COVID-19 Information for Residents
Last Updated: August 24, 2021
Vaccine & Re-Entry Testing Requirement
As announced on July 27, all fall 2021 on-campus residents (including those who are vaccinated) must have a negative COVID-19 test administered within seven days prior to moving into campus housing. You can quickly and easily upload your test results to the university’s HealtheConnect portal, the university’s secure online health platform at least 48 hours before move-in.
Any residential student who receives a positive COVID-19 test or fails to upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test, will not be permitted to move into on-campus housing during their assigned move-in period. To be clear: In order to check-in on your assigned move-in day, all residential students must comply with both the vaccination and re-entry testing requirements.
Next Steps: Uploading to HealtheConnect
HealtheConnect, the university’s secure online health portal, will be your tool to upload both your completed COVID-19 vaccine record and the negative COVID-19 test result.
Remember the following steps:
- The COVID-19 vaccine record, which shows proof of a completed vaccine series, must be uploaded 48 hours before your move-in date or August 16, whichever comes first, to be compliant with the SDSU vaccination requirement.
- The negative COVID-19 test result must be administered during the seven-day period prior to move-in and uploaded at least 48 hours before your assigned move-in date. The COVID-19 test can be either self-administered or administered by a health professional. However, the test must be a molecular (PCR, RT-PCR,TMA, LAMP or NAAT) test; antigen and antibody testing will not be accepted. Please reference the testing deadline schedule below based on move-in date.
Additional Rapid Test Upon Arrival
In addition to the COVID-19 test results that you have uploaded prior to move-in, residents will be required to take a COVID-19 rapid test. After check-in, parking and unloading at your building, you will be asked to self-administer a COVID-19 rapid test that will be provided at your community front desk. You will be given instructions on how to self-administer the rapid test, which must be completed upon arriving at your building. Students who test positive through the on-site rapid testing will be provided with instructions on isolation as per the Office of Housing Administration COVID-19 protocol.
FAQ
On July 27, the California State University (CSU) system announced that the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for students, faculty, and staff, including auxiliary employees in order to access campus this fall.
Members of the SDSU community with an approved medical or religious exemption on file with the university will be required to complete regular COVID-19 testing.
For more information, visit http://sdsu.edu/covid19.
Yes, all students, including those who are vaccinated, must comply with both the vaccination and re-entry testing requirements.
The COVID-19 test can be either self-administered or administered by a health professional. However, the test must be a molecular (PCR, RT-PCR,TMA, LAMP or NAAT) test; antigen and antibody testing will not be accepted.
As SDSU is following California State University system policy regarding vaccination and testing protocols, exemptions for COVID-19 testing will not be offered. This fall, students who do not have COVID-19 vaccine records on file but have an approved medical or religious exemption with the university will receive weekly reminders about ways to get tested.
If a student receives a positive COVID-19 test or fails to upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test that was administered during the seven-day window, they will not be permitted to move into on-campus housing during their assigned move-in period. Students must complete their isolation period prior to move-in.
Yes. Each student may be accompanied by up to two family members or guests during move-in.
During the week of August 2, you will receive an email with specific instructions for arrival, check-in and unloading instructions on your assigned move-in day. In order to check-in on your assigned move-in day, all residential students must comply with both the vaccination and re-entry testing requirements.
Housing Modifications
Our university just recently announced plans for in-person instruction and activities this fall, and will begin to return faculty and staff to campus to support our students in person. We are very excited about this new development and look forward to seeing you in person.
Following the most up to date CDC, state and county guidelines, Housing plans to continue the implementation of COVID-19 modifications to our residential communities during the 2021-22 academic year. These modifications include but are not limited to:
- Enhanced cleaning for health in all of our community areas
- Sanitation dispensers in building entrances and exits
- Signage throughout each residential community with reminders and instructions on healthy practices, self-checks and public health guidance
- Facial covering policy (see below)
Our university will continue to be attentive to guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state of California, and San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency to continue quickly responding to pandemic conditions and changes.
For additional information regarding COVID-19 and the university’s ongoing efforts in support of individual well-being and public health, visit the public-facing COVID-19 site.
Cleaning
- Housing Facilities Services (HFS) clean the residential communities each day using EPA-registered disinfectants.
- High touch areas such as doors, furniture and handrails are cleaned twice daily.
- Residents are responsible for cleaning their own room or suite. While residents are encouraged to bring their own cleaning supplies, additional supplies (disinfectant, general purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, sanitizing wipes, etc.) are available at each community front desk.
- Appropriate cleaning protocols are in place to respond to a positive COVID-19 case.
Housing Policies
Facial Coverings
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If vaccinated: Facial coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth while in all indoor settings, including residence hall common areas, in dining facilities except when activity eating or drinking, and in assigned living spaces when others are present.
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If not vaccinated: Facial coverings must be worn at all times while indoors. Unvaccinated individuals must wear facial coverings outdoors when unable to maintain six feet of distance from others.
The full Facial Covering Policy is available online.
Guests
Guest policies are subject to change at any time to conform to public health and university guidelines. The following policy will be in effect upon move-in and will stay in effect unless and until modified by the university.
Residents living on campus may only have guests in their residential spaces (including personal space and community spaces such as lounges, study rooms and outdoor recreation areas) who live in on-campus residential communities. This includes the following communities: Tenochca Hall, Zura Hall, Maya Hall, Olmeca Hall, Tacuba Hall, Tepeyac Hall, South Campus Plaza North, South Campus Plaza South, Huāxyacac Hall, Chapultepec Hall, University Towers, [email protected] Apartments, Aztec Corner Apartments, Granada Apartments, Piedra del Sol Apartments, Villa Alvarado Apartments and Zapotec Apartments.
The only exception to this is those providing assistance to move the resident into and out of the residential space. Such assistance must comply with all current public health guidelines (including physical distancing and the use of personal protective equipment) and must be limited to the actual time required for move-in or move-out.
For more information regarding guest policies, please refer to pg. 24-25 of the Guide to Community Living.
Isolation & Quarantine
When the University becomes aware of a student with COVID-like symptoms or a positive COVID-19 case, an assessment and response team is activated to ensure the sick student is isolated and, as appropriate, close contacts are quarantined. Students have the option of isolating at home or moving to designated isolation housing.
- There is designated isolation housing for confirmed cases. Isolation housing may have up to 2 students per room depending on space availability.
- A food-delivery program is in place for isolated students.
- All members of the community will be asked to follow isolation and quarantine guidelines defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Isolation & Quarantine Process
- Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
- Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
Here’s what to expect when a student tests positive for COVID-19 while living in on-campus housing*.
*On-campus housing includes students with a housing license agreement through SDSU. It does not include students in SDSU-affiliated housing.
Step 1: The student is tested for COVID-19. If tested at SDSU, the results are typically ready within 1-2 days.
Step 2: The student is notified of their positive COVID-19 test by SDSU or by their off-campus medical provider. If not tested at SDSU, the student should report their positive test within 2 hours to the university by completing the COVID-19 Reporting Form.
Step 3: The student is contacted by an assessment and response team member to help understand onset of symptoms, assist with notification of close contacts as needed and to advise on the length of isolation.
Step 4: Housing provides instructions to the student for transfer to isolation housing. The student is asked to pack essential items including:
- Prescription medication (if applicable)
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Body wash
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Feminine hygiene products
- Laptop
- Cell phone
- Chargers
- Thermometer
Step 5: The student moves to isolation housing.
Step 6: The student is assigned an SDSU Housing staff member who will serve as a case manager for the duration of the student’s time in isolation. The case manager checks in with the student daily to ensure support, provide assistance with any supplies or needs and to connect the student to resources. Case managers will begin reaching out to students the morning after they have moved into their isolation location.
Step 7: The student is expected to stay in isolation housing and avoid physical contact with others (excluding roommates that are in the same isolation unit) until the determined isolation period is complete (up to 10 days). This duration will be determined by symptom onset date or test date, consistent with CDC guidance.
Step 8: A food delivery program provides lunch, dinner and breakfast (for next day) around noon Monday through Friday for each day in isolation. Meals and snacks for the weekend are included on Friday’s delivery.
Students may order additional food, groceries or other items using delivery app services such as Doordash, Grubhub and Amazonfresh.
Laundry pick up and delivery services are provided. The student can connect with their case manager for laundry needs.
Any mail or packages may be retrieved after the isolation period is complete.
Step 9: The student completes the isolation period.
Step 10: The student receives an email the day before their isolation end date with details on how to check out and return to their on-campus residence. The student should plan to leave by 12 p.m. on their release date. If the student has a conflict and needs to leave later in the day, they should let a housing representative know. Per CDC guidelines, students should not get re-tested for COVID-19 until 90 days after onset of symptoms. Students who have tested positive can be around others after:
- 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
- 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*
*Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.
Contacts:
- Student Health Services (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.): 619-594-4325
- Nurse Advice Hotline (evenings & weekends): 858-255-3105
- Medical Emergency: 911
Here’s what to expect when a student is exposed to COVID-19 while living on-campus.
Step 1: The student consults with Student Health Services. The student is advised to quarantine in their on-campus room unless otherwise recommended by Student Health Services.
Step 2: Housing provides quarantine instructions. The student is expected to follow these instructions until the quarantine period is complete (up to 14 days).
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also, watch for signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Use the temperature log to monitor your temperature.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others to ensure your health and well-being and the wellness of others. Do not go to work or school. Do not take public transportation, taxis or ride-shares. You may leave your room for essential needs such as groceries, medicine/prescriptions, laundry, mail or for medical appointments.
- Practice physical distancing from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
Step 3: The student is able to leave their room to conduct essential business including grocery store and dining pick up, laundry and mail.
Students may use the laundry facilities at their assigned residence and retrieve mail from the mailbox. If a package arrives, the front desk will contact the student to pick up the package at a designated time.
Step 4: SDSU Housing staff members, serving as case managers, will contact quarantined students daily to ensure support, provide assistance with any supplies or needs, and to connect the student to resources. Failure to respond to the case manager will result in an in-person check.
Step 5: The student completes the quarantine period.
Contacts:
- Student Health Services (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.): 619-594-4325
- Nurse Advice Hotline (evenings & weekends): 858-255-3105
- Medical Emergency: 911
