As we prepare to meet in classes, residence halls, practices, and social get togethers, please be reminded of these hygiene measures that can keep our campuses safer from illness, as our region experiences a summer surge of COVID-19.
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Latest Updates and University Messages
As of May 11, 2024, the university is concluding isolation accommodations for students who test positive for COVID-19. If you test positive and are symptom-free, you do not have an isolation requirement but should continue to mask around others for 10 days; continue to monitor for symptoms. If you test positive and have symptoms, follow…
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…
Trojan Check, the online symptom tool developed by the University of Southern California for use during the COVID-19 pandemic, is no longer in service. As the rescissions of the Health Officer Order (beginning March 10, 2023) have removed formal symptom screening as a condition of entering university premises, this tool has been archived and is…
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…
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.
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…