COVID-19 Resource Center
Information, updates and support for the USC community
To notify the university of a case, please complete the “Contact Tracing Form” in MySHR.
[Located in MySHR > Messages > New Message]
Spirit of a Trojan
“This is a defining moment for all of us and for the entire Trojan community. We are looking to the future; it is ours to build and to shape. I cannot wait to see you all in person.”
— President Carol L. Folt
Latest Updates
- 8/2 COVID-19 Safety & Other Key RemindersWe are looking forward to a vibrant fall semester, and the arrival of our students for the beginning of the academic year. As we prepare to greet one another in person once again, we want to share important reminders with the community to continue to take precautions regarding COVID-19 in our campus communities. Currently, Los Angeles County is experiencing a slight decline from a high level of community transmission (7,009 new cases reported as of the week ending 7/28) that has trended throughout the summer months, driven by the BA.5 subvariant of Omicron. Some of the cases include reinfection in individuals who previously had COVID-19. We strongly recommend wearing medical-grade masks or respirator masks (including surgical, N95, KN95, KF94) when indoors around others to reduce transmission and risk of infection. Masking is most effective when there is both a good fit (no gaps, covering the nose, mouth, chin) and good filtration. Testing before arrival (1-2 days) to campus and testing upon arrival (3-5 days after) will help keep our campuses safer from transmission.
- 7/13 Health AdvisoryWe strongly recommend wearing medical-grade masks or respirator masks (including surgical, N95, KN95, KF94) when indoors around others to reduce transmission and risk of infection. Masking is most effective when there is both a good fit (no gaps, covering the nose, mouth, chin) and good filtration. If and when the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issues changes to the Public Health Officer order regarding indoor masking protocols, the university will align with required measures.
- Update on COVID-19 Procedures
In keeping with the state and county’s revised definition of “close contact” (someone sharing the same indoor space for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) the university is revising its COVID-19 notification practices. This change is needed to ensure compliance with the new definition.
Beginning on Wednesday, May 4, all currently enrolled students and all university employees will receive a daily email message with an update on reported cases. A sample message is attached. The message contains a link to the daily report of cases, and instructions for individuals who believe that they have been in close contact with a positive individual.
USC Heroes
Read how the Trojan family is going above and beyond to help each other and the community.
Staying Safe and Supporting Your Well-being
We encourage USC students, faculty and staff to stay safe when coming to campus and interacting with each other. Limit gatherings (especially involving food and drinks) and avoid travel, maintain a physical distance from others when possible (6 ft. or more). Learn about additional guidance that can keep you safe in your daily activities. Test if you may have had an exposure, and test after attending a gathering or returning from travel (days 3-5 after returning are recommended.) Wear a face covering to keep yourself and others safe from transmission. Vaccines are available at no cost, and are the best tools for protecting yourself and others from severe illness and hospitalization.
Stay connected with people in your support network, take a break by engaging in a mindfulness activity, exercise, or just a simple walk outside. Know that resources supporting the mental health of students are available through Student Health’s Counseling and Mental Health Services unit (part of the Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences in the Keck School of Medicine of USC). Additional campus offices offer assistance for USC students. Mental health programs for faculty and staff are available through the Center for Work and Family Life, and the Care for the Caregiver program is available to the health care workforce of Keck Medicine of USC.
3 Tips to Stay Healthy
Use healthy
hygiene practices
If you feel sick, stay home. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Maintain a 6-foot/2-meter distance from others, and wear a face covering when encountering other people.
Monitor
your health
Monitor your health. If you feel sick, stay home and apart from others in your household. Contact your medical provider. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) description of symptoms and the self-checker tool. If you are/have been on campus and test positive, notify the university at 213-740-6291.
Stay
informed
There is a lot of inaccurate information about COVID-19. Check with official sources for up-to-date information, including www.cdc.gov and publichealth.lacounty.gov. If you are in Los Angeles, you can sign up for city-wide emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org.
LEARN MORE
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
The L.A. County Department of Public Health is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to COVID-19.
LEARN MORE
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) provides updated information about COVID-19 as it becomes available.
LEARN MORE
U.S. State Department
The U.S. State Department issued travel advisories related to COVID-19 for select countries.
Visit the U.S. State Department website
COVID-19 in the Community
USC has taken several significant actions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, similar to steps the city of Los Angeles and other local municipalities have announced.
We are continuing to monitor the rapidly evolving situation in light of information from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health about the community spread of the virus in the county.
The university’s leadership will continue to monitor the situation closely and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
View the Daily Digest of COVID-19 Notifications.
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