Digital Screener
| UCSF faculty, staff and learners must stay up-to-date with the annual COVID-19 and flu vaccination requirements. Use the digital screener to attest or decline the current COVID-19 and/or flu vaccine, or submit documentation via the OHS portal (VPN required). |
What is the Digital Screener?
This tool is a survey platform for:
- Reporting acute respiratory viral symptoms or illnesses (such as COVID-19, flu or RSV)
- Reporting positive test results for COVID-19 (required)
- Reporting exposure to someone with confirmed COVID-19
- Issuing automated return-to-work guidance
- Attesting or declining receipt of COVID-19 and flu vaccines
How it works:
- Complete the digital screener if you develop any symptoms of an acute respiratory illness, test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19.
- To log in, enter your UCSF email address, name or employee ID (starting with 02). You won't be asked for passwords, Duo authentication or My Access.
- Answer the screening questions on your mobile device or a desktop computer. This will take five minutes at most.
- After the digital screener is completed, the final screen will show your return-to-work status and you'll get an automated email with return-to-work guidance.
It is essential that all UCSF employees take personal accountability to reduce the spread of any acute respiratory viral illness by staying home if symptomatic and completing the digital screener for return-to-work guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I access the digital screener?
There are two ways: You can search for the free UCSF Mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, then download it to your smartphone. Or if you prefer not to download the app, you can visit the UCSF digital screener on any web browser from your computer or your mobile phone.
- Is my information on the digital screener secure?
Yes. Everything you share is stored on a server that's compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- What should I do if I don’t have a smartphone, forgot my smartphone or don’t want to download the UCSF app?
You can complete the digital screener on a home computer by opening any browser and going to the UCSF digital screener website. Scroll down and click on the blue oval button to use the screener. If you don’t have a computer at home or you have other access issues, call the UCSF Occupational Health Services’ Communicable Disease Response Team at (415) 514-7328 or email [email protected].
- Is the digital screener only for UCSF Health employees?
The digital screener is for all personnel who are working, learning, visiting or contracted at any UCSF campus.
- Do I need to take the digital screener if working remotely?
The digital screener is required for reporting a positive COVID-19 test regardless of whether you work remotely and whether you are paid or unpaid.
Use of the digital screener for acute respiratory symptoms is strongly recommended if there may be a need for you to be on campus.
- I completed the digital screener and received a message about returning to work with restrictions. What does that mean?
Returning to work with restrictions means that you will need to follow the guidance provided by the digital screener's automated email. Once you meet the specified criteria, you can self-clear to return to work. The digital screener will send an email with return-to-work guidance to your preferred email address. It is important that you adhere to this guidance before clearing yourself to go back to work.
- Is there a way to prove to my manager that I completed the digital screener?
Your protected health information is not shared with anyone. You must communicate your completion of the digital screener and return-to-work status to your manager directly.
- Do I need to complete the digital screener every day while I’m out sick?
Once you have received guidance from the digital screener, you do not need to complete it every day while you are sick – unless you have a new COVID-19 positive test to report. However, you are expected to keep your manager informed about your condition and your anticipated return to work.
- I don't see any testing requirements for returning to work. Is testing required?
Historically, UCSF has required COVID-19 antigen testing to return to work following COVID-19 exposure, COVID-19 illness, or other acute respiratory symptoms. The shift away from testing reflects the latest public health guidance and our growing understanding of these illnesses. By focusing on symptom improvement, fever resolution and mask-wearing, we can support a safe workplace while allowing employees to return to work as soon as they are well enough.
- Whom can I contact with questions about my clearance or return-to-work status?
Please call or email the UCSF Occupational Health Services’ Communicable Disease Response Team at (415) 514-7328 or [email protected].
- Whom can I contact with questions about the screening tool?
For general questions about the screener or technical support, please email the UCSF Occupational Health Services’ Communicable Disease Response Team at [email protected].