February 25, 2022
TO: USC Students, Faculty and University Staff
FR:
Sarah Van Orman, MD, MMM, FACHA, Chief Health Officer, USC Student Health, Division Chief for College Health, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Deona Willes, MPH, CLS, Executive Director, Environmental Health and Safety
RE: COVID-19 Masking Update for Campuses
As COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant surge are declining on our campuses, in Los Angeles County and nationally, recommendations on indoor masking from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are being revised.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has recently eased indoor masking restrictions for business and establishments for fully vaccinated individuals where specific steps have been taken to verify full vaccination or recent testing status. Earlier today, the CDC released updated guidelines based on low- medium-and high-level community transmission for masking.
The university is reviewing the guidance and monitoring data in our region and for our campuses. Although our masking policies have not changed yet, we will provide more information next week after consultation with our public health experts and local authorities. Even as masking requirements are relaxed, members of our community are encouraged to continue wearing face coverings as an additional layer of personal safety.
At this time, we anticipate additional easing of restrictions in Los Angeles County that will enable us to lift our indoor masking requirements by the time students return from Spring Recess.
Thank you for your continued participation in protecting our campus communities. We have come this far because of the cooperation and care you have shown to our community.