With the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching, there are several COVID-related precautions we would like you to be mindful of as you plan to visit with family and friends over the break (Nov. 25 through Nov. 28). Knowing there is a heightened risk for COVID infection when traveling, we are reaching out today to provide information for reducing that risk before leaving, while you are traveling, and when you return to campus.
The Highlights
- Before Leaving
- While Traveling
- Information For Those Staying on Campus
- Upon Returning to Campus
Before Leaving
First and foremost, we want to remind you of the University of California’s executive order requiring flu vaccination for all students, faculty, other academic appointees, and staff who learn, live, or work at a UC location. The deadline for obtaining and verifying compliance is Nov. 19, 2021.Vaccination against influenza is an important measure in protecting the health of our communities based on a review of guidance from public health authorities and scientific studies, as well as consultation with UC experts.
You may get vaccinated at the Student Health Center. There is no co-pay for students with UCSHIP. Fees will apply for those with other insurance plans. Please schedule your appointment through Health E-Messenger.Please note there is no need to upload any proof of vaccination for flu. You may also get the flu vaccine through the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency as well as at other off-campus locations, including Safeway, Rite-Aid, and CVS Pharmacy. Please also review these frequently asked questions for students.
Anyone planning to travel away from UCSC and its surrounding communities for the Thanksgiving Break should also familiarize themselves with the CDC’s recommendations for domestic or international travel. For example, if you are not fully vaccinated and must travel you should get a COVID PCR test 1-3 days before your trip. You can do this on campus at the Merrill kiosk, on the Monday or Tuesday of Thanksgiving week (Nov. 22 or Nov. 23).
While Traveling
If you plan to travel over the break, please familiarize yourself with the CDC guidelines for minimizing infection risk at the time of holiday celebrations and carefully follow those instructions. For example, wear a face covering while on a plane or other form of public transportation or around a family member that is immunocompromised if you are gathering indoors.
Information For Those Staying on Campus
All campus residences will be open during the break and students who wish to remain on campus may do so. Please be aware that you will need to make your own meal arrangements as the dining halls close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, and reopen Sunday, Nov. 28 at 5 p.m.
Harvest Meal service will be offered on Thursday, November 25 from 1-4 p.m. at the Colleges Nine & Ten Dining Hall. All students, faculty, staff and their guests are invited to dine with us. For price and menu information, and to RSVP to attend, visit dining.ucsc.edu/special-hours .
Upon Returning to Campus
For students who are fully vaccinated, pre-arrival testing is not required for returning to campus but we encourage you to self-monitor for any COVID-like symptoms within 7 days of your return as a best practice.
For students who are NOT fully vaccinated, the testing protocol differs depending on if you live on- or off-campus:
- For not fully vaccinated on-campus students: You will receive instructions from the Student Health Center prior to Thanksgiving Break about pre-arrival testing and your return to campus.
- For not fully vaccinated off-campus students: Pre-arrival testing is not required, but is advised. It is also recommended that you follow the CDC Holiday Guidelines , and test at the on-campus testing kiosk located at the Merrill Cultural Center upon arrival back on campus. This should occur on Monday, Nov. 29, or upon return if arrival is later than Nov. 29. We recommend that you make an appointment for that test now.
Thank you for your attention and for working arm in arm to keep our UCSC community Slug Strong!
Whether you travel or not, all best wishes for a wonderful break.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Baszile
Interim Vice Chancellor
Division of Student Affairs and Success
Peter F. Biehl
Vice Provost and Dean
Division of Graduate Studies
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