Mask Update and Booster Reminder

January 11, 2022

Dear Campus Community,

As we approach the start of the spring semester, I would like to remind everyone about the CSU requirement to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine as soon as possible, but by no later than Feb. 28 (for eligible students and non-represented employees).

Our campus continues to offer a number of no-cost resources that will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. All students, faculty and staff can get their vaccine or booster on campus at one of the upcoming vaccine/booster clinics held in North Gym 118. As a reminder, you are eligible for a booster six months after receiving a final dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine; or two months after receiving a Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Students

Compliance with the vaccination policy is a condition of being physically on campus and non-compliance can result in disciplinary action for those who have not attested to a medical or religious exemption.

Please update your vaccination documentation with your booster information on your Self-Certification form located in the My Fresno State student portal.

Face Coverings

Based on updated guidance from public health experts about the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, Fresno State will require that all students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, wear a surgical grade or KN95 mask. This new requirement will be effective Jan. 18. Free surgical grade masks are available at the SHCC, Atrium, University Warehouse, Student Recreation Center, Library and USU.

Testing

PCR testing is free to the Fresno State community!

We are strongly encouraging everyone to get tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus on Jan. 31. I’m glad that last week nearly 900 tests were administered at our COVID-19 Testing Center, located at the Student Recreation Center. Test results may be available within 24 to 48 hours, but please plan ahead.

As a reminder, all students and employees who have attested to a medical or religious exemption are required to test weekly upon return to campus. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in disciplinary action.

Later this month, we also plan to begin distribution of home test kits at no cost to students, faculty and staff as another step for early detection of the virus. Stay tuned for more details once available.

COVID-19 Reporting

Please submit the COVID-19 reporting form for any of these instances:

• You have had a close contact exposure (in personal life or at work);
• You are symptomatic;
• You have tested positive for COVID-19.

The CSU will be following the updated California Department of Public Health guidance for isolation/quarantine (see Tables 1, 2, and 3) for students and employees with additional Cal-OSHA requirements that apply to employees.

Case investigators from the University’s Environmental Health and Safety will provide additional guidance as required after receiving the reporting form. Questions or concerns can also be directed to the campus COVID-19 Call Center at 559.278.0001.

Together, with these important resources, we will continue to protect the health and well-being of not only ourselves, but our family and friends. I look forward to seeing you back on campus later this month. Wishing you a successful and productive spring semester.

Go, ’Dogs!

 

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President