November 29, 2021

Post-Travel testing and pandemic update

We hope you were able to celebrate and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones over the long weekend.  As we look forward to the final few weeks of the term, your health and safety remain our number one priority.  We are taking this opportunity to remind our community members of post-travel testing requirements and other matters to support your on-campus experience.

Post-Travel testing
If you traveled outside of the greater Los Angeles area, which consists of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties you are to submit a clinically processed COVID-19 test as follows:

  1. Take a clinical (PCR) test at days three and five upon returning from travel.
  2. Submit proof of test results using this form.

Pandemic Update
Over the past week, notice of a new variant of concern was announced by several public health organizations around the globe.  The new Omicron variant has been identified in several countries. United States public health officials are anticipating the identification of the variant in the U.S. within the next few weeks.

Vaccines, boosters, masking, distancing and hand hygiene remain the strongest methods of protection against COVID-19 for everyone.

Boosters
While currently not mandated, we strongly encourage booster doses, which are now authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Pfizer and Moderna boosters are available to individuals six months after the date of their second dose. Johnson & Johnson is available to individuals two months after the date of their single dose.

To view a list of locations offering vaccinations and boosters in the Los Angeles area and to schedule an appointment, visit VaccinateLACounty.com or MyTurn.ca.gov.  Health and Human Services testing site link for nationwide locations:  hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html.

Campus COVID-19 Protocols
As a reminder, strict indoor masking protocols are to be followed except when actively eating, wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds and practice distancing when feasible.

If you have any questions, please contact ehs@artcenter.edu.