February 15, 2021 - UPDATE Self-sequester lifted; quarantine/isolation students still under UHS direction

Sent to all students living in the residence halls on 02/15/21:

Dear residential hall student,

We are writing today to share some good news: the number of COVID-19 cases within campus residents have continued their downward trend, which means that we can lift the general self-sequester for residential hall students by 11:59pm tonight (i.e, tomorrow, Tuesday 02/16 the self-sequester will be lifted). 

Please note that this message DOES NOT APPLY to residents who have been asked to officially quarantine or isolate (those with orange or red badges). Those residents must complete their quarantine/isolation period and follow UHS and Residential Hall staff directives before they can be released from quarantine/isolation.

If you are not in quarantine or isolation you may, tomorrow, leave your rooms and floors as long as you continue to use face coverings and physical distance. You may also visit Cal Dining halls. 

Now that the self-sequester is being lifted, we wish to remind everyone that it’s still critical to limit in-person interaction to your household grouping, practice physical distancing, wash hands frequently, and wear face coverings. COVID-19 is still widespread in our community, including in some off-campus student populations, and it could easily be reintroduced into the dorms. Our hope is that if all residents continue to practice these important measures, we won’t have to revisit self-sequestration in the future. 

Here are more important reminders:

• Do not attend any gatherings or events OTHER than with your household grouping/”bubble”. We cannot stress this enough — right now, you should avoid indoor and outdoor gatherings — large or small — other than those you live with. 
• You can exercise / go outside, but please do so at a physical distance. Also be aware that Recreational Sports has virtual activities students can participate in throughout the semester, even during self-sequesters or quarantines. 
• Participate in mandatory regular, free surveillance testing: All residents in our residential halls, apartments, and suites are required to test twice per week.  Schedule your test. 
• Any student experiencing symptoms or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 (or any students with concerns), please stay in your room and follow the instructions outlined on the University Health Services page.
• Keep following best practices and protocols: Bears Protect Bears! 

 We realize that the last two weeks have been a challenging time for everyone involved, and we truly appreciate you doing your part to mitigate the surge of infections. Your sacrifices have made a huge difference: contact tracing shows that there have been almost no cases of new spread between students affected by sequestration, a remarkable achievement within a congregate setting. Read more from fellow students about finding your balance, and visit the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) website to learn even more about resources available to you. You can call CAPS at (510) 642-9494, or call the after hours counseling line (855) 817-5667. Counselors are available for virtual counseling appointments by phone or video.  If you have questions about accessing available resources, even remotely or in places outside of California, UHS staff can assist you.

Thank you again for taking care of yourself and your fellow Bears. As always, reach out to your hall staff with any questions. 

Sincerely,

Anna Harte, MD
Medical Director
University Health Services

Guy Nicolette, MD, CAQSM
Assistant Vice Chancellor

Glenn DeGuzman, Ed.D. 
Director, Residential Life
Associate  Dean of Students
Office of the Dean of Students