With the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 and the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, we must continue our mitigation efforts of getting fully vaccinated (including booster shots when eligible), wearing face coverings indoors, frequent handwashing, and testing. We realize that the pandemic has been unpredictable, and public health guidelines often change, so we are reaching out today to provide you with the most up-to-date information for your return from the Winter Break.
The Highlights
- Test 48 Hours Before Returning to Campus
- On-Site Work: Testing Requirements
- Booster Deadline: Jan. 31, 2022
- Statewide Mask Mandate
- How to Request COVID Supplies
- Questions? Please email check@ucsc.edu
Test 48 Hours Before Returning to Campus
Employees with questions about their work modality during the first two weeks of the quarter should consult their managers and supervisors.
Once your on-site return date has been scheduled, employees who are not fully vaccinated are required to get tested or take a self-administered COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to returning to on-site work.
We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated employees get tested or take a self-administered COVID-19 test at least 48 hours before returning to on-site work.
For all employees, if your test is positive, please postpone your return until your healthcare provider has cleared you.
On-Site Work: Testing Requirements
Employees who are not fully vaccinated are required to test at an on-campus testing site within 48 hours of their return to on-site work. After your initial on-site test, you will need to resume the testing cadence of at least once every 4 days.
Please Note: The four-day testing requirement does not apply to employees who have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series but are not yet eligible for their booster or who plan to receive the booster by Jan. 31, 2022.
Fully vaccinated employees are advised to take an on-site Fulgent PCR test when they return to campus, but it is not required. The university can also provide a Rapid Antigen test, if desired. Visit the Merrill Cultural Center or the Bay Tree Express Store to pick up a kit.
Fulgent Genetics has taken over testing at both campus locations, the Merrill Cultural Center and Express Store. You should have received a registration email from Fulgent requesting your consent for COVID-19 testing. Your registration includes an ID that you may need to enter to schedule an appointment for an on-site test. If you missed your registration deadline, you will receive another email prompting you to register.
To avoid long lines, please visit the employee COVID-19 webpage to learn more about testing requirements and schedule future appointments. The Fulgent appointment scheduler will be activated on Jan. 1, 2022.
Regardless of vaccination status, all employees will also need to complete the daily symptom checker once they return to on-site work.
Lastly, 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 as appropriate.
Please refer to the Testing Protocols webpage for more information.
Booster Deadline: Jan. 31, 2022
The UC system COVID-19 vaccination policy requires faculty, staff, and students to obtain a booster shot as soon as they are eligible. You are eligible for a booster if it has been at least 2 months since you received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine or 6 months after your second Moderna or Pfizer dose. We ask eligible employees to get their booster before the start of instruction. UCSC’s deadline for compliance with the booster requirement is Jan. 31, 2022. Employees who are not eligible by the Jan. 31 deadline must comply with the booster requirement within 2 weeks of eligibility. You can find a location providing booster shots in your area on the Santa Cruz County Health website or California’s MyTurn website.
Statewide Mask Mandate
Face coverings are a requirement indoors on the UC Santa Cruz campus, and the California Department of Public Health requires them indoors across the state. This order is in effect until at least Jan. 15, 2022.
How to Request COVID Supplies
Are you in need of COVID supplies? You can request boxes of disposable face coverings and hand sanitizer for classrooms by submitting a request through the Physical Plant work order process. Supplies will be provided by Custodial Services.
Environmental Health & Safety can assist with requests for N95 respirators and reusable face coverings. A list of available items and the request form are on the Environmental Health & Safety website.
Thank you for assisting us in supporting the well-being of our campus community and getting the winter quarter off to a good start.
