Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Resources

unh manchester sunset
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Resources

We've created this webpage to keep the UNH Manchester community informed during the evolving COVID-19 situation. We encourage you to check this page frequently for updates, important information and resources.

 

Effective Monday, May 23, we will offer voluntary COVID testing and suspend mandatory surveillance testing for the summer.

  • Voluntary testing will still be available to anyone in our UNH community, and regular testing is still encouraged for those who are immunocompromised
  • Anyone showing symptoms (sore throat, cough, congestion) is encouraged to drop a test
  • If you test positive you are still required to isolate per Centers for Disease Contol guidance
  • COVID vaccinations and boosters are generally available across the State of NH and also by appointment at UNH Health & Wellness in Durham
  • Existing testing infrastructure will remain in place and mandatory testing can quickly resume if needed

Voluntary summer testing will continue as a self-swab process with drop-off at UNH Manchester and test processing at the Durham COVID testing lab.  If you would like to test over the summer, please contact covid_unhm@unh.edu by Friday, May 20 for more test kits and new labels that will be required for summer testing.

  • Rapid test kits will also be available upon request to mary.young@unh.edu
  • A valid Wildcat Pass is no longer required beginning Monday, May 23 but can be reactivated if mandatory testing resumes
  • The UNH Manchester test kit dropbox will remain in operation during the following hours:
    • Monday 9:00 a.m. through Thursday 1:00 p.m.
    • The dropbox will be locked during off-hours

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our campus safe. Have a great summer and continue to watch email for guidance for the fall semester.

COVID-19 Testing

UNH Manchester requires arrival testing as well as regular testing for all students, faculty and staff who plan to be on campus, vaccinated and unvaccinated. COVID-19 testing at UNH Manchester is self-administered and processed onsite.

If you are fully remote/not planning to be on campus, testing is not required but you must submit an opt-out form.

Fully vaccinated? Upload proof using the confidential Health & Wellness portal.

  
New and Returning Students

Effective March 4, 2022, masks are no longer required in indoor spaces.   

Throughout the pandemic we have based our policies on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Their mask guidance based on community levels puts our campus’s county at green or low activity, which means masks are no longer required in most indoor settings. Masks are still required as part of regular PPE in labs and for individuals who were recently in isolation or quarantine and need to mask for 10 days.

As we follow this recent CDC change in public health guidance, we continue to be vigilant with our ongoing testing.  We are grateful for the high levels of vaccination in our community and encourage all to remain up to date with vaccinations.

We recognize this change will be met with varying reactions in our community; we encourage people to exercise personal choice and to do what feels right for them. If you are immunocompromised, at high risk for severe disease, have young children or others in your home who cannot be vaccinated or are uncomfortable with the change in mask requirements, please review CDC’s recommendations for individuals. And for everyone, some important reminders to ensure every member of our community makes it to the end of the semester without needing to leave campus early or, even worse, miss commencement due to COVID-19 illness or quarantine requirements.

  • Stay home from work or class if you are sick.
  • Get tested for COVID. If you have a sore throat or cold-like symptoms, submit a COVID test, contact covid_unhm@unh.edu for a rapid test or make an appointment at UNH Health and Wellness in Durham if that is convenient for you. You can test any time; your Wildcat Pass will automatically adjust.
  • Get your COVID booster. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), vaccines continue to protect people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying—especially people who have received a booster.
  • Upload proof of booster. This will affect your need to quarantine if you are a close contact.
  • Be respectful. Community members may still choose to wear a mask for various reasons or may ask you to do so in their presence – including in the classroom.  Please make every effort to honor the wishes of such a request.
  • Continue testing. No changes have been made to testing requirements. Check your Wildcat Pass. Details here

We strongly encourage all members of our community to get vaccinated.  If you already have, please tell us in the Health & Wellness portal or here. This is protected information, and no one will know your individual decision, but having a better understanding of how much of our community has been vaccinated will help us to make informed decisions.  Please contact UNH Health & Wellness at (603) 862-9355 should you have any questions or require assistance to upload a copy of your vaccination card.

If you have any questions about COVID-19 testing policies or processes, please email covid_unhm@unh.edu or call Mary Young at (603) 641-4119 or Dana Pierce at (603) 641-4348.

Sign the UNH COVID-19 Testing Consent Form

Sign the UNH COVID-19 Testing Consent Form .

Sign the Wildcat Pledge

The Wildcat Pledge confirms your commitment to participate in regular COVID-19 testing and follow all federal, state and University public health protocols around physical distancing, face coverings and gatherings. You must sign the Wildcat Pledge to have a valid Wildcat Pass, otherwise you will not be permitted on any UNH campus. If you choose not to sign the pledge for any reason, please contact Academic Advising to ensure your studies stay on track.

update my profile

To ensure effective contact tracing, it is very important that you update My Profile so UNH Health & Wellness can get in touch with you quickly should you be exposed to COVID-19.

have a valid wildcat pass at all times

You are required to have a valid Wildcat Pass at all times on any UNH campus. Wildcat Pass is a web app developed to help students, faculty and staff stay aware of—and compliant with—UNH’s COVID-19 guidelines. When you log in to Wildcat Pass, it will either say that you are compliant or provide what you are missing (for example, a negative COVID-19 test or signed Wildcat Pledge). UNH faculty and staff may ask for proof of a valid Wildcat Pass at any time.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Test Frequency

COVID-19 testing at UNH Manchester is self-administered and processed onsite. Use the graphic below to determine how frequently you must submit a COVID-19 test:

COVID-19 testing flow chart

  
How to Self-Swab and Submit Your Test

Watch the video below or view our downloadable testing instructions for step-by-step guidance to self-testing. UNH Manchester’s COVID-19 test drop box is outside the building to the left of the main entrance.

  
Checking Your Results

We’ve created this helpful guide to walk you through how to see your results.

  1. Log in to your account at https://unewhorchard.netsmartcloud.com/
  2. You will see one “Order” file. Each batch of test kits counts as one order.
  3. Open the report by clicking the order ID.
  4. This report contains all test results from your batch. Look for the most recent “Final – Approved” date on the left-hand side to find your latest test result.
  5. A result of “Not Recommended for Diagnostic Testing” means your test did not show COVID-19.
  6. A result of "Recommended for Diagnostic Testing" means your results are abnormal. If your results are abnormal, contact Mary Young at (603) 566-3788.

The measures designed to keep you safe at UNH Manchester include:

  • Optional face covering while in the building
  • Regular testing for students, faculty and staff on campus (details in the accordion above)
  • Comprehensive contact tracing
  • Continued hygiene and sanitation measures

UNH adopted revised Centers for Disease Control and NH Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) recommendations effective immediately. If you test positive or are identified as a household close contact requiring quarantine please review the guidance in its entirety. Changes include, but are not limited to:

  • Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19—regardless of vaccination status—can end isolation after day five (beginning day six or later) if they are fever free for at least 24 hours and their symptoms are improving.
    • ALL STUDENTS (undergraduate and graduate) must also have a negative rapid/antigen test; isolation continues until day 10 if the requirements are not met. Students must complete the online attestation form to reactivate their Wildcat Pass.
    • If you need a rapid/antigen test to test out of isolation, please contact the UNH Manchester COVID Response Team at covid_unhm@unh.edu.
  • Anyone who is unvaccinated or who is not up to date on receiving all recommended vaccine doses (this includes a booster) must quarantine if they are exposed to a household member with COVID-19 (Household Close Contact). Upload proof of booster if you have it.
    • A Household Close Contact (HCC) is defined by NH DHHS as any individual who lives and sleeps in the same indoor shared space as another person diagnosed with COVID-19 (either a temporary or permanent living arrangement), leading to close contact and potential repeated exposure to the person with COVID-19.

view the isolation and quarantine policy

For advising appointments, contact unhm.advising@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4170. For career services, schedule an appointment via Handshake, or contact unhm.career@unh.edu.

If you will not be on campus this semester and would like a student ID, send a photo of yourself using the following guidelines to unhm.it@unh.edu. Save the photo in JPG format and name the file using your legal LastName,FirstName (i.e., Doe,Jane.jpg). Please use these guidelines when taking your photo:

  1. Use a plain, light background.
  2. Crop slightly above the head to middle of chest.
  3. Must be a color photo.
  4. Do not wear sunglasses or a hat.
  5. Position directly facing the camera.
  6. Eyes open and look at the camera.
  7. Senior Portraits generally don’t meet the criteria.

Once your photo is submitted, UNH Manchester will print your student ID and coordinate with the UNH Security team to distribute it to you.

Visual guide to take student ID photo

 

We understand that many of our students might be moving from a face-to-face class to a class online or vice versa throughout their day. This means there may be limited time in between the classes for these students to get home or to a quiet location. With that in mind, quiet spaces have been identified within the building for this specific use.

See quiet space options

  • Academic Advising: Schedule an appointment through myWildcatSuccess or email unhm.advising@unh.edu.
  • Admissions: Email unhm.admissions@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4150.
  • Business Office/Billing: Email unhm.businessoffice@unh.edu. For student accounts, call (603) 641-4137
  • Career and Professional Success: Schedule an appointment via Handshake, or contact unhm.career@unh.edu for any questions.
  • Center for Academic Enrichment: Email unhm.cae@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4113.
  • Dean’s Office: Email unhm.dean@unh.edu.
  • Financial Aid: Email unhm.fa@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4189.
  • Food Insecurity: If you are concerned about food for yourself or your family during this time, please Lisa Enright, director of student engagement.
  • Graduate School at Manchester: Email unhm.gradcenter@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4313.
  • Housing: Contact Keriann McDonough, coordinator of student involvement and orientation.
  • Information Technology: Call (603) 641-HELP or submit a ticket online.
  • Library: Email unhm.library@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4173.
  • Mental Health Services: Students can schedule free mental health appointments by emailing unhm.advising@unh.edu. Sessions must be scheduled in advance – there will be no walk-in availability. Additional mental health support:
    • Get support for a mental health or substance misuse crisis by contacting the Manchester Mobile Crisis Response Team 24/7 at (800) 688-3544. Mobile Crisis Response sends mental health clinicians, peer support and recovery coaches directly to those in need.
    • Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a Crisis Counselor, volunteers who are trained to support people in crisis. It usually takes less than five minutes to connect you with a trained Crisis Counselor.
    • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress as well as resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Call (800) 273-TALK (8255).
  • Registration: Email unhm.registration@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4136.
  • Security: Email unhm.security@unh.edu or call (603) 641-4124.
  • Student Engagement: Email unhm.studentengagement@unh.edu.

Yes, the library will be open. Textbooks on Reserve, laptops, charging cables and all other materials are available for checkout. Books and DVDs can be requested through our catalog or you can browse the shelves yourself. As always, you still have access to the library’s extensive online resources, which include more than 200 online databases and tens of thousands of online journals and e-books. Librarians are available to help you navigate these resources either in person or virtually.

This is a stressful time for many, so we’ve worked with Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (MHCGM) to continue offering mental health services. Email unhm.advising@unh.edu for more information and to schedule your appointment.

Additional mental health support:

  • Get support for a mental health or substance misuse crisis by contacting the Manchester Mobile Crisis Response Team 24/7 at (800) 688-3544. Mobile Crisis Response sends mental health clinicians, peer support and recovery coaches directly to those in need.
  • Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a Crisis Counselor, volunteers who are trained to support people in crisis. It usually takes less than five minutes to connect you with a trained Crisis Counselor.
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress as well as resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Call (800) 273-TALK (8255).

We've compiled the resources below to help those experiencing unexpected financial hardships caused by challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

COVID-19 Assistance Information and Resources
 
Food Assistance
 
Unemployment and Financial Resources

If you have additional questions or are concerns about financial hardship during this time, please contact Financial Aid at unhm.fa@unh.edu or 603-641-4189.

 

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s 13 Coalition member programs are still available 24/7 to provide support and safety. Survivors of domestic and sexual violence are under increased pressure and danger during this time and we want them to know they are never alone: NHCADSV Not Alone Video

Other resources:
CONFIDENTIAL STATEWIDE HELPLINES
  • 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-866-644-3574
  • 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-277-5570
  • Chat and text support services are available at some member programs, and more are beginning to offer these services. Visit your local program to learn more. 

UNH Manchester and UNH Downtown Commons residence hall are official stops for the Green DASH, a free shuttle that runs on weekdays to ease congestion and parking around the Millyard and downtown Manchester. The Green DASH route begins at Veterans Park, with designated stops at UNH Downtown Commons, Rines Center, UNH Manchester and Market Basket. All other stops along the route operate on a flag system—the driver will only stop if there are passengers waiting to be picked up or if someone pulls the “stop” rope aboard the bus. The bus is wheelchair accessible and equipped with bicycle racks. The schedule and route map is below, online and available in hard-copy at the UNH Manchester security desk.

Veterans Park UNH Downtown Commons (1000 Elm St) Rines Center UNH Manchester (88 Commercial St) Market Basket Veterans Park
5:50 pm 5:55 pm 6:00 pm 6:05 pm 6:15 pm 6:20 pm
8:20 am 8:22 am 8:30 am 8:40 am 8:45 am 8:50 am
8:50 am 8:52 am 9:00 am 9:10 am 9:15 am 9:20 am
9:20 am 9:22 am 9:30 am 9:40 am 9:45 am 9:50 am
9:50 am 9:52 am 10:00 am 10:10 am 10:15 am 10:20 am
10:20 am 10:22 am 10:30 am 10:40 am 10:45 am 10:50 am
10:50 am 10:52 am 11:00 am 11:10 am 11:15 am 11:20 am
11:20 am 11:22 am 11:30 am 11:40 am 11:45 am 11:50 am
11:50 am 11:52 am 12:00 pm 12:10 pm 12:15 pm 12:20 pm
12:20 pm 12:22 pm 12:30 pm 12:40 pm 12:45 pm 12:50 pm
12:50 pm 12:52 pm 1:00 pm 1:10 pm 1:15 pm 1:20 pm
1:20 pm 1:22 pm 1:30 pm 1:40 pm 1:45 pm 1:50 pm
1:50 pm 1:52 pm 2:00 pm 2:10 pm 2:15 pm 2:20 pm
2:20 pm 2:22 pm 2:30 pm 2:40 pm 2:45 pm 2:50 pm
2:50 pm 2:52 pm 3:00 pm 3:10 pm 3:15 pm 3:20 pm
3:20 pm 3:22 pm 3:30 pm 3:40 pm 3:45 pm 3:50 pm
3:50 pm 3:52 pm 4:00 pm 4:10 pm 4:15 pm 4:20 pm
4:20 pm 4:22 pm 4:30 pm 4:40 pm 4:45 pm 4:50 pm
4:50 pm 4:52 pm 5:00 pm 5:10 pm - -
UNH Manchester (88 Commercial St) Market Basket Veterans Park UNH Downtown Commons (1000 Elm St) Rines Center UNH Manchester (88 Commercial St)
5:20 pm 5:25 pm 5:30 pm 5:35 pm 5:45 pm 5:50 pm

Disposable masks are available at the security desk on an as-needed basis. Additional PPE is available upon request by emailing covid_unhm@unh.edu.

 

Faculty and Staff

All faculty and staff who plan to be on campus must be tested regularly for COVID-19 and demonstrate proof of a negative test. COVID-19 testing at UNH Manchester is self-administered and processed onsite. see testing frequency and details here

Fully vaccinated? Upload proof using the confidential Health & Wellness portal.

Please contact IT at (603) 641-HELP or submit a ticket online.

Disposable masks are available at the security desk on an as-needed basis. Additional PPE is available upon request by emailing covid_unhm@unh.edu.

 

Visitors

Visitors to UNH Manchester must be sponsored by a member of the UNH Manchester community.

To sponsor an on-campus visitor (such as a family member or friend, panelist, guest speaker, vendor, campus interviewer, etc.), please coordinate the visit by emailing covid_unhm@unh.edu with the following information:

  • Date of visit
  • Time of visit
  • Nature of visit

Each visit will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  Sponsors should greet their visitors at the main entrance and provide an escort.

Visitors are expected to wear a mask and adhere to physical distancing measures of six (6) feet. When your visitor arrives on campus, they will be asked about any COVID-related illness or symptoms they have experienced.  

We ask that your visitors do not come to campus if they have any of the symptoms listed on the CDC website.

This procedure is necessary to maintain visibility concerning who is on campus, and we appreciate your cooperation.

Again, to coordinate a campus visitor, please email covid_unhm@unh.edu.

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Now more than ever, the health and safety of our UNH community depends on everyone acting with real Wildcat pride. Let's take care of each other.

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