Managing Instances of Positive COVID Cases On Campus
To: Residential Students
Date: January 12, 2022
Dear Residential Student Currently Living in University-Sponsored Housing,
The number of positive COVID cases in our community continue to rise. We realize this is likely of concern to you and we write with information on how this situation is being managed along with instructions on how you might respond to current circumstances.
If you have not yet done so, please get your booster as soon as possible.
When a student receives a positive COVID test result, we are working as quickly as possible to get them moved into suitable isolation facilities. Given the number of positive cases being received each day, immediate response is not currently possible. Students who test positive may be required to isolate in place until arrangements can be made to move them to isolation housing and, if needed, to transport them there. Meanwhile, it may be helpful for you to consider having an open conversation with co-residents about plans should you or someone you live with test positive. Thank you for your patience.
If you have pressing concerns that you or someone you live with could be positive and especially if someone in your living space tests positive, all residents sharing that space should immediately:
- wear well-fitting masks, preferably KN-95s or similar, while inside your room/rooms, even while sleeping
- improve air circulation/ventilation by opening windows as possible
- disinfecting shared surfaces after each use – know that Custodial Services is placing disinfectant in all shared residence hall bathrooms.
- limit the number of guests coming into your room, instead, meet your friends outside
If you are a student who tests positive:
If you receive a positive COVID test result while living in university housing, promptly self-isolate and please do not go to a public space, including a Housing Office. Follow this list of instructions provided by the Student Health Center.
- Immediately fill out this survey (link also found in the list of instructions linked above) – this will put you on a list of those needing isolation housing – you will be contacted as soon as possible – unless your information changes, do not submit more than one response. Please note: there is no cost to students for lodging and meals while in isolation housing.
- Please be as respectful as possible of your roommates/housemates and their concerns.
- Please remain in your room to the fullest extent possible.
- DO NOT go into public spaces including Dining Halls, recreational facilities, or libraries.
- Make use of the Buddy Meal program.
If a roommate tests positive, you may need to quarantine:
- Please be kind.
- Follow current quarantine instructions depending on your vaccination/booster status.
- Do what you can to support the overall situation by complying with the instructions above, including mask-wearing, distancing, disinfecting, etc.
- If needed, obtain KN-95 masks from your local Housing office
Please know that current California Department of Public Health guidelines indicate that isolation can end after day 5 if symptoms are not present or are resolving.
