See the quicksheet reference for new guidance.
Category: COVID-19
Category used to notify the community of COVID-19 infections within the USC Community.
1-4-2024 We have seen an expected increase in influenza and COVID-19 cases at the LA County level, as people have returned from seasonal travel and gatherings. This follows a similar trend as in previous years when returns from travel and the increase in contact between people can lead to an uptick in cases. Campus COVID-19 protocols remain consistent…
Please discard or discontinue use of the following the following lot number of Flowflex COVID-19 antigen kits: COV2030023. Users have reported difficulty interpreting clear results from this lot number of tests.
We have seen a slight expected increase in COVID-19 cases recently, both at the LA County and campus levels, as people have returned from summer schedules into the patterns of fall activities. This follows a similar trend as in previous years when returns from travel and the increase in contact between people can lead to an uptick in cases. Campus COVID-19 protocols remain consistent with the systems in place from the previous academic year. The reminders in this message can serve to help reduce illness and help us navigate this fall’s respiratory illness season.
If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, take an antigen test. If it is positive, follow these instructions, including completing a contract tracing form in MySHR. Isolation accommodations are available to students in USC Housing, and you will see a link for requesting isolation in the contact tracing form. If you are positive and your symptoms require…
COVID-19 testing at both HSC and UPC will move from saliva testing at the tents to pick up of antigen kits, as the testing tents will be permanently closed down. Antigen kits will continue to be available to students and employees at no cost.
• Testing sites at Jefferson Lot and Pappas Quad will no longer be in service. Employees and students may pick up antigen test kits (at no charge) from the USC bookstores, Engemann and Eric Cohen student health centers, and from the CSC desks in USC Housing.
Ongoing surveillance for COVID-19 (and norovirus) will continue through wastewater testing in USC Housing properties. Residents will receive notifications to test when thresholds for concern of transmission are detected
For next year’s incoming class, for students in non-health degree programs, the COVID-19 vaccination (primary series and booster when eligible) is moving to the category of “strongly recommended” instead of required. This change in policy also applies to most campus-based employees (faculty and staff). for students in the health professions degree programs — your requirements will be communicated by your academic programs.This change will take effect on May 19, after the end of the Spring 2023 semester. Also on this date, COVID-19 testing at both HSC and UPC will move from saliva testing at the tents to pick up of antigen kits, as the testing tents will be permanently closed down. Antigen kits will continue to be available to students and employees at no cost.
If you have returned from travel over spring break, it is recommended to test for COVID-19 between days 3-5, Pop Testing is available to you by scheduling in MySHR, or you can use antigen test kits (serial testing with two consecutive tests, 24-48 hours apart, is recommended.) In addition, campus has started testing wastewater samples norovirus. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea.) Know what to do to prevent exposure and if you have symptom.
With the approach of Spring Break, USC Student Health advises students, faculty, and staff to remember best practices for reducing risk of potential COVID-19 transmission through travel-related exposure. PRE-TRAVEL: Do no travel if you have symptoms, or have been exposed to COVID-19, within the past 10 days. PRE-TRAVEL: Testing* before travel is recommended, the best…
1/19/23—The LA County Dept. of Public Health has released updated information about treatments for COVID-19. Treatments can help you from getting very sick, and may also help you feel better sooner. In addition, early evidence suggests that treatments may make people test negative sooner and lower the risk of developing long COVID. People with symptoms…