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 or gathering in large groups, we are reaching out today to provide information for reducing that risk before leaving, while you are traveling, and when you return to campus.
We have been tremendously successful this quarter in reducing the spread of COVID in our campus community. Our seven-day positive rate among students and employees remains well below 1 percent, and we have not recorded any cases of person-to-person transmission on campus. We remain focused on supporting the health and safety of our community and have developed a protocol for employees and students with that in mind.
The guidance for employees is below and guidance for students is available online for those who are interested in knowing more. A high-level summary of the guidance is also available online.
The Highlights
- Before Leaving
- While Traveling
- Upon Returning to Campus
Before Leaving
First, 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.
For employees, there are two steps to this process:
- GET VACCINATED OR OPT-OUT:
- Employees can receive the flu vaccine via their medical provider or at a local pharmacy.
- Employees who wish to do so may affirmatively opt-out of the requirement in writing using this form .
- Those who opt-out will be required to agree to this Declination Statement and wear face coverings on campus through the end of the flu season even if campus COVID-19 requirements for face coverings are lifted.
- COMPLETE THE FORM: All employees are required to fill out the attestation form to inform the campus of their flu vaccination status. The compliance deadline for completing the attestation form is Nov. 19, 2021.
We also recommend you review these frequently asked questions about UC’s 2021-2022 flu vaccine executive order to learn more about UC’s policy.
Note: If you are 100% remote, then vaccination is not required but is strongly encouraged.
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.
While Traveling
If you plan to travel over the Thanksgiving Break, please familiarize yourself with 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 who is immune-compromised if you are gathering indoors.
Upon Returning to Campus
For fully vaccinated employees, pre-arrival testing is not required for returning to campus.
For unvaccinated employees, pre-arrival testing is not required but is advised. You will need to resume the testing cadence at least once every 4 days after your return to campus.
We recommend that all employees self-monitor for any COVID-like symptoms within 7 days of their return as a best practice. Please notify your medical provider if needed.
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 terrific break.
