As we return to campus for the fall quarter, COVID-19 remains a concern. Cases, hospitalizations, and wastewater measurements nationwide rose over the summer. Colleges and universities with earlier start dates are already reporting increases in COVID-19 cases on their campuses. We are preparing for a similar scenario at UC Santa Barbara.
Nationally, recognizing the uptick in cases, waning immunity, and presence of new variants, federal health authorities recently approved new COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 Response Team recommends that all community members get the latest vaccine to increase protection against infection. Vaccines will be available for students at the Student Health Center next month. Faculty and staff can obtain vaccinations through their health providers or at many local pharmacies.
In addition, we are asking that all community members:
• utilize proactive hygiene measures like frequent hand washing • feel free to mask protectively as an additional safety measure • remain vigilant about symptoms • test if symptoms occur • mask and isolate after a positive test • self-report a positive case on the MyHealth portal
Over the summer, we began tracking campus building locations where a potential COVID-19 exposure may have occurred within the prior 30 days. This information is based on positive cases known to the university through self-reporting or through limited PCR testing at Student Health. You can access this data here.
The CDC’s website contains useful information and guidance about COVID-19 symptoms, testing and treatment.
A review of campus policies and protocols around vaccination can be found here, and we will continue to update the campus about any significant developments.
Thank you for continuing to prioritize the health and welfare of our campus community.
If you have any questions about this or other COVID-19 matters, please email our COVID-19 Response Team at ucsb-covid19@ucsb.edu.
Sincerely,
Stuart Feinstein, Ph.D. COVID-19 Response Team Coordinator and Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Vejas Skripkus, M.D. Executive Director of Student Health and Campus Physician
