Dear Tritons,
San Diego continues to experience a considerable spike in new COVID-19 cases, and our experience with the Omicron variant suggests that viral activity will be reduced towards the end of month. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we are using science and data to guide our repopulation strategy.
With this in mind, we are recommending a number of steps for a safer return to San Diego and campus communities.
Students currently residing outside of San Diego County
STEP 1: Complete a rapid antigen test before you leave to return to San Diego.
- Please request a free test kit through Jan. 21. The kit will be mailed to your current location.
- Take the rapid antigen test 24-48 hours before you plan to arrive on campus.
- If your rapid test result is positive, please do not travel until your isolation period has ended.
- Please notify Student Health Services at shsmr@ucsd.edu of your positive result, so that the information can be added to your health record and you are exempted from campus testing requirements for 90 days. SHS will answer any clinical questions that you have.
STEP 2: Complete a PCR test within 24 hours of arrival.
STEP 3: When possible, please delay your return to San Diego.
- Consider arriving closer to the end of this month, when modeling predicts that the Omicron surge is likely to subside.
Students currently in San Diego County or already residing on campus
STEP 1: Continue to take advantage of PCR testing.
- If moving to a UC San Diego apartment or house with other students, test 24-48 hours before joining them in-person.
- If you have symptoms or a known COVID-19 exposure, test ASAP.
- If your test result is positive, please isolate where you are or contact SHS if you need isolation housing.
- Do not travel until your isolation period has ended.
- Please notify Student Health Services at shsmr@ucsd.edu of your positive result, so that the information can be added to your health record and you are exempted from campus testing requirements for 90 days. SHS will answer any clinical questions that you have.
Returning residential students: please also refer to the guidelines provided by HDH.
All students: Winter Quarter 2022 Surveillance Testing
Once you’re physically back on campus, the frequency at which you need to test is dictated by your vaccination status.
If you are FULLY VACCINATED, you are strongly encouraged to test weekly. "Fully vaccinated" is defined as:
- You have received a booster shot and it has been 7 days, OR
- You have received the complete initial vaccination series and you are not yet eligible for a booster.
If you are NOT FULLY VACCINATED, you are required to test twice weekly (every 3-5 days). "Not fully vaccinated" is defined as:
- You have received a booster shot and it has been less than 7 days; OR
- You have received a complete initial vaccine series and are eligible for a booster shot, but have not yet received one; OR
- You did not complete the initial vaccine series; OR
- You have not received any vaccines.
For More Information
Take care, we look forward to seeing you.
Be well,
Alysson M. Satterlund, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Angela L. Scioscia, M.D.
Interim Executive Director, Student Health and Well-Being