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The HEAL Line and COVID-19 Information

What is the HEAL Line?

Updated: September 2024

The HEAL Line is a phone, online chat, and text information line available for students or employees who have questions related to a recent positive COVID test, exposure, or symptoms. The HEAL Line's virtual assistant provides information by text and voice. The HEAL Line is also staffed by University Health Center employees who can answer questions when more detailed guidance is needed.

How does the HEAL line work?

For questions about COVID-19, call 301.405.4325 (HEAL). You will first be connected to the virtual assistant that can answer many of your questions. If you need to speak with a HEAL line staff member to provide additional information, you will be prompted to leave a message. HEAL Line staff will respond to messages during HEAL line hours. Most times, we will communicate with you by sending a secure message through our patient portal, but occasionally we will need to speak with you by phone. 

If you are having symptoms and need to speak to a nurse, you will be contacted by one of our team members during HEAL line hours. Outside of the HEAL line's designated hours, you can contact the After Hours Nurse Line at 301.314.9386. 

With any upper respiratory illness, remember that those who are experiencing symptoms should cover their cough and sneezes and wear a well-fitting mask if around others.  

Please call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

COVID-19 Information and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend that you wear a mask and take a COVID-19 test. It is important to self-isolate whenever you are experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms to reduce the spread of the disease.  If you have questions, contact the UHC at 301.314.8184 and our team members will advise you as to your next steps.

  • COVID testing (rapid antigen and PCR) may be done at the UHC for individuals who have a scheduled appointment with a provider, or who are traveling outside of the US and need a PCR test to enter their international destination. Please call the UHC at 301.314.8184 for more information.
  • Free COVID-19 self-test kits are currently available at the UHC pharmacy and registration desk on the first floor while supplies last. Please show your University ID card to pick up your test kit. Students do not need an appointment to obtain a self-test kit. Many COVID-19 rapid tests have extended expiration dates. Before you throw out your "Expired" tests, check to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.

Please Note: The FDA has extended the expiration date for COVID-19 self-tests. Please click here to check yours. 

At this time, the county and state health departments do not required you to report your positive test to UMD. If you tested positive off campus or using a home test kit, you should follow CDC recommendations.

According to the CDC's updated guidance, those who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) and return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without the use of fever-reducing medications. 

When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.

For on-campus students and off-campus students who test positive for COVID-19, we recommend the following:

  • Stay in your room except to use the bathroom, collect your meals, and visit a pharmacy or doctor’s office (activities essential for daily living).
  • Do not go to class or participate in any campus activities until you are feeling better. 
  • Wear an N95 or KN95 mask at all times when around others, and do not go anywhere if you are unable to wear a mask.
  • We encourage you to communicate with your roommate(s) to let them know you have tested positive. 
  • For students who have a Dining Plan, use the Department of Dining Services - Sick Meals request and pick-up program. Wear your N95 or KN95 mask while collecting your meals.
  • Take steps for cleaner air. This can mean bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors. Virus particles do not build up in the air outdoors as much as they do indoors.
  • Clean and disinfect shared surfaces frequently.
  • We encourage you to communicate with your instructors and/or your supervisor to notify them if you will be absent from class or work.   

Please consult with your primary medical provider AND the University Health Center’s HEAL Line 301.405.4325 (HEAL) for additional guidance if either you or your roommate(s) test positive for COVID-19.

We know you may not feel well and that you might need guidance for managing your symptoms. Feel free to call the University Health Center’s (UHC) HEAL line at 301.314.4325 (HEAL). If you feel your symptoms need to be evaluated by a medical provider, call your personal medical provider or schedule an appointment at the UHC by calling 301.314.8184.  If you experience any worsening or severe symptoms, including any trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you have questions regarding any of this information, please contact the University Health Center HEAL Line at 301.405.4325 (HEAL).  Thank you for doing your part to keep our Maryland community healthy.

The University Health Center’s HEAL Line and the Dean of Students Office are available to answer any questions or concerns.

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