Dear Santa Clara University Community, 

Welcome to the second spring edition of the Prepared SCU Weekly Roundup. In this week’s digest, we share key information related to SCU’s response to COVID-19.

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Cases on Campus

Positive test results (including Color tests, rapid antigen tests, and external tests) at SCU are shown below. The total campus population at SCU is approximately 10,000 people.

April 11 - April 13	16 positive cases
April 4 - April 10	49 positive cases
March 28 - April 3	40 positive cases

Last week, some colleges reinstated mask requirements and surveillance testing, especially on the East Coast where cases are rising. We are reviewing public health guidance and monitoring data both on campus and in Santa Clara County to make decisions about reinstating protective measures at SCU (e.g., required indoor masking). The case counts at SCU and in the county, combined with the high booster rates on campus, supports the COVID Ops team recommendation to continue with our current policies and guidelines at this time. 

Spring Quarter COVID-19 Testing

When to test:

• You are experiencing symptoms
• You are concerned about or notified of possible exposure
• After travel
• Before visiting with people who are at increased risk

What to do if you test positive:

• Complete the COVID test result survey IMMEDIATELY 
• Follow guidance from the COVID Ops team when we reach out via email or phone in response to your survey submission
• Tell your friends and close contacts to get tested (SCU Testing Protocols)

Color tests are available in residence halls, Benson Memorial Center, or the lobbies of the following buildings: St. Joseph’s, Dowd, Vari, Lucas, SCDI, and Guadalupe. Color tests will not be picked up on Good Friday (4/15). The normal schedule will resume Saturday.

For rapid antigen tests, come by the Health Ambassadors’ table outside the Learning Commons, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Students, faculty, and staff with approved COVID-19 exemptions or extensions: Weekly testing continues to be required for students, faculty, and staff with approved COVID-19 vaccine exemptions or extensions. 

New hires with vaccination or booster in progress: Mandatory weekly testing via Color will be required for newly hired faculty and staff whose vaccinations or boosters are in progress. 

Mask Requirements

Masks remain a simple and effective measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks are strongly recommended but not required in most indoor settings. KN95 masks are available at several locations across campus.

Students and faculty are required to wear a mask in the classroom at all times unless a pedagogical exception has been granted. Please remember that eating and drinking are not allowed in classrooms.

Students, faculty and staff who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations (those with exemptions or extensions) are required to wear masks in all indoor settings. 

Stay safe and well,
SCU COVID-19 Operations Team