Return to Learn Update, Fall Break Planning and Travel Guidelines

I would like to thank all students, faculty and staff for an excellent start to the school year. Our community is doing really well thanks to our Return to Learn program and your commitment to making it successful. Return to Learn is the outcome of a strong collaboration among all parts of campus and a deep commitment from UC San Diego Health. The level of collaboration, the level of commitment, and the meticulous implementation and attention to detail are all truly commendable.

Our approach is working. The overall positivity rate for UC San Diego students on and off campus is 0.2%. The positivity rate in San Diego County is averaging just below 3%. Your diligent participation has made UC San Diego a model for how other schools can Return to Learn. Thank you for making and keeping our campus community as safe as possible.

Fall break is Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27. Traditionally, this four-day break provides a respite from the rigors of academics and allows students to leave campus and spend time with family and friends.

The coronavirus pandemic presents a significant challenge to this tradition. Nationwide, infection rates are increasing, and some areas of the country are seeing significant impacts on public health. Sharing meals, participating in unmasked recreation activities and other close contact often enjoyed during Fall Break will increase the risk of getting or giving the virus that causes COVID-19.

While we understand the importance of Fall Break, we must be thoughtful this year. The following guidance provides options to consider when making plans.

Undergraduate Students Living On Campus

Students are warmly welcome to stay on campus over the Fall Break. We will have meals, activities and health services to support you during the break. Those remaining on campus will be able to continue with in-person courses, research and activities after Fall Break.

For students planning to leave campus during Fall Break to gather with others or visit home, we strongly encourage you to remain at home for the rest of Fall Quarter and complete the quarter remotely.

For those who choose to return home and stay at home for the remainder of the quarter, UC San Diego will apply the prorated balance of your fall HDH contract as a credit toward your winter HDH contract. The “Returning Home after Move-In Process” form in the Housing Portal must be completed by November 20 to receive room credit.

For those who choose to return to campus after Fall Break, you will need to resume wearing a face covering at all times (even in your suite, except when asleep or in the shower). You will also need to be tested within 24 hours of returning, again within five days, and once more within 10 days after your return to campus.

Holiday Travel Guidelines for All Students, Faculty and Staff

If you plan to travel, plan your trip carefully. Obtain sufficient supplies of masks and hand sanitizer for your journey. Use modes of travel that are the least likely to place you in close proximity to large numbers of people in enclosed places.

Before You Travel. As travel approaches, continue to monitor yourself for symptoms with the UC San Diego symptom checker, and postpone your trip if you are ill. Testing for SARS CoV-2 is available to all UC San Diego students, faculty and staff without cost. The asymptomatic testing program plays an important role in our Return to Learn campus safety program. It is required for students living on campus and strongly encouraged for faculty and staff.

If you are tested before travel or before a holiday event, it is important to realize that a negative test does not guarantee freedom from infection. Virus will not be detectable during the viral incubation period (up to 14 days) and a negative test should not be taken as assurance that viral shedding or symptomatic infection will not follow several hours or days later. Do not travel if you are shedding virus (e.g., have tested positive for the virus within the past 14 days or within 10 days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms if you have recently been ill.

While Traveling. Be strict in the use of masks throughout the journey unless you are inside a car with only your immediate family. If traveling on a public conveyance, to the greatest extent possible avoid removing your mask to eat or drink while on the plane, train or bus. Whenever possible, eat and hydrate before leaving or after arriving at your destination. If you must eat or drink, distance yourself from others to the greatest extent possible before removing your mask.

During Your Visit. If you plan to attend events with family or friends, be aware that the larger the number of people present, the smaller the space and the worse the ventilation, the greater your risk of acquiring or transmitting SARS CoV-2. Small gatherings held outdoors are recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Wear a mask and keep your distance whenever possible.

Upon Your Return. Travel and holiday gatherings will place you at an increased risk for SARS CoV-2 infection. This risk will carry over for at least 14 days after you return. At least 50% of all positive cases are without symptoms and, even in those who do develop symptoms, infectivity is greatest just prior to the onset of symptoms. It is extremely important to carefully adhere to masking and distancing guidelines following your return to school, work and in social interactions.

Additional travel recommendations are available on the Return to Learn website and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Thank You

I am so proud of our Triton community, on campus and off. Let’s keep up the good work. Keep your distance, wear your mask, clean work surfaces frequently, complete your daily screening, and test every two weeks. I wish you the best for the 2020 holiday season and encourage you to stay safe as we all work to reduce the impact of SARS CoV-2 around the world. Enjoy your Fall Break.

Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor