Below are answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19.
Information for UWM students, faculty and staff
COVID-19 Testing for UWM
UWM Students, Faculty and Staff
Is testing required this summer for students, faculty and staff on campus?
I’m vaccinated, do I have to get tested?
I’m looking for information on obtaining a vaccine.
Milwaukee
Students who have COVID-19 symptoms or primary exposure should call The Norris Health Center at 414-229-4716, and the center will schedule a free PCR test for them.
Employees with COVID-19 symptoms should contact their personal health care provider for a test. The Milwaukee campus testing facility is not intended for employees with symptoms.
Students and employees who do not have COVID-19 symptoms should get tested in the UWM Wisconsin Room Lounge from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Testing will not be available on legal holidays — July 5. All students and employees must make an appointment at www.doineedacovid19test.com.
Full details can be obtained visiting: Is testing required this summer for students, faculty and staff on campus?
Waukesha and Washington County
Rapid-results testing for students and employees is available at the UWM at Washington County gymnasium and UWM at Waukesha Field House on the following schedule:
Washington County campus: starting June 1: Mondays, 7-11 a.m.
Waukesha campus: starting June 1: Mondays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Testing will not be available on legal holidays — July 5. All students and employees must make an appointment at www.doineedacovid19test.com.
Full details can be obtained visiting: Is testing required this summer for students, faculty and staff on campus?
Remember: Panthers Protect Panthers!
At-Home Collection Kit
The State of Wisconsin now provides a no cost at home test kit option for COVID-19. For more information and to request your kit, visit Department of Health Service At-Home Collection Kit.
updated 06/06/2021
COVID-19 Vaccination appointment information
UWM SUMMER VACCINATION SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION
Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to get vaccinated when they become eligible, as it is the best way to protect your health and help stop the pandemic.
If you live on or near the Milwaukee campus, make an appointment to get vaccinated at the clinic in the Student Union.
If you live elsewhere, UWM put together a list of resources to help find your shot at a clinic near you.
Panthers Protect Panthers!
updated 06/06/2021
COVID-19 General Information
COVID-19 Information
For UWM specific information please visit:
Local, state, national and worldwide information can be found by visiting:
- WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
- CDC What’s New
- WI Department of Health Services COVID-19
- City of Milwaukee Health Department COVID-19
- Milwaukee County COVID-19
Looking for vaccine information? Please visit:
updated 06/06/2021
COVID-19 Vaccine information
CURRENT VACCINE INFORMATION
Vaccine information is constantly being updated. For the most current information, please visit:
- WHO COVID-19 vaccine page
- CDC FAQ page
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vaccine page
- City of Milwaukee COVID-19 Vaccine page
Below are recent posts from Dear Pandemic in which they answered questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Also visit the Dear Pandemic website and search the category vaccine for more answers to related questions:
- Should I get vaccinated if I’ve already had COVID-19?
- Am I safe from COVID-19 even if I am unvaccinated?
- What’s the difference between EAU and full FDA approval?
- How long does immunity last after recovery from COVID-19?
- What is the chance of breakthrough infection after vaccine?
- How will we know when a COVID-19 booster shot will be needed?
- What is the definition of a vaccine?
- What does 95% efficacy mean?
- How long will the protection from vaccines last?
updated 06/06/2021
COVID-19 vs the flu
The CDC recommends an annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over another.
Visit the CDC FAQ Flu website for more information.
updated 06/06/2021
Face masks
The CDC’s cloth mask guidance to stop the spread of COVID-19:
- For individuals who are fully vaccinated, please visit the CDC’s fully vaccinated guidance site.
- For those who are unvaccinated, please visit the CDC’s guidance for unvaccinated people, wearing masks.
Below are recent posts from Dear Pandemic in which they have answered questions about masks. Also visit the Dear Pandemic website and search category masks for more answers to related questions.
Updated 06/06/2021
Using your SMARTS while Social Distancing
Social distancing is keeping a safe space between you and people who are not members of your household.
For the most up-to-date information on social distancing guidelines visit the CDC:
- CDC’s guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals
- CDC’s social distancing guidelines for unvaccinated individuals
Dear Pandemic reminds us to use all our SMARTS:
↔️Space: Keep your distance from other people.
😷Masks: Keep your nose + mouth covered with a mask that fits well.
💨Air: Keep it fresh.
🏠Restrict: Keep your circle small.
🕑Time: Keep your interactions brief.
💉Shots: Get your vaccine when it’s your turn!
In the post CDC mask recommendation update 5/14/21, Dear Pandemic explains why social distancing and wearing masks may still be necessary and required in some situations and among different populations, as not everyone has been vaccinated. Also visit the Dear Pandemic website and search the category social distancing for more answers to related questions.
updated 06/06/2021
COVID-19 Community Information
COVID-19 Testing for the community
Members of the public are encouraged to use community testing sites in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also provides updates on COVID-19 Community Testing Sites.
The State of Wisconsin now provides a no cost at home test kit option for COVID-19. For more information and to request your kit, visit Department of Health Service At-Home Collection Kit.
updated 06/06/2021
Mask ordinance information
For the most up-to-date information:
UWM: Do I need to wear a mask and maintain social distancing on campus?
Everyone on all UWM campuses is required to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing whenever possible. Masks are required when indoors, except when in residence hall rooms or private offices. Masks are also required outdoors in situations when 6 feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.
Mask mandates may vary by jurisdiction and can change without notice, be sure to consult your local municipality.
For the most up-to-date information regarding State of Wisconsin mandates, visit WDHS COVID-19: Wear a Mask.
For the most up-to-date information regarding City of Milwaukee mandates, visit City of Milwaukee Health Department COVID-19 site.
To learn more about face masks, please visit face masks.
updated 06/06/2021
WI Exposure Notification app and contact tracing
While case numbers are falling and vaccination rates are going up, contact tracing is still necessary for those who become infected with COVID-19, to help slow the spread.
Wisconsin Department of Human Services has released WI Exposure Notification contact tracing app, available for both Apple and Android smartphones.
For additional information on contact tracing please visit:
- WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) contact tracing
- CDC Contact Tracing Information
- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 Contact Tracing
updated 06/06/2021
COVID-19 Science and Research
Herd immunity
For more information on herd immunity, visit the WHO’s page Herd immunity, lockdowns and COVID-19
Below are recent posts from Dear Pandemic in which they answered questions about herd immunity. Also visit the Dear Pandemic website and search the category herd immunity for more answers to related questions:
updated 06/06/2021