April 22, 2021 - Spring COVID-19 Do's and Don'ts

This message was sent to all students on 04/22/21.

 

Dear undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students -

First, we want to thank you again for all that you have done over the past year to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the UC Berkeley campus. It’s encouraging to see the progress that comes with Alameda County’s recent move into the Orange Tier and more of our loved ones getting vaccinated every day.

However, the large gatherings we saw this past Tuesday were not approved and have put our community at risk. Any students or student organization who were present and not exercising required safety measures, such as wearing face coverings, or those found to have organized these gatherings may be subject to student conduct processes. While on campus property, you must adhere to all COVID-19 related rules and instructions.

With the weather warming up and the temptation to gather with family and friends very real, we are asking today that you please continue working with us on best practices to mitigate COVID-19 so that we don’t move all of our progress backward. Below are some Dos and Don’ts to follow this spring -- some of which you are familiar with and others that are new due to the county’s increasing vaccinations rates and Orange Tier status:

Do

  • If you are fully vaccinated, please take a moment to review University Health Services’ guidance on what has changed and what hasn’t now that you are fully vaccinated. (In summary: it doesn’t yet mean a return to pre-pandemic ways.)
  • If you are fully vaccinated, upload your vaccine records in eTang.
  • If you need a vaccine, check the UHS vaccine webpage for the latest on vaccine appointment availability. 
  • Register on the California Department of Public Health My Turn website to find an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination in your area. The City of Berkeley’s mass vaccination site also has a vaccine notification list. Everyone 16 years and older is eligible to receive a vaccination, so the time is now to get in line. 
  • Submit a pre-approval request if you would like to host a campus event. Limited participatory activities are being allowed now in specific spaces for campus departments and/or Registered Student Organizations. For the latest information on this process, please consult the campus coronavirus website.
  • Make a reservation if you want to visit the RSF, which is open for limited in-person operations. Learn about how to make reservations and the rules/regulations here. 
  • Stay in compliance with campus requirements, including the daily symptom screener and free surveillance testing through the Campus Access Badge using the UC Berkeley Mobile App. The app is available for download on IOS (Apple Store) and Android (Google Play Store). 
  • Wear a facial covering, practice physical distancing, socialize with your household members, and regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, even if you are fully vaccinated.
  • Remember, even if you don't get seriously ill from COVID-19, there can be lingering long-term health effects that can impact the rest of your life. There is still much about this disease we are learning, which is why you must protect yourself and others now.
  • Get some exercise outdoors where you can distance. Avoid areas that are crowded, like beaches and picnic areas.
  • Be mindful of your mental health. Be attentive to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and consider reaching out for help if needed. Read more from fellow students as they share their pandemic stories, 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.
  • For students in the residential halls: the No Guest Policy remains in effect and is part of the Residential Code of Conduct.
  • Physically isolate yourself from others if you are feeling ill. 
     

Don’t

  • Don’t let your guard down, even if you feel that you or your friends are low-risk. The incubation period of the virus is long, and it can take time for symptoms to present. Even if you have recently tested negative, you can still contract the virus after testing and pass it on unknowingly. It remains unclear if those vaccinated can transmit the disease to those who are not vaccinated.
  • Don’t throw or attend a party (even if you are outside and wearing face coverings). Unless you receive approval (submit a pre-approval request), gatherings remain prohibited. Even when on private property, student organizations who violate the campus temporary provision can be unrecognized and lose their privileges.
  • If you have symptoms (even if you think it’s just allergies) or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, don’t go out. Stay home.

We realize that pandemic fatigue has set in, and you are seeking to connect more with others as the situation steadily improves. But please remember that your health -- and that of those around you -- is far too important. We all see the light at the end of the tunnel, with more and more people getting vaccinated every day, we just need to hold out a little longer. In the meantime, we appreciate all that you are doing to protect yourself, your fellow students, and the campus community.

Sincerely,  
Stephen C. Sutton, Ed.D.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs