Safety reminders for the holidays
Office of the Administrative Vice Chancellor
Dear Bruin Community:
As we head into the holiday season — beginning with Thanksgiving next week — it is important to remember that although most of us will be taking breaks from work and school, the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic has not abated. With the rise in infections and hospitalizations in Los Angeles, across the state and throughout the country, we must remain vigilant in following public health guidelines and do our part to slow the spread of the virus.
As you plan for the holidays, remember that the decisions you make can have a substantial impact on the health and safety of your friends, family, neighbors and the UCLA community. Please consider the following guidance:
- While we all wish to see our loved ones, public health officials currently discourage travel due to the risk of contracting or transmitting the virus during or after transit. The state of California has issued a travel advisory for all non-essential travel and recommended a 14-day quarantine period for all individuals returning from non-essential travel out of the state. UCLA students in on-campus housing have the option to remain in their assigned rooms during the Thanksgiving break, and UCLA Dining Services is offering a supplemental meal plan including a Thanksgiving dinner.
- If you decide to gather with others in person, make safety a priority. You may find the recommendations for holiday activities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be helpful.
- Remember the basics: Wear a facial covering over your mouth and nose, maintain a minimum of 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, and wash your hands frequently.
- Add the new CA COVID Notify app to your smartphone to learn about possible exposure to the virus.
- If you feel ill or exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19, isolate yourself and avoid socializing.
Since the university is unable to monitor Thanksgiving break travel activity, all undergraduate student residents — both on campus and in university-owned apartments, and regardless of whether or not they have traveled — will be required to take COVID-19 tests and to sequester themselves during the week of Monday, November 30. Additionally, students returning from out of state will be expected to quarantine for 14 days. More information about these expanded testing protocols is available on the UCLA Housing website.
For other updates, guidance and information about the efforts UCLA is taking to mitigate the spread of the virus, please visit the UCLA COVID-19 resources site.
We appreciate your cooperation with UCLA’s COVID-19 protocols and all you are doing for the health and well-being of the broader community. Compassion and consideration for those around us is essential as we look to limit the spread of the virus here in Los Angeles and elsewhere. I wish you all a safe Thanksgiving break and a cheerful start to the holiday season.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Beck
Administrative Vice Chancellor
