COVID-19
As we move forward toward a pre-pandemic college experience, the University of Sioux Falls provides updated health and safety information below for students, employees and visitors. Vaccination is the leading prevention strategy to protect individuals from COVID-19. If you have chosen to be vaccinated you can voluntarily share your vaccine information and help our community understand the breadth of vaccine rates in our community.
Submit your proof of Vaccination
Help Keep USF Safe. Screen your health daily and submit a self-report when any of the following apply:
- You are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms*
- You have a pending COVID-19 test (this does not include regular, routine testing for a job, internship or sport)
- You receive a positive COVID-19 test result
- You have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19*
*Individuals in these situations are not necessarily placed in quarantine.
Student Self-Report Form Employee Self-Report Form Daily Screening App Quarantine Guide
COVID-19 Vaccination
A COVID-19 vaccine is not a requirement at USF for the 2021-2022 school year, but vaccination is the leading prevention strategy to protect individuals from COVID-19 disease and end the COVID-19 pandemic. As the number of vaccinated individuals increases in our community, the likelihood of severe illness and the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 decreases. It also means less time an individual will need to miss class or other campus activities due to time spent in quarantine if exposed to COVID-19.
Please report if you have been vaccinated for COVID-19.
We ask that students please keep us informed of their status by reporting the dates of their vaccination(s) by filling out the proof of vaccination form and submitting a picture of their vaccination record.
In order to access this form, sign-in to your USF Office account.
Username: MyUSF@usiouxfalls.edu (please note the username is not your whole email address) for example jodoe@usiouxfalls.edu
Password: same as MyUSF and email
Find a COVID-19 Vaccine: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you in the United States. Sioux Falls' clinics and pharmacies will allow you to receive your 2nd dose of the vaccine even if you started your series at home. Just take along your vaccine card to prove the date and manufacturer of your first shot.
What to do if you have lost your Vaccine Documentation Card:
In the event that you have lost your vaccine documentation, contact your specific provider for a replacement.
- Lewis Drug - visit any Lewis Drug Pharmacy for a replacement card.
- Walgreens - visit any Walgreens Pharmacy for a replacement card.
- Hy-Vee - visit the specific Hy-Vee Pharmacy location where you received your vaccine for a replacement.
- Sanford - In MyChart go to the After Visit Summary for your Immunization and scroll to the bottom to find a copy of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.
Mask Policy
Masks are optional on the USF campus, indoors and outside. However, there may be certain classes, events and meetings where masks are requested, and we ask for your cooperation and compliance. USF's mask policy is a result of the recent CDC announcement. CDC guidelines can be found on the CDC website. This policy will continue to be evaluated as changes in the pandemic occur.
What should I do if I become ill?
Students feeling ill should:
- Contact your primary care provider if you start to notice possible symptoms or have concerns about your health.
- Call Avera Health Services at 1-877-282-8372.
- If you are unable to reach your primary provider and are seriously ill, go to urgent care, emergency room or call 911. Call in advance to urgent care or the ER so staff is prepared for your arrival.
- Avoid public spaces and self-isolate.
Self-Report Your Symptoms
Students need to submit a report to notify the COVID-19 Campus Response Team to help with your care and to reduce exposure to others within our campus. Submit a self-report form when any of the following apply:
- You are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms
- You have a pending COVID-19 test (this does not include regular routine testing for a job, internship or sport)
- You have received a positive COVID-19 test result
- You have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
Self-Screening
On a daily basis, students should assess whether they have any COVID-19 symptoms and determine if they differ from their personal health baseline.
Watch for symptoms
COVID-19 has had a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Individuals with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore Throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
South Dakota Department of Health provides a COVID-19 screening tool to help you understand what to do next if you experience symptoms.
View USF's daily screening questionnaire.
USF Employees | Faculty & Staff
Access employee COVID-19 resources, important links and more with the button below.
Campus COVID Dashboard
More Resources
Visit the following sites for information about COVID-19.
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://doh.sd.gov/news/Coronavirus.aspx
https://www.avera.org/how-to-prepare-for-the-coronavirus-covid-19/
Historical Updates & Data
Information on these pages is subject to change. USF continues to monitor reports and recommendations from local health agencies, the South Dakota Department of Public Health and the CDC. USF reserves the right to alter these policies and protocols if deemed necessary.