Cases Rising, Face Masks Encouraged but Optional on Campus
COVID-19 cases are rising on campus and in the community. In the last week, 39 students and 20 employees have tested positive.
In order to remain safe and preserve continuity of instruction for the rest of the semester, the University encourages the campus community to continue wearing face masks. N95 masks are recommended and effective for reducing the risk of transmission for the wearer.
The CDC still lists Humboldt County COVID-19 Community Level as low, and Humboldt County Public Health has not implemented new mitigating measures. In line with this, Cal Poly Humboldt will continue with its current COVID-19 protocols.
Faculty, staff, students, and guests who are accessing campus facilities at any University location must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot if eligible. Any unvaccinated student, staff, or faculty member with an approved exemption must be tested weekly for COVID-19. Campus guests 12 years old and over who are not a student or employee of the University are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result from a test taken within the last 72 hours. The campus guest policy can be viewed here.
Campus departments and others organizing larger indoor events are encouraged to have a supply of N95 and surgical masks available for attendees. In addition, masks are available for instructors and others who would like to keep them on hand to offer to students and visitors. Please submit a work order with Facilities Management for larger quantities of masks.
N95 and surgical masks are available for free to the campus community at the following distribution sites: College Creek Mailroom, Jolly Giant Commons mailroom, University Police Department, Admissions Welcome Center, Library, and the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center.
As a reminder, wearing masks is still required in the following spaces and times:
While occupying any state-provided transportation with more than one person, including buses and work vehicles
All medical and clinical spaces, including the Student Health & Counseling building and Behavioral & Social Sciences 208
The athletics training room, and any time student-athletes are receiving athletic training services
Free COVID-19 testing is available to Humboldt staff, faculty, and students at the Banquet Room of the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center (first floor).
Students and employees may walk in for testing during open hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesdays, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Fridays, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wear a mask at all times (except when advised by the test collector to remove your mask) and try to stay 6 feet apart from others while waiting for your test.
Anyone who tests positive should inform the University immediately. Students should notify Student Health & Wellbeing Services (email health@humboldt.edu or call 707.826.3146) and employees should notify their supervisor AND Human Resources (hr-covid-coordinator@humboldt.edu).
Falling out of compliance with these protocols may be in violation of campus and county policies and could lead to possible disciplinary action.
Anyone who is deemed a direct contact to a positive case should seek the guidance of a physician or public health to determine quarantine requirements.
If an individual has tested positive in the last 90 days (which would exempt the individual from vaccination and testing during that 90 day period) they would need to provide verification of the positive test date.
Once the 90 days have passed the individual would be expected to either show proof of vaccination or submit for weekly testing. During the initial 90 days the individual will be required to be masked at all times.
Students would submit this information to Student Health & Wellbeing Services at health@humboldt.edu or call 707.826.3146.
Employees would submit this information to Human Resources at hr-covid-coordinator@humboldt.edu.
The University will continue to evaluate and adjust guidelines in response to emerging data if needed.
Please respect your peers who choose to wear or not wear a mask. Nobody without a mask is to be excluded from a space or activity.
Learn more about testing positive, wellness self-checks, and more at the Campus Ready website.