The University’s response to the declaration of the end of the public health emergency for COVID-19 is driven by guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. As the guidance changes, you may be asked to follow processes and procedures not specified in this policy. New or amended COVID-19 policies are shared via the CDU Broadcast and on the CDU COVID SAFETY webpage.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
The University requires proof of COVID-19 vaccine for students, faculty, and staff as a condition of employment or enrollment unless the individual has received an approved exemption from CDU. As of September 14, 2023, the FDA approved an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine at least two months after getting the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
As such, the University is issuing a strong recommendation that all students, faculty, and staff get an updated vaccination to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID this fall and winter. In addition to seeking the updated vaccine from your medical provider, you may click here to find a location near you.
Exceptions to getting the updated COVID vaccine include those who:
- Recently had COVID and wishes to delay vaccination by 3 months.
- Recently had a COVID-19 vaccine and must wait the required 2 months before getting the updated vaccine.
- Have an approved CDU exemption from getting the COVID-19 vaccine or other qualifying conditions.
- Keep in mind that clinical sites may have additional vaccine requirements.
The following policies and protocols are currently in effect:
- Screen yourself daily for symptoms before entering classes and other campus activities.
- Stay home if you are sick or have any new respiratory symptoms, and inform your supervisor or manager.
- If you test positive, you should remain isolated from others for a period of 5-10 days, depending on follow-up testing and resolution of symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider about treatment and send an email to nurseofficer@cdrewu.edu for campus-related guidance.
Return to Campus Guidance after Testing Positive:
- If you test negative after day 5 AND have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicines) AND have mild or improving symptoms, you may return to work/school but must continue to wear a well-fitted mask around others from Day 6 through Day 10.
- NOTE: If you have two negative COVID-19 tests in a row taken at least a day apart, you do not need to wear a mask when returning to campus. See isolation instructions at ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation.
- Asymptomatic individuals who are in close contact to someone with COVID-19 should:
- Wear a well-fitting mask while indoors for 10 days after last contact with a person infected with COVID-19.
- Test 3-5 days after the last exposure. If the test is positive, they must isolate.
- Monitor health for 10 days. If symptoms start, stay home and get tested.
Additional Public Health Measures
- Practice hand and cough hygiene by covering your cough and washing your hands frequently.
- Wipe frequently used surfaces between uses.
- Test Kits and Masks are available for those who need one and may be picked up at Campus Safety/information booth in the Cobb building lobby.
- NOTE: Most at-home tests can be safely used past the date on the box. Check the FDA’s Authorized At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests and Expiration Dates at diagnostic tests and expiration dates.
- The University supports those who wish to continue to mask, including those who are immunocompromised or otherwise concerned.
Flu Vaccination: CDU strongly recommends the current season flu vaccine to protect against influenza illness. For exemption to the flu vaccine, please reach out to your program staff or faculty.
For more information, please refer to CDC Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines. To report a case or exposure to Monkeypox or other emerging infectious diseases such as West Nile virus, please email us at nurseofficer@cdrwu.edu.
Call 1-833-540-0473 7 days a week, 8:00 am – 8:30 pm if you have questions or need help with resources or access to COVID-19 treatment.
Sincerely,
Delia Santana, PhD, RN, CNS, MSN/MPH
Chief Nursing Officer nurseofficer@cdrewu.edu
