COVID-19 Policies

The federal public health emergency responding to the COVID-19 pandemic expired on May 11, 2023. COVID-19 still is in circulation, though it is far less likely to cause severe illness because of widespread immunity and improved tools to prevent and treat the disease. Importantly, vaccines and treatments remain available. The following information is meant to guide CU Medicine patients who have been exposed to or become ill with COVID-19.

Please call your provider or schedule a Virtual Visit if any of the following apply to you:

• New cough, fever of 100.4°F or greater, or shortness of breath in the last 72 hours OR
• Two or more of these symptoms that are new in the last 72 hours: Chills, muscle aches, severe headache, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of smell or loss of taste.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the emergency warning signs for COVID-19:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

What to Do If You Were Exposed to COVID-19

As of August 11, 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer recommends quarantine for people who have been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.

What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19

Any positive COVID-19 test – whether a home test or a test taken by a healthcare provider – means the virus was detected and you have or recently had an infection.

As of March 1, 2024, the CDC encourages those who test positive for COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu) and RSV to stay home and away from others. If you test positive for COVID-19, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The CDC recommends returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.

Once you resume normal activities, you are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65, infants under the age of 6 months and people with weakened immune systems. The CDC’s updated guidance reflects how the circumstances around COVID-19 have changed since the beginning of the pandemic.

Core Strategies to Avoid COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses

As of March 1, 2024, the CDC recommends the following steps and strategies to prevent respiratory illnesses:

• Stay up to date with vaccinations to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
• Practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• Take steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

At CU Medicine, we are monitoring insurance coverage guidance from Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial Insurance Plans and will make best efforts to ensure our patients receive their maximum insurance coverage.

From all of us at CU Medicine, we thank you for the trust you place in us for your healthcare.