Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Last Updated: Jan. 26, 2023
Most Recent Updates
COVID-19 continues to present challenges across the world — and Idaho is no exception. We have proven the University of Idaho is bold and brave and ready to deliver the incredible in-person academic experience we are known for – and our students deserve.
We will continue to support each of you in doing what is best for you and your health. Taking individual responsibility for your health is important. This approach has the support of Idaho Public Health and Gritman Medical Center.
Masking is optional at all university locations and will not be required in any setting including classrooms, although you are certainly encouraged to wear a mask if that option is best for you and your health.
Go Vandals!
COVID-19 Guidance
No. Masking is optional at all university locations and will not be required in any setting including classrooms, although you are certainly encouraged to wear a mask if that option is best for you and your health.
- 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 Desk. Contact your center executive office for pick-up information in Boise, Idaho Falls and Coeur d’Alene.
- 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 up to three rounds of free at-home tests. Orders ship in 7-12 days. Request yours quickly online at COVIDtests.gov.
Students, report any positive cases through a VandalCare report so the university can best assist you.
Employees, if you test positive, work with your supervisor and Human Resources to use the standard sick leave and employee support process.
The CDC recommendations around isolation, masking and returning to normal activities after being exposed or testing positive have many variations. If you fall ill, the CDC timeline calculator can provide helpful isolation guidance. But in all cases, we encourage you to work with your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your situation.
The CDC timeline calculator can provide helpful quarantine guidance if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19. If you live in a residence hall or Greek chapter facility, file a VandalCare report for additional guidance.
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.
- Aug. 8, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Protocols Announced for Fall" pdf
- March 28, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Free Tests and Masks Still Available" pdf
- March 7, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Boise Moves to Mask Optional" pdf
- Read Past Communications
- Feb. 28, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Masks Optional Tomorrow, May Be Required in Classrooms"
- Feb. 22, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Positivity Rates Declining in Latah County"
- Feb. 14, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Free KN95 Masks Available"
- Feb. 7, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Rapid Tests Available Across the State"
- Jan. 31, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Thank You for Your Efforts"
- Jan. 24, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Remain Vigilant as Omicron Spreads"
- Jan. 21, 2022, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "Vaccine Incentive Program Launches for Spring Semester"
- Jan. 10, 2022, Memo from Torrey Lawrence and Diane Kelly-Riley: "Spring 2022 Semester Guidance"
- Jan. 10, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Relying on Proven Safety Protocols for Omicron"
- Jan. 3, 2022, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Omicron’s Rise Leads to Extension of Safety Protocols"
- Dec. 10, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Mask Requirement Remains Through End of Year"
- Dec. 7, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Judge’s Ruling Halts Vaccine Mandate"
- Dec. 6, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Mask Requirement Continues Through Commencement"
- Nov. 22, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "County Data Will Drive Mask Mandates"
- Nov. 15, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "We Continue to Wait for Vaccine Mandate Guidance"
- Nov. 3, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Mask Requirement Remains, Vault Tests Available"
- Oct. 11, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Mask Requirement Remains in Place"
- Oct. 4, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Three Rounds of Tuition Incentives Given"
- Sept. 20, 2021 Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "First Tuition Credit Incentives Given"
- Aug. 30, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Cases Climb but Commitment Appears Strong"
- Aug. 23, 2021, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Welcome Back; Let’s All Get Vaccinated"
- Aug. 18, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "Vaccination Incentive Program Details Outlined"
- Aug. 11, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Protocols Updated for In-Person Course Delivery "
- Aug. 9, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Changes Coming to Fall COVID-19 Safety Plans"
- July 30, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Vandals Strongly Encouraged to Wear Masks Indoors"
- May 17, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Face Coverings Are No Longer Required"
- May 10, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Thank You for Doing Your Part During the Pandemic"
- May 3, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "We Are Approaching the Finish Line"
- April 26, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Surveillance Testing Is Capturing Fewer People"
- April 23, 2020, Memo from Torrey Lawrence and Diane Kelly-Riley: "Summer and Fall 2021 Semester Guidance for Moscow Campus"
- April 19, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Protocols Mostly Unchanged for Summer Session"
- April 12, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Vandals Are Being Vaccinated"
- April 5, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19-Positive Cases Low on Idaho Side of Border"
- April 2, 2020, Memo from Dean Kahler: "International Travel Guidance for Summer 2021"
- March 29, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Vaccine Is Available to 16+ in Moscow"
- March 22, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Test Required for Students; Vaccinations Broadening"
- March 12, 2020, Memo from Torrey Lawrence and Brian Foisy: "Classes Resume March 22, COVID-19 Protocols in Place"
- March 8, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Required Student COVID-19 Testing Begins March 22"
- March 2, 2020, Memo from Torrey Lawrence and Diane Kelly-Riley: "Summer and Fall 2021 Semester Early Guidance"
- March 1, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Rise in COVID Positives, Consider Your Spring Break Plans Carefully"
- Feb. 22, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Vaccine Limited to Those Over 65 and Other Specific Groups"
- Feb. 17, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Testing Results Continue to Be Low"
- Feb. 1, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Idaho Moves to Stage 3, We Must Remain Vigilant"
- Feb. 4, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "Idaho Moves to Stage 3, We Must Remain Vigilant"
- Feb. 1, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "System Access to Be Turned Off for Students Not Meeting Protocol"
- Jan. 25, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Positive Cases Drop; Untested Students May Have Restricted System Access"
- Jan. 15, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Testing Results Encouraging; Testing Appointments Available Tuesday"
- Jan. 11, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Testing Appointments Available"
- Jan. 4, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Testing Begins Jan. 6 in Moscow"
- Dec. 14, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID Testing Available Tomorrow; Resumes Jan. 6 Before In-Person Classes"
- Dec. 7, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Spring Classes Resume Jan. 13, Testing Required for Moscow-Based Students"
- Nov. 23, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "COVID-19 Testing"
- Nov. 16, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "After Thanksgiving Classes Online/Remote Only; Staff Work from Home if Possible"
- Nov. 9, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Finish Strong By Following Healthy Vandal Pledge"
- Nov. 2, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Positive COVID-19 Cases Decrease in Moscow as State Numbers Rise"
- Oct. 26, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Testing Results Remain Steady, Spring 2021 Calendar Unchanged"
- Oct. 19, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Retest of Students Shows Continued Reduction in COVID-19, All Classes Return to Original Modalities"
- Oct. 12, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Re-Testing of All Moscow Students Going Well, Campus to Return to Original Modalities by Oct. 19"
- Oct. 9, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Testing Is Going Well, Teaching Method Remains Flexible Until Oct. 19"
- Oct. 5, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "All Students to Be Tested, Broad Spread Off Campus Not Found in Weekly Results"
- Oct. 2, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "Preliminary Results Confirm Need to Test All Students and Maintain Flexible Course Delivery"
- Sept. 28, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "COVID-19 Hot Spots Detected in our Greek System; No Classroom Transmission Found"
- Sept. 21, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "COVID-19 Efforts Continuing to Show Compliance by Most"
- Sept. 16, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "Fall Semester Update"
- 16 de septiembre del 2020 la communication de Asuntos Estudiantiles Blaine Eckles "Actualizatión de información del semester de ontoño"
- Sept. 15, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Our COVID-19 Efforts Are Paying Off – Keep It Up"
- Sept. 11, 2020, Memo from Seth Vieux: "COVID-19 Testing Times Available for Labor Day Travelers"
- Sept. 1, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "COVID-19 Testing Results and Future Plans"
- Aug. 21, 2020, Memo from Scott Green, Torrey Lawrence and Blaine Eckles: "It Is Up to You to Keep Our Campus Open"
- Aug. 21, 2020, Memo from Scott Green to Parents: "Enthusiasm High at U of I"
- 21 de Agosto la communicatión de Presidente Scott Green: "Alto enthusiasmo en la Universidad de Idaho."
- Aug. 18, 2020, Memo from Scott Green to Students: "Our Success Begins with Your Leadership"
- Aug. 18, 2020, Memo from Scott Green to Moscow-Based Faculty and Staff: "U of I Lab Up and Running as Students Return to Campus"
- Aug. 18, 2020, Memo from Torrey Lawrence, Diane Kelly-Riley and Barbara Kirchmeier: "Faculty Resources for Fall 2020"
- Aug. 11, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "Join Me for a Town Hall to Help Prepare for Fall at U of I"
- Aug. 10, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "2020 Fall Plans"
- 10 de Agosto la communicatión de Blaine Eckles, Planes de otoño 2020
- Aug. 4, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Schedule Your Time Slot Now | COVID-19 Testing"
- July 28, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and Torrey Lawrence: "U of I Still Committed to In-Person Classes for Fall; Employee Town Hall Aug. 4"
- July 16, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Fall Plans to Deliver Classes, Including Schedule Change after Thanksgiving"
- July 6, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Aug. 1 Commencement Canceled"
- June 9, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "U of I Gradually Opening in June and July"
- May 29, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "U of I Follows State into Phase 3 of Idaho Rebounds"
- May 28, 2020 Letter from Scott Green: "U of I Update on Fall and a Note from Gritman Medical Center"
- Mayo 28, 2020 la communicatión de Scott Green, COVID-19 la communicatión para los padres
- May 22, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Planning Underway for Fall 2020, Flexibility is Key"
- May 5, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "University Eases into Stage 2 of Reopening"
- May 6, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Eligible Students to Receive Stimulus Money"
- May 1, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "University Will Follow Governor’s Four-Step Plan to Reopen"
- April 22, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Commencement Aug. 1 Kicks Off U of I Re-Start"
- April 10, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "Parent & Family Update"
- April 1, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: Three Students and First Latah County Resident Diagnosed with COVID-19
- March 30, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "First Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19; Threat to Moscow Campus Low"
- March 25, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Governor Orders Idahoans to Stay Home"
- March 24, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Work From Home, If You Can"
- March 22, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Flexibility During First Week of Classes After Break"
- March 20, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles to Students: Helping You Navigate A Changing University
- March 20, 2020 Letter from Blaine Eckles: COVID-19 Letter to Parents
- Marzo 20, 2020 la communicatión de Blaine Eckles, COVID-19 la communicatión para los padres
- March 20, 2020 Letter from Scott Green: COVID-19 Letter to Parents
- Marzo 20, 2020 la communicatión de Scott Green, COVID-19 la communicatión para los padres
- March 19, 2020 Video from Scott Green: "President Green Gives COVID-19 Update"
- March 19, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "U of I Online/Remote for Remainder of Semester, All Events Canceled"
- March 13, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and John Wiencek: "U of I Moving to Online/Remote Courses Indefinitely"
- March 12, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "Be Prepared Heading into Spring Break"
- March 12, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and John Wiencek: "Be Prepared for Online Course Delivery"
- March 11, 2020, Memo from Scott Green and John Wiencek: "Prepare for Online Class Delivery Beginning March 23"
- March 11, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "Helping You Prepare for Spring Break"
- March 2, 2020, Memo from Scott Green: "Health Update After Jazz Festival"
- Feb. 28, 2020, Memo from Blaine Eckles: "Coronavirus Risk Low, But Being Monitored"