It’s March, and we are nearing the second anniversary of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Things are continuing to look up. Our daily case and positivity rates are extremely low, and our vaccination and compliance rates are very high. With Spring Break quickly approaching March 19-26, I am writing to provide some important COVID-related reminders.
The Highlights
- Spring Break Return Testing Protocol
- Free Test Kits Available
- Reminder: Get Boosted, Upload Your Proof of Vaccination
- Reminder: Complete Your Daily Symptom Checker
Spring Break Return Testing Protocol
We realize that most of you plan to work through Spring Break as usual. However, if you plan to travel, we’d strongly encourage you to make testing part of your spring break plans. Staff and faculty are not required to test, but testing before you leave on travel and after you return to campus protects your own health, as well as our campus community. Regardless of your vaccination status, we strongly encourage you to take a COVID-19 test 24 hours before returning to on-site work.Please see our Spring Break Return Testing Protocol for additional information.
Free Test Kits Available
If you plan to travel over spring break, free COVID-19 testing kits are available for pick-up at the Scotts Valley Center, Barn Theater, and Bay Tree Campus Store between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Fridaybeginning on March 7. Please note that we can only provide one kit per individual, and it is intended for use before you return to campus.
Reminder: Get Boosted, Upload Your Proof of Vaccination
As of Feb. 22, 92.1% of employees are in compliance with UC policy.This is promising news, but it remains a priority to get our faculty and staff into full compliance, especially with boosters. As a reminder, getting a COVID-19 booster is required pursuant to UC policy. The deadline to submit proof of your booster was Jan. 31. Please get boosted as soon as you are eligible. Through our partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the next booster shot clinic is on March 9 at the Hay Barn. Check out the COVID-19 Vaccines page for details on how to book your appointment. Remember: The deadline to submit proof of your booster is two weeks after you are eligible to receive your booster. View this document for a detailed step-by-step on how to upload your proof of vaccination.
Reminder: Complete Your Daily Symptom Checker
If you have returned to on-site work at a UCSC property, please remember that you must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom check questionnaire before reporting for work. This is critical to our COVID-19 mitigation efforts on campus.
It’s up to us to keep our Slug community safe. Stay informed on our campus operations updates via the Slug Strong website.
