Earlier this week, UC San Diego Health rolled out criteria and an approach to guide decision-making as we enter a “new normal” in response to steadily declining positive case rates and less restrictive federal and state safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In close consultation with our campus and health system experts and in alignment with health system guidelines for non-clinical areas, I am pleased to announce updates to our campus safety protocols that will be rolled out over the next several weeks.
The following changes have been made using data and modeling that reinforce the importance of continued vigilance and flexibility by our entire campus community, as well as frequent and ongoing assessment of current conditions. The health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff will guide future decision-making as we continue to assess virus prevalence in our community, and adapt our approach and protocols accordingly.
Changes to Masking Mandates
Effective Monday, March 21, we are revising several, but not all, of our campus masking requirements. Masking will be optional except that it will remain required in all indoor classroom/instructional settings, clinical areas, and on Triton/university transportation until further notice. Masking is mandatory for all students and staff living and/or working in campus-operated residential areas until April 4, pending a review of virus prevalence following the beginning of spring quarter. We encourage anyone who feels more comfortable continuing to wear a mask to do so, as masking remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the spread of the virus.
Campus Housing Protocols
Students residing in campus-operated housing are expected to complete a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test no more than 24 hours after they return for the spring quarter, as well as again on Day 5, unless you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days. One free rapid antigen test and two free KN-95 masks also are available for students to pick up prior to departing for spring break at a number of locations across campus.
Effective April 4, assuming a low prevalence of the virus following the beginning of spring quarter, masking will no longer be required in on-campus residential housing. “Residents only” visitation restrictions also will be lifted in campus-operated housing on this date.
Testing and Symptom Screening
During the Spring Quarter 2022, students and employees who are not vaccinated or are not up-to-date on their vaccination status must continue to test two times per week, between three and five days apart. Routine asymptomatic testing for students or employees who are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccination status is not required but remains available to those who would like to test.
All individuals, regardless of vaccination status, who develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should test immediately.
As a reminder, UC San Diego requires everyone residing in or coming to a UC San Diego location for any reason to complete a daily symptom self-screening for COVID-19. The symptom screening tool has been updated to reflect a handful of scenarios that may trigger a red thumb result, including symptoms, vaccination status, a recent positive COVID-19 test result, exposure and compliance with asymptomatic screening requirements. Please check the Return to Learn website for more information on symptom screening tool updates.
In-Person Event Guidance
Current guidelines for large meetings and special events remain in place, including vice chancellor approvals and organizer discretion specific to masking, maximum attendance and other requirements. More information and the formal event approval process are detailed on the Return to Learn website.
Boosters and Continued Vigilance
Booster vaccinations are a key component of the health and safety of our campus community and included under the UC COVID Vaccine Mandate. We encourage everyone to remain up-to-date by getting boosted as soon as possible in order to continue to maintain the safest learning and working environment possible.
Thank You
We have gotten to this point and are able to update some of our more restrictive campus safety protocols because of your commitment, your compliance, and your continued flexibility in the face of this dynamic public health situation. You have demonstrated true Triton pride, true Triton compassion, and the best of what makes our Triton community so unique. I urge all of you to remain vigilant and flexible as we navigate the days and weeks ahead in the face of new variants and our evolving understanding of the science. I am cautious but optimistic as we look ahead, and deeply thankful for your continued support.
