Latest Updates
We understand that guidelines are changing quickly in response to shifting pandemic conditions. Thank you for your patience as we communicate updates as soon as possible. We’ve collected all of the key information that students and campus employees need to know before returning to in-person learning, teaching and working. Please refer to this page often for the latest information.
On-Campus Checklist
COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Students and Campus Employees
Routine asymptomatic testing is no longer required for University campus community members regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status.
Please note: The following testing requirements do not apply to you if you have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
Required Return to Campus COVID-19 PCR testing:
- If you are a new or returning UC San Diego student or scholar traveling by air from mainland China (including Hong Kong and Macau) to arrive on campus, you must provide a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) within two days prior to departure or documentation of recovery from COVID.
- If you are a new or returning student resident (undergraduate or graduate) moving into campus-operated housing for a new quarter, you must complete a rapid antigen test 24-48 hours before arriving on campus, then conduct a PCR test on Day 1 (move-in) and Day 3. Learn more on the student housing page.
Also test if:
- You believe you have been exposed.
- You develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
- You have used the restroom facilities in a facility with a positive wastewater signal, regardless of vaccination status.
Learn more on the Student Screening and Testing page and on the Employee Screening and Testing page.
Vaccination Requirements for Students and Campus Employees
COVID-19
Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, or have an approved exception, per UC policy. This includes completing initial vaccination doses as well as receiving a booster within 30 days of becoming eligible. Learn about eligibility and make an appointment.
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- If you are eligible for a booster but recently were positive for COVID-19, you will have up to 90 days after being infected to receive your booster. Your date for boosting has been extended by up to 90 days to remain compliant with the UC mandate.
- Currently approved religious and permanent medical exemptions extend to boosters. There is no need to submit an additional exemption request.
Learn more about exceptions and deferrals.
Influenza
Must submit attestation or declination of the flu vaccine. Learn about the flu vaccine mandate.
Symptom and Exposure Screening Requirement for Students and Campus Employees
All students and campus employees living, working, or coming on campus must conduct a daily symptom and exposure screening, regardless of vaccination status.
See more on the Student Symptom and Exposure Screener and Employee Symptom and Exposure Screener.
Masking Guidelines for Students and Campus Employees
N-95 and KN-95 masks recommended
Masking is currently required in all clinical areas and within residential areas until Phase II is announced. Those who are isolating or quarantining after a positive test or exposure are also required to mask indoors and outdoors.
Masking is currently optional in all indoor classrooms, laboratories and on University transportation. Masking is also optional outdoors, though recommended in crowded outdoor spaces.
Learn more about masking requirements and exceptions.
Positive COVID-19 Test Results: Students
As soon as you receive a positive COVID-19 test result, isolate yourself in a separate bedroom if you can or mask and distance yourself from others as best you can. You may only leave the isolation space for medical care, personal hygiene needs or to pick-up food. Mask whenever you leave the isolation space. If you receive a positive result either a COVID rapid antigen test or a PCR test done outside of UC San Diego, please report it to the UC San Diego Public Health Team at ucsdcovidadmin@health.ucsd.edu, and include "Secure: COVID-19 test" in the email subject line. Alternatively, you can call (619) 543-5722. Include your name, your phone number, and student ID in your message.
Learn more about what to do after receiving a positive result.
Positive COVID-19 Test Results: Campus Employees
If you test positive for COVID-19 from a campus vending machine rapid antigen test OR from a non-UC San Diego Health location OR from an at-home rapid antigen test, you must upload a photo of your test results directly to your MyUCSDChart. You should also report your positive test on your symptom screener and follow the guidance provided. Per mandate of the County of San Diego, all positive test results are reported to the County of San Diego Public Health Department. Upon receiving a diagnosis/positive test for COVID-19, you must isolate.
Learn more about what to do after receiving a positive result.
Confirmed Exposures
UC San Diego is no longer conducting universal contact tracing. Individuals who have tested positive are encouraged to reach out to their close contacts with quarantine information.
Learn more about exposure and isolation.
Students and Campus Employees: If you have been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you should mask around others for 10 days and test on notification and day 5 after exposure or whenever symptoms develop.
Campus Employee Return to Work Guidelines
- Campus employees should complete COVID-19 prevention training. For those who completed the 2020 course, an updated 10-minute supplement is required.
- Update your information in the Work Location Status tool to demonstrate your new work arrangement and provide your onsite location.
- If you recently tested positive for COVID-19, ensure you have been provided a Cleared for Work note by the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine before returning to work.
Learn more on the Returning to On-Site Work webpage.
Have questions?
Resources specific to campus faculty and staff: Human Resources
Resources specific to students: Student Affairs
Resources specific to faculty: Academic Affairs
Resources specific to researchers: Research Ramp Up Guidance
Information about parking options: Commuting to Campus page
Information about current safety guidelines: Campus Safety
Information about event planning: Event Planning and Attendance
Need a mental health break? Get ideas on our Wellness page
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