Dear USF Community,
Thank you for all you did to ensure that USF was able to have a successful in-person spring semester. It was wonderful to be able to gather as a community these last few weeks to celebrate all of our students’ accomplishments. This would not have been possible without the diligence and care you have all shown. Thank you!
We know it is difficult to keep up with local and national changes to COVID-19 expectations, recommendations, and requirements. As we have since March 2020, we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our USF community in our response to the pandemic. During this time, we all need to make sure we are taking steps to be “COVID Ready.” As the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has shared, being “COVID Ready” is like being ready for changes in the weather or for bigger events like an earthquake or storm. As we continue to live with COVID, we want to ensure we are ready by having an action plan and the right supplies on hand when we need them.
What You Can Continue to Do
The SFDPH urges people to be ready for COVID by taking the following steps:
- Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations, including the primary series and the boosters when eligible. This continues to be our first defense against the virus and prevents severe illness and hospitalization.
- Keep a supply of rapid COVID-19 over-the-counter antigen test kits on hand. You can get free test kits from the federal government, health systems, and community organizations. You may also purchase them and be reimbursed by your health insurance. Keep well-fitted N95 or KN95 masks handy. You are also well-protected by wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask.
- Plan ahead for a possible infection. You may need an isolation plan, a child-care plan, or a work plan.
- Know how to reach a doctor. Ask your provider now about antiviral treatment, especially if you are at high risk for severe illness.
- Stay informed with trusted sources of information, such as SF.gov/covid.
USF COVID Protocol Updates
Face Coverings
USF continues to require masks indoors in campus buildings, with the exception of the Koret Health and Recreation Center (where masks are highly encouraged). Student Life is providing N95 masks to high-risk individuals such as unvaccinated faculty, students, and staff, and KN95 and surgical masks continue to be provided to the schools and college as supplies allow. N95s for unvaccinated individuals, KN95s, and surgical masks are still available at Public Safety kiosks.
Symptom Monitoring
Each member of our community should self-monitor for symptoms and not come to campus if they are symptomatic, even if they have a negative test. You no longer need to complete the daily online Dons Health Check. Although completion of the health check is no longer required or tied to your One Card, you should still monitor your symptoms and report positive COVID test results through the positive intake reporting form. You may also contact covidtracing@usfca.edu and let them know you tested positive.
Contact Tracing
An abridged version of USF’s contact tracing procedures is available on the testing and tracing page of USF Together.
We know that at times a member of our community may be made aware of a positive case prior to covidtracing@usfca.edu being notified. If a member of the community discloses to you that they have tested positive for COVID and they did not test at one of USF’s on-campus testing clinics, please refer them to covidtracing@usfca.edu so we can work through our protocols and send the proper notifications. When a student tests positive and confirms which classes they have attended during their 48-hour infectious period, faculty members and fellow classmates will receive communication from a member of the COVID tracing team. Communication may be delayed depending on when the team receives the information about the positive result or if someone had symptoms before testing positive. We can all do our part by not coming to campus if we are not feeling well.
Close Contacts and Positive Tests
In the event that you are informed that you are a close contact of a COVID-positive individual — whether or not that individual is a member of the USF community — please take the following steps:
- If you are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster if you are eligible, and are asymptomatic, you are not required to quarantine and may fully participate in campus activities.
- It is recommended that you test on or after the fifth day following exposure, unless symptoms present earlier.
- If you are not up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, you should quarantine and limit contact with others until you can be tested on or after the fifth day following exposure, unless symptoms present earlier.
- In both scenarios, wear a well-fitted mask and contact covidtracing@usfca.edu with any questions.
In the event that you test positive, please follow these steps:
- Complete the positive intake reporting form or contact covidtracing@usfca.edu and let them know you tested positive.
- Isolate away from others who are not COVID positive. Upon receiving your positive result, the COVID tracing team will do an intake to determine your length of isolation. They will provide guidance on isolation procedures and when you are eligible to test out of isolation. The isolation period is currently 10 days with the ability to be released on or after your fifth day of isolation if you receive a negative test or if you are completely asymptomatic. Those who are asymptomatic must not be controlling a fever with medication and if released must continue to wear a face covering in all areas until they test negative or until their originally assigned isolation release date. You will also be provided information on your infectious window and how to notify those you have had close contact with.
- If you are a residential student, the housing office will be in touch with you to coordinate your isolation location and resources.
Summer Testing Schedule
Rapid antigen testing is provided on campus for USF students, faculty, and staff who are symptomatic, are a close contact, or have an approved vaccine exemption and will be on campus. These services are also provided for USF guests registered with Student Housing as approved occupants in summer guest housing.
Testing is drop in only and provided Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in UC 501.
Testing clinics are not open on weekends or observed campus holidays (Juneteenth, Monday, June 20; Independence Day, Monday, July 4). Should you need symptom-based, or close-contact testing when testing clinics are closed, you are encouraged to secure your own testing. Rapid testing kits are available at all local drug stores and can be booked through health providers. Please report your findings from your at-home test to covidtracing@usfca.edu.
Vaccines and Boosters
Students should submit their COVID-19 vaccine and/or booster records through Med+Proctor. Faculty and staff should update this information in Workday by following the upload instructions. Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster clinic near you.
Please continue to wear a mask indoors, self-monitor for symptoms, do not come to USF if you are not feeling well, and report any positive test results at covidtracing@usfca.edu.
Stay up-to-date on COVID guidance by visiting USF Together and by downloading the new USF mobile app.
Thank you,
COVID Management Team