Dear UC Santa Cruz community,
We hope you are enjoying spring break. As you prepare to return to campus and begin spring quarter, we write to share community health guidance as related to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Spring Break Testing Guidance
Before returning to campus, we strongly encourage you to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test if you:
- Develop COVID-19 symptoms
- Have known contact with a positive COVID case
- Travel to an area where infection rates are high
- Attend a high-risk event
If you test positive for COVID, please delay your return to campus and follow the California Department of Public Health’s guidance on isolation and quarantine. If you test negative for COVID and you still have COVID-19 symptoms, complete another rapid antigen test 24-48 hours after the first negative test, for a total of at least two tests. The CDC advises that multiple negative tests increases the confidence that you are not infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
If you get a negative result on the second test and you are concerned that you could have COVID-19, you may test again 24-48 hours after the second test, consider getting a laboratory molecular-based test, or call your healthcare provider.
Even if your COVID tests are negative, do not return to campus if you have flu or COVID-19 symptoms to help prevent the spread of illness within our community.
Need a test? While UC Santa Cruz sunset the campus asymptomatic PCR testing program on March 23, 2023, free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) continue to be available for all students at the College Housing Offices, Bay Tree Campus Store, the McHenry and Science and Engineering Libraries, and Affiliated Residential Community Housing (ARCH) offices. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please ask a friend or roommate to pick up a Rapid Antigen Test for you.
Staff and Faculty can also pick up free Rapid Antigen Tests at the Bay Tree Campus Store and the McHenry and Science and Engineering Libraries. PCR Testing is available at a variety of locations in Santa Cruz County.
Need a mask? Masking remains an effective tool against the transmission of COVID-19 and many other illnesses. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or the flu, it is recommended that you wear a mask. Free masks are available for pick up at the Bay Tree Campus Store, and the McHenry and Science & Engineering Libraries.
Need more information? For more information and to stay up-to-date on campus COVID policies and guidance, please refer to the Student Health Center’s COVID-19 webpage. There you will find vaccination information, testing information, spring protocols, and many other helpful resources–including answers to frequently asked questions.
We hope your break has been enjoyable. As we look forward to seeing you in spring quarter, we thank you for your continued efforts to support community wellness by doing your part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
In community,
John Bollard
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Health & Wellness / Chief Well-being Officer
Elizabeth Miller, D.O.
Medical and Lab Director, Student Health Services
