Campus COVID-19 Protocols Fall 2022

 

Aug. 12, 2022

 

Dear Campus Community,

As we approach the start of the fall semester, I wanted to share some updates to our COVID-19 protocols for the fall 2022 semester. Throughout the pandemic, we have strived to provide timely information and resources to keep our campus community safe. As we move from a pandemic to an endemic, we recognize that these ongoing variants will continue to have an effect on all of us. We have and will continue to adjust our protocols, guidelines and resources as needed to ensure the safety of our campus community. 

Vaccinations

The California State University system’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement remains unchanged and is in effect for fall 2022. All students, faculty and staff are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination and booster when eligible on file in order to access campus facilities and programs, and participate in any campus-sponsored in-person activities on or off-campus. As previously announced, the CSU's COVID-19 vaccination policy allows students and employees to seek exemptions on medical and religious grounds. As a reminder, you are eligible for a booster five (5) months after receiving a final dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine; or two (2) months after receiving a Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Please remember to update your vaccination/booster documentation on your Self-Certification form located in the My Fresno State portal.

Face Coverings

Based on updated guidance from public health experts, Fresno State highly recommends that all students, faculty and staff, regardless of vaccination status, wear a surgical grade or KN95 mask indoors. Free surgical grade masks are available at the Student Health and Counseling Center, Atrium, University Warehouse, Student Recreation Center, Library and the University Student Union (USU). Faculty will continue to have the discretion to require face coverings for their in-person classes as they evaluate the health and safety needs of their individual classroom environments.

Note: In accordance with CDPH requirements, individuals working and/or receiving services inside any campus medical facility and/or clinic (e.g. Student Health and Counseling Center; Gait, Balance and Mobility Clinic; Speech and Hearing Clinic) are required to continue following the clinic’s face-covering requirements.

Testing

Our COVID-19 Testing Center will continue to be open and available this fall at no cost for our entire campus community. Effective August 22, the Testing Center will be located on the main level of the USU. The Testing Center will have saliva PCR tests available to retrieve from a vending machine, and staff will monitor Rapid Antigen (nasal) tests Monday - Friday during the hours of 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Both tests are available for all students and employees, including for those who are required to test weekly.

As a reminder, in accordance with the CSU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, all employees and students who have attested to a medical or religious exemption (including those who are booster eligible, but not yet boosted) are required to test weekly at the COVID-19 Testing Center.

Remember that we have Rapid Antigen test kits available for pickup from the Student Health and Counseling Center, Library, and USU at no cost.

If you are symptomatic, please stay home, test using an at-home Rapid Antigen test, and submit a COVID-19 reporting form. You will receive next step guidance via email after the report is submitted. 

In addition, community clinics are available for free at a number of locations. A list of local resources is available at curative.com.

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 for students and employees with additional Cal-OSHA requirements that apply to employees.

Once your report form is submitted, you will receive an email with next step guidance. Questions or concerns can also be directed to the campus COVID Call Center at 559.278.0001.

COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines

Our COVID website continues to be a valuable resource for the most recent guidelines for when you need to isolate or quarantine. Please take the time to review this information. The campus will continue to follow these guidelines until further notice even though there may be updates from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or Cal-OSHA. 

Ongoing Preventive Efforts

• Our Facilities Management team will continue their cleaning protocols throughout campus. A wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispenser is installed and disinfectant kits are provided in every classroom and lab, and our custodians will refill them as needed. Hand sanitizer dispensers have also been installed at building entries, stairwells, elevators and athletic facilities.
• Daily Health Screening tool prior to leaving home. If you receive a RED X, stay home and submit a COVID-19 report.

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 also want to take this opportunity to thank our COVID-19 task force, which includes representation from our leadership, staff, students, and faculty. Your tireless efforts, guidance and feedback have kept our campus healthy and safe during a challenging time. Thank you!

I look forward to seeing you back on campus later this month. Here’s looking towards a bright, successful, and productive fall semester.

 

Sincerely,

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D.
President