Update: COVID-19 Omicron Variant

Dear students,

You most likely have heard the news of the emerging COVID-19 Omicron variant. Our campus is closely monitoring the situation in partnership with our local public health officials.  While we are still learning much about Omicron, we know enough about COVID-19 to take steps now that can reduce transmission for this and other emerging variants of concern.

• The most important strategy is ensuring everyone gets fully vaccinated or receives their booster dose as quickly as possible. While we are fortunate that over 97% of students attending in-person classes this semester are fully vaccinated, it is absolutely critical we sustain this vaccination rate to continue working towards further repopulation in the spring. We are constantly monitoring the ever-changing nature of the pandemic with the health of our community as our first priority.
• Testing is crucial in the early detection of infection and to reduce spreading the virus. We strongly encourage testing for those who have traveled for the holidays or participated in gatherings and events with large numbers of people, some of which may be unvaccinated. On our campus, weekly testing remains a continued requirement for all unvaccinated students due to an exemption.
• As a reminder, you are legally required to isolate if you have a positive COVID-19 test result. Vaccinated close contacts with symptoms and unvaccinated close contacts with symptoms also need to quarantine.  
• If you plan to travel over winter break, please note that travel guidelines are quickly evolving with some travel restrictions already in place. Please refer to the CDC’s website for the most current information as we approach winter break.

Thank you for your support as we work together to keep our campus safe and healthy.

Mask up and Go Beach!