Dear Santa Clara University Community, 

Welcome to the Week 2 edition of the Prepared SCU Weekly Roundup. In this Friday digest, we share key information related to SCU’s response to COVID-19.

---

COVID-19 Dashboard Update

This past week, the University 7-day test positivity rate increased to 8.5%, compared with the 16.3 % positivity rate in Santa Clara County and 23% in California. Track our progress on our COVID-19 Dashboard.

Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccination Booster Clinics for SCU Students, Faculty, and Staff

SCU will host two booster shot clinics on January 21 and January 28, from 9 am - 5:30 pm at Locatelli Center. The clinics will be for SCU staff, faculty and students only. The booster is appropriate for everyone who is at least 5 months past their previous Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations, or 2 months after a Johnson & Johnson vaccination.  All SCU community members who received any other WHO-approved vaccine are also eligible to receive a Pfizer booster if it has been more than five months since they completed the original series. Please register for a booster appointment directly with our partner, Carbon Health, who will be running the clinic for the University. There is no cost, and no insurance is needed. You must bring your SCU ID, state issued ID and your vaccination card to the clinic. If you have problems registering, contact scu-support@carbonhealth.com for help.

Covid-19 Testing

Thank you to everyone who completed entry testing upon returning to campus. Resident students are required to get tested each week. If you have not yet returned to campus, please remember to get tested twice during the first week of your arrival. Students who live off-campus should continue to test with COLOR PCR tests once a week. Find additional information about entry testing on our COVID-19 testing protocol page.

Rapid Antigen Tests Availability

Students who suspect that they have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or who have COVID-like symptoms may now use a rapid antigen test to get faster results. Students can get rapid antigen tests and KN-95 masks at residence hall service desks or the Health Ambassador table outside of the Learning Commons Mon- Fri between 11a.m. - 3 p.m.  If you test positive, report the positive immediately to this tracking and tracing survey.  Learn how to properly self-administer a Rapid Antigen Test.

Isolation and Quarantine Capacity

Due to the surge in positive COVID-19 test results, the university will prioritize COVID-positive resident students who have approved vaccine exemptions and those with underlying health conditions for placement in available isolation housing. Until further notice, most resident students who test positive will need to isolate in place in their residence hall.

Masks

Masks continue to be required indoors. N95, KN95 or KF94 masks have been identified as offering the best protection against the omicron variant. The University has distributed almost 10,000 N95 and KN95 masks throughout the campus since Jan 3.    

Additional Resources

Please view the latest video message from Dr. Kat Saxton for more information on how to stay safe while the omicron variant is surging. Find answers to your questions on our COVID-19 FAQ pages. For COVID-related questions or concerns email us at covid19@scu.edu or call 408-551-1000.

 

Stay safe and well,

SCU COVID-19 Operations Team