Campus Community —
As we enter the winter break, I want to assure each of you that the university’s COVID-19 Task Force continues to monitor the changes in the number of influenza cases, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the surge in COVID-19 cases locally and in the surrounding counties, nationally and internationally. While Orange County currently remains at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) medium COVID-19 community level, experts are anticipating an increase to high in the very near future.
There is a strong likelihood that Orange County will be at the high community level upon our return from the winter break. Therefore, the task force has been working to align campus protocols with the latest state, local and CDC guidance. Our healthcare agencies continue to emphasize the individual’s role in reducing the spread of viruses within our own communities, as opposed to focusing on mandatory protocols for institutions and businesses. At this time, we are asking members of the Chapman community to be diligent in adhering to our recommended campus protocols as we work together to keep our community healthy.
Within the medium and high community level, the protocols are as follows:
- Masks: Face coverings are highly recommended on campus and on shuttles if you have symptoms, test positive or are exposed to someone with COVID-19. Individuals, including faculty members while teaching in the classroom, may request others to wear face coverings while in close proximity but may not require it.
- Vaccination: The university strongly recommends all Chapman community members stay current with CDC outlined vaccinations, as well as flu shots. The Student Health staff is working to schedule a COVID-19 booster and flu shot clinic after the winter break. More information will be shared soon.
- Testing: In the past, when Orange County was designated in the high level of community transmission, we would require everyone to test prior to returning to campus. Under the current agency requirements, we will not require testing this January. However, the university continues to provide on-campus testing at no cost to Chapman community members at the COVID-19 Testing Center. At-home test kits will also be made available in the residence halls. We encourage everyone to test if exposed or feeling symptoms.
- Daily Health Screen: Faculty, staff and students who are on campus are required to complete the health screening daily. As always, please stay home if you are sick. Visitors must complete the Visitor Health Survey when accessing campus buildings or attending events.
Additionally, for those traveling for the break or studying abroad, we ask you to stay informed of CDC guidance regarding travel. If returning to campus after travel, we encourage you to test for COVID-19 and follow the protocols to reduce the spread if you were at risk of exposure. If studying abroad and you are concerned with the risk, please work with the Center for Global Education on your options.
Finally, the California reporting requirements for exposure have shifted and campus exposure will be reported on the COVID-19 Dashboard, as it always has. However, individual notices will no longer be provided beginning January 1, 2023.
We will continue to keep the Chapman community informed over the winter break so you know what to expect when returning to campus. For more information, please visit the university’s CU Staying Healthy site and the COVID-19 Dashboard.
