Dear Tritons,
We continue to see very high levels of SARS-CoV-2 in San Diego and Southern California. Furthermore, the new,
highly contagious variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading in our region and beyond.
In order to continue combating the spread of COVID-19, we ask that you please limit non-essential travel.
On-campus residents
Please stay on campus whenever possible. We have observed an uptick in the number of students who have traveled home on weekends, and subsequently returned to campus with viral infections.
As a reminder, students who reside in campus-operated housing and who engage in any off-campus unmasked activity (sharing a meal, recreational activities, gatherings, etc.) are required to undergo additional COVID-19 testing on days 1, 5 and 10 after returning to campus.
Please adhere to your weekly testing schedule, and test more often if you may have been involved in any off-campus unmasked activity.
Students who delay testing and/or do not follow the testing recommendations increase their risk of unknowingly carrying an infection and exposing others.
Off-campus residents
We know it is difficult. We are also asking that you avoid non-essential travel—including home visits—and minimize unmasked activity. If you must travel for an emergency or are involved in unmasked activity away from your residence for more than 48 hours, we recommend that you undergo additional COVID-19 testing within 24 hours and on days 5 and 10 after your return.
We strongly encourage you to follow a weekly testing schedule, even if you are not coming to campus. Students who observe the weekly testing recommendation decrease their risk of unknowingly carrying an infection and exposing others.
Reducing viral spread
According to some estimates, the new coronavirus variant is nearly 70% more transmissible — meaning that tried-and-true protective measures (wearing face coverings, physically distancing, and frequent hand sanitization) are more important than ever.
Thank you, Tritons, for continuing to do your part to protect one another. While the end may be in sight, your vigilance now helps to ensure that we arrive at that point as safely as possible.
Be well,
Alysson M. Satterlund
Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs
Angela L. Scioscia
Interim Executive Director - Student Health and Well-Being
Hemlata G. Jhaveri
Executive Director - Housing * Dining * Hospitality