to Total: 4.71%

Surveillance testing was primarily done this week focused on those who traveled over Labor Day weekend. Positives found in residence halls, sororities, off campus and employees.

Sept. 5 to Sept. 11 – Posted on Sept. 14

Total Tests Received: 744
Total Positive Tests: 12
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.61%

Initial screening of late arriving students, retesting of quarantined students and surveillance testing was primarily done this week. There was a small cluster of positives in a residence hall.

Aug. 29 to Sept. 4 – Posted on Sept. 8

Total Tests Received: 205
Total Positive Tests: 4
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.95%

The percent of positives has increased as we have transitioned from initial screening to surveillance testing and testing of students who have been under official quarantine by Public Health for at least six days.

Aug. 22 to Aug. 28 – Posted on Aug. 31

Total Tests Received: 2,321
Total Positive Tests: 24
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.03%

Aug. 14 to Aug. 21 – Posted on Aug. 24

Total Tests Received: 2,860
Total Positive Tests: 25
Percent of Positives to Total Results Received: 0.87%

Initial Results to Aug. 13 – Posted on Aug. 14

Total Tests Received: 2,371
Total Positive Tests: 34
Percent of Positives to Total: 1.43%

COVID-19 Guidance

Is U of I remaining open with in-person course delivery?

Yes.

Are masks required?

Masks are optional in Moscow and Coeur d’Alene. Other areas of the state should continue to follow local guidance. Masks are no longer required in labs, meeting rooms, hallways or other areas of the university. Instructors may require masks in the classroom, and students must abide by this requirement.

Will classrooms and other university spaces be at capacity?

Yes. There are no restrictions on gathering sizes within indoor spaces.

How can I get a COVID-19 test?

If you need medical care and access to a test, contact your primary care provider or the Vandal Health Clinic at 208-885-6693 to make an appointment.
At-home rapid antigen tests can be picked up in one of three locations across campus during the buildings operating hours with a valid VandalCard. Locations include: ISUB Info Desk, Pitman Center Info Desk and Student Rec Center Info Info Desk. Please wear a mask when accessing a test. Contact your center executive office for pick-up information in Boise, Idaho Falls and Coeur d’Alene.
Vault at-home PCR tests are available by emailing covid19questions@uidaho.edu.
Find an at-home rapid or PCR test at a local pharmacy. Most insurance providers are required to reimburse the cost of at-home rapid tests; check with providers for details on how to request reimbursement.
Order free at-home rapid antigen tests ahead of time. Every home in the U.S. is eligible for four free at-home tests. Orders ship in 7-12 days. Request yours quickly online at

I’ve been fully vaccinated and was exposed to COVID-19. Now what?

People who are fully vaccinated, including recommended boosters, do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19. 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. If you test positive or develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate from other people and follow isolation recommendations. Visit the CDC website for more information about quarantine and isolation..

I am not fully vaccinated and was exposed to COVID-19. Now what?

If you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should quarantine if you are in one of the following groups:

You are ages 18 or older and completed the primary series of recommended vaccine, but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible.
You received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) over two months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot.
You are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series.

What to do for quarantine

Stay home and away from other people for at least five days (day 0 through day 5) after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. The date of your exposure is considered day 0. Wear a well-fitting mask when around others at home, if possible.
For 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19, watch for fever (100.4◦F or greater), cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms.
If you develop symptoms, get tested immediately and isolate until you receive your test results. If you test positive, follow isolation recommendations.
If you do not develop symptoms, get tested at least five days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19.

Visit the CDC website for more information about quarantine.

I’ve been tested and am waiting for results. Now what?

Stay home and monitor your health.

Think about the people you have recently been around. (Public Health will ask.)

Answer the phone call from the health department.

Guidance courtesy of CDC.

What if I test positive?

Stay home and isolate from others, regardless of vaccination status. See below for information on when to end isolation.

All positive COVID-19 tests should be reported through a VandalCare Report. If you live in campus housing, a Greek chapter house or are an athlete, space is available in Targhee Hall for you to recover without further exposing others. If you live off campus, you are expected to isolate in your own space.

What do I do if I am sick?

Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.

Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing or have any other emergency warning signs or if you think it is an emergency.

Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

Guidance courtesy of CDC.

When does my isolation end?

In general, if you had COVID-19 and had any symptoms, isolate for at least five days from date of positive COVID-19 test.

You can end isolation after five full days if you are fever-free (including no chills or body aches) for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved (loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation).
You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others at home and in public for five additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of your five-day isolation period. If you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to isolate for a full 10 days. Avoid people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, and nursing homes and other high-risk settings, until after at least 10 days.
If you continue to have fever or your other symptoms have not improved after five days of isolation, you should wait to end your isolation after another five days or until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Follow guidance of your medical provider and view more details about isolation for those asymptomatic or severely ill with COVID-19 online.

Are COVID-19 vaccines required?

Vaccines are strongly encouraged but cannot be required, per an executive order. According to the CDC, the best way to keep our Vandal Family healthy is to get vaccinated. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and where to get them.

Learn About COVID-19 Vaccinations

This page is not intended to be all-encompassing and should not be considered to be providing medical or legal advice. In all instances, you should consult with a relevant expert for guidance specific to your circumstances.

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